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i am professor michael (e) kidwell
email me at mkidwell@ku.edu
ph/txt me at 913 645 8944
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This course develops advanced skills in typography and communication design. Students learn to conceptualize and visualize more complex bodies of information for a variety of communicative purposes. Projects encourage students to develop a deeper understanding of the expressive potential of type and image and to develop critical and creative thinking skills with which to assess the effectiveness of their own work and that of their peers. The class continues to explore the discipline, function and tradition of typography as it relates to visual and verbal communication.
objectives
as a result of this course, students will…— provide an overview of the expressive and aesthetic dimensions of typography
— develop a critical perspective on the technological and aesthetic qualities of typography
— explore the use of typography
— solve design problems while working within specific limitations
— demonstrate independent problem solving
— enhance technical proficiency
text reference
Students are encouraged to reference the texts that are the basis for many of the concepts, principles and practices discussed in this course.
_ Thinking with Type—Lupton
_ Elements of Typographic Style—Bringhurst
_ Type, Image, Message—Skolos & Wedell
_ Design Elements—Samara
_ Typographic Design: Form & Communication—Carter, Day & Meggs
_ note taking materials (analogue)
_ sketching materials (again—analogue)
_ appropriate-sized steel rulers for cutting
_ x-acto knife with #11 blades
_ transparent tape (andrea says no glue sticks!)
_ white paper tape or masking tape
_ studio tac or 3M product in a roll
_ foam core, bristol board and card stock
_ access to an architect's scale
_ access to a digital camera with an adjustable/focusable lens
Additionally, a post documenting the student’s completed project is required on the course blog prior to the final reveal/critique and is indicated on the course schedule. The blog post should include 4–6 portfolio-quality (sized 800 × 600 pixels) images and a brief statement that lucidly summarize the work rather than documenting the design process. This post is required to follow a specific format, naming/labeling convention and is evaluated as one of the deliverables for projects.
supplies
Students will be expected to present their work in a professional manner. Quality tools and materials are necessary for quality project outcomes._ note taking materials (analogue)
_ sketching materials (again—analogue)
_ earphones/earbuds to protect your neighbors
_ access to an appropriate-sized cutting mat_ appropriate-sized steel rulers for cutting
_ x-acto knife with #11 blades
_ push pins (always bring to class)
_ media/storage device: flash key, hard-drive, ipod..._ transparent tape (andrea says no glue sticks!)
_ white paper tape or masking tape
_ studio tac or 3M product in a roll
_ foam core, bristol board and card stock
_ access to an architect's scale
_ access to a digital camera with an adjustable/focusable lens
process and project documentation
A process blog (blogger on goggle) is required for this course and should provide evidence of conceptual and formal evolution. Weekly posts are required the process blog throughout the semester. Each post is required on the date indicated on the course project schedule and is assessed considering quality and completeness of the content. At a minimum, each blog post should include quality (sized 800 × 600 pixels) images and a brief statement that summarizes the student’s design process. Students are required to annotate (label/tag) their blog posts with t2 and title the post as type2: 1—x, as indicated on the course schedule.Additionally, a post documenting the student’s completed project is required on the course blog prior to the final reveal/critique and is indicated on the course schedule. The blog post should include 4–6 portfolio-quality (sized 800 × 600 pixels) images and a brief statement that lucidly summarize the work rather than documenting the design process. This post is required to follow a specific format, naming/labeling convention and is evaluated as one of the deliverables for projects.
attendance
In the event of any absence, students are still responsible for obtaining all information and materials from the class period and completing all assignments on time. It is your sole responsibility to find out about any new work assigned during your absence.
religious holidays
If any scheduled course meeting conflicts with mandated religious observance, the student must notify the instructor prior the day of the observance that the student will be absent.*workload
Throughout the semester you are required to work a minimum of 3 hours of homework per 1 credit hour. A 3 credit hour studio will have a minimum of 9 hours of homework per week.Many will find the need to spend even more time per week. Studio course projects require a great deal of time in order to develop and complete. Please be aware that not all project work can be done at home or at your convenience. If you are expecting to work a full-time or near full-time job (over 20 hrs. per week) it will most likely have a negative impact on your performance and grade. It is very difficult to try and balance both a full-time job and a full load of studio classes.
use of studio time—work days
Professionalism and responsibility will continue to be emphasized. Students are expected to manage their time properly and are required to be actively working on this class during studio time. Students should use studio time to get detailed feedback of work-in-process rather than expecting or relying on e-mail/blog critiques. Sleeping, excessive off-topic discussions or working on other classes will result in an absence being recorded for the day. Leaving to get supplies, food, research or other is acceptable only after discussing with the instructor.professionalism and participation
Clear verbal skills are all important in communicating your ideas to clients and design team members. For all critiques, students are expected to come prepared to present their concepts, discuss how the form of their design supports their concept, and describe how they arrived at their ideas. Providing comment to your peers is a privilege. You will benefit from both giving and receiving feedback—you do not have to “like” another’s work, but you must provide insightful commentary in a courteous and productive manner. Students are required to turn their mobile phones to silent and refrain from surfing the web, updating your facebook page (or any social media), checking email, text messaging, etc. during class, lectures, and demos. You may use theses devices only during designated break times. Lack of professionalism can effect—lower—your grade by one full letter grade. Students should..._ attend class on time and stay throughout the whole class period
_ prepared for every class
_ participate in classroom discussions/critiques
_ maintain a positive and open-minded attitude
_ demonstrate deliberate self-disciplined and timely work habits
_ progressively strive for and achieve the highest standards of quality
critiques
Since a significant portion of development is tied to critiques, instructor feedback should remain a student’s a priority throughout the course. It may be impossible, due to class size or other circumstance, for a student to have their work critiqued during a scheduled class. In these situations, students are expected to meet with the instructor and will receive scheduling preference.grading
Students receive a course grade for typographic systems (type2) determined by the sum of their 4 projects..._ 25% project 1 [P1]: "in the box"
_ 25% project 2 [P2]: "sound in space/tbd"
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_ 25% project 3
_ 25% project 4
PROJECT EVALUATION PROCEDURE
If a student’s work stands out as highly effective, innovative, and memorable in how it satisfies all grading criteria, they will earn an above average to superior course grade. If work satisfies the grading criteria in a very basic way but is not memorable or does not demonstrate significant learning, they will earn a grade of average or below.Each design project has specific objectives and/or requirements that will be provided at the time of its assignment. Generally, students’ work will be assessed considering these criteria:
_ ability to clearly meet the stated project objectives
_ level of quality/finish achieved in the final design
_ ability to articulate thoughts/motives—both written and oral
_ effort from concept exploration through refinement
specific areas of emphasis include project-related process, product and craftsmanship...Process includes comprehension of design problem; demonstrated process of idea development; research, exploration, concept development; quantity and quality of proposals—multiple ideas explored. Product (aka: the result or outcome) includes the appropriateness of the solution; originality of solution; typographic and visual form; application of learning objective; completeness of specifications; embracing process critique. Craftsmanship (aka: professionalism) includes presentation of final; neatness, precision, technical proficiency; material appropriateness; preparation for class; critique participation—poor professionalism will reduce a project by one full grade.
the levels of performance
a superior—excellent, exceeds expectations
a-
b+
b above average—very good
b-
c+ average—satisfactory, meets expectations
c
c- below average
d unsatisfactory—did not meet expectations
d-
f+ failure—unacceptable
^ Completing the minimum requirements outlined on an assignment sheet qualifies as "c" level (or average) work. Work that exceeds minimum expectations will earn higher points in the "b" range, work that is exceptional earns an "a." Conversely, work that does not meet the requirements for the project will earn a lower grade than "c." The degree and quality of effort with which a student engages in the different criteria (above or below the minimum requirements) for each assignment determines how well they do.
