Credit Points: 30
Study Time: 300 Hours

One function of Graphic Design is to synchronise and co-ordinate different kinds of material and content in order to communicate a coherent and comprehensible flow of information. 

This unit explores ways of constructing systems of rules, scripts, specifications and templates to constrain and focus graphic expression. Such visual systems can range from typographic grids, which can be designed in such a way as to permit a designer to produce a wide variety of layouts, to a tightly defined system of rules that generates graphic outcomes independent of any further engagement by a designer.

As part of your exploration of visual systems you should consider the role of hierarchy in structuring information by categorising, sequencing, and prioritising content. Also the way in which systems unify content across a range of different media and sites of display.

As well as designing your own visual system/s, you should also consider the systems with which designers must interact: colour systems (Pantone, RGB, CMYK, Web-Safe), software systems, typographical specification, print specification, html, etc.

Visual systems often correspond to, and represent, other systems that are seen to exist in organisations or texts; therefore this unit will also explore ways in which graphic systems map to other kinds of systems.

Outline Syllabus
An indicative guide to the content covered by this unit.

• Typographic families
• Grid systems
• Corporate identity systems
• Typologies
• Open and closed systems
• Soft systems and hard systems
• Colour systems
• Web sites/networks
• The book as system
• Informational systems in the environment
• Way finding systems
• Language systems
• Generative systems

Method of Delivery
Studio-based studies supported by study notes, critiques, lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials and demonstrations.

Aims

A1 To develop knowledge and understanding in relation to the use of systems within Graphic Design.
A2 To strengthen intellectual skills with regard to the analysis, co-ordination and synthesis of visual material.
A3 To provide the practical skills necessary to label, structure and integrate information.
A4 To provide an appreciation of the operation of systems in broader social, cultural and environmental contexts.

Learning Outcomes
On completion of this unit you will be able to: 

LO1 Discuss subject knowledge by describing, using and specifying visual systems.
LO2 Develop intellectual skill by categorising, structuring and relating visual information in systematic ways across different media and environments.
LO3 Demonstrate practical skill through the synchronised definition, use and development of: graphic templates, grids, and typographic styles; the networking of web pages, and the specification of colour and materials.
LO4 Relate graphic systems to other information or organisational structures existing in broader contexts.

Reference Material

Key
Kusters, C., and King, E. (2001). Restart: New Systems in Graphic Design. London: Thames and Hudson.
Muller-Brockmann, J. (1996). Grid Systems in Graphic Design: A Handbook for Graphic Artists, Typographers, and Three Dimensional Designers. Stuttgart: Verlag Gerd Hatje.

Electronic Key Texts
Electronic Key Texts, which are prefixed with a #-symbol are important extracts from books or journal articles that may be accessed from any desktop or laptop computer on or off-site, viewed by multiple users simultaneously and are available from the University College's Blackboard webpage.

# Baines, P. and Dixon, C. (2008). Signs: Lettering in the Environment. London: Laurence King. pp 6-93.
# Samara, T. (2005). Making and Breaking the Grid: A Layout Design Workshop. Rockport Publishers Inc. pp. 14-21
# Calori, C. (2007). Signage and Wayfinding Design: A Complete Guide to Creating Environmental Graphic Design Systems. Hoboken, N.J.: Wiley.
pp. 2-13.

Recommended
Bierut, M., Drenttel, W. and Heller, S. (eds). (2007). Looking Closer: Bk 5: Critcal Writing on Graphic Design. New York: Allworth Press.
Bourquin, N., Klanten, R. and Mareis, C. (2006). Altitude: Contemporary Swiss Graphic Design Die Gestalten Verlag; Pmplt Mul
Crow, D (2003). Visible Signs: An introduction to semiotics. Ava Publishing.
Felton, P. (2006). The Ten Commandments of Typography: Breaking the Ten Commandments of Typography; Type heresy. London: Merrell.
Haslam, A. (2006). Book Design. London: Laurence King Publishing.
Ind, N. (1990). The Corporate Image. London: Kogan Page.
Kelly, C. (ed.) (2004). IDN Special 03: Examining the Visual Culture of Corporate Identity. Wanchai, Hong Kong: Systems design.
Klein, N. (2000). No Logo. London: Flamingo
Lichtenstein, C. (2006). Playfully Rigid: Swiss Architecture, Graphic Design, Product Design 1950- 2006. Switzerland: Lars Muller Publishers
Lupton, E (2002). Skin: Surface, Substance and Design. London: Laurence King
Mitchell. M. and Wightman, S. (2005). Book Typography: A Designer's Manual.
Marlborough: Libanus.
Mono (2005). Branding: From brief to finished solution. Mies: RotoVision.
Mollerup, P. (2005) Wayshowing: A Guide to Environmental Signage Principles and Practices. Switzerland: Lars Müller Publishers
Neumeier, M. (2005). The Brand Gap: How to Bridge the Distance Between Business Strategy and Design: a Whiteboard Overview. Rev. ed. Berkeley: New Riders.
Mau, B. (2005). Massive Change: The Future of Global Design. London: Phaidon
Maeda, J. (2000). Maeda@Media. London: Thames and Hudson
Noble, I., and Bestley, R. (2005). Visual Research; An Introduction to Research Methodologies in Graphic Design. P.174-183. Lausanne: AVA
Roberts, L and Thrift, J. (2005). The Designer and the Grid. SA: RotoVision
Triggs, T. (2003). The Typographic Experiment: Radical innovation in contemporary type design. London: Thames and Hudson.
Wheeler, A. (2003). Designing Brand Identity: A Complete Guide to Creating, Building and Maintaining Strong Brands. London: John Wiley & Sons

Magazines and Journals
Baseline // Communication Arts // Design Week // Eye Magazine // Graphik // Visible Language

Websites
Emigre