Carnegie Mellon University
School of Design • Fall 2024
T/R from 10:30–12:20 in MM213
Prototyping Lab 1:
Communications
Communications
Kelsey Elder • Office: MM204a
kelseye@andrew.cmu.edu
Hours: T/R 1–2:30 & email request
TA’s: Isis Berymon & Amber Li
kelseye@andrew.cmu.edu
Hours: T/R 1–2:30 & email request
TA’s: Isis Berymon & Amber Li
Syllabus
“[graphic] design moves from product to process, or from object to tool–an instrument for making many things.” - Andrew Blauvelt
Course OBJECTIVESThis is a software lab to accompany and support Communication Studio. In it, students will learn the basics of industry-standard tools like Adobe CC (including InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and After Effects) and be exposed to different ways of making. Technical skill building in this Lab will be synchronized, when possible, with Studio projects. This is a requirement for Design sophomores studying Communications.
COURSE OUTCOMES
Developed basic communication design skills, including working with grids, working with type and hierarchy, working with color, communicating complex information, communicating through narrative, working from concept to finished output, working from convention to invention, giving and taking critique, and collaborating with others.
TOOLS and software
+ Mouse (recommended, I have a Logitech MX)
+ External Hard Drive (recommended, I have a Lacie)
+ Cloud Storage (recommended, I use Dropbox)
Course Requirements and Expectations
Please review the rest of the SOD Syllabus Supplement for details regarding course requirements, attendance, expectations, inclusion and accessibility, and other important School policies.
Communication
This course will not use Canvas. Instead, we will use this website, Google Drive, and email. This website will be used for most of everything. Bookmark it! The Calendar found here shares a broad overview. It will be updated before every class as needed. The Google Drive folder contains demo materials, video recordings, and other supportive materials.
Our TA’s are here to support your success and look forward to helping you troubleshoot. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions during in-class demos, make use of their ‘Open Time,’ or reach out to them.
OFFICE HOURS
I care about your well-being and am committed to supporting your growth. Please reach out to me if you have any concerns, questions, or problems related to class. I offer office hours for troubleshooting/feedback/etc... both in-person and via Zoom. My office hours are T/R from 1-3pm in MM204a (or B9). To schedule a time (or to request an alternate time) please send me an email. In your message, please offer a few times, a desired location, and a short note about what we are meeting about. Please do not request a meeting during ‘family hours’, like evenings and weekends. If we are meeting to troubleshoot a technical issue please send me the appropriate information and/or files as soon as possible so I have time to familiarize myself and better help during our conversation. In general, all emails and messages should be responded to within 48-hours.
attendance, requirements, expectations
This class follows SoD’s attendance policy; five minutes will be considered late, and if you are over 30 minutes late you will be considered absent. Two absences may cause your final grade to drop a letter, as will missing final reviews. Three absences may earn you a failing grade for the course. It is your responsibility to be on time and prepared. Activities and reviews happen as scheduled. If you don’t show up or are unprepared, they can’t and won’t be rescheduled. Always attend, with or without work. If you stay away, I can’t help. Obligations outside of the studio (like doctor’s appointments, interviews, other school commitments, etc.…) are not an excuse. A schedule overview is provided to help you plan things accordingly. If you do not intend to attend a class, or if you are running late, please let me know. Not doing so is unprofessional and can be very disruptive. When unexpected situations arise which may impact this studio, always reach out to me and your advisor (Jamie) so we can discuss ways to mediate SoD’s attendance policy as well as projects. Life can be messy! Communication is key!
evaluation and grading
Your performance will be assessed based on the stated objectives for in-class work and assignments in addition to the general criteria listed below. If at any point you’d like feedback on your performance just ask.
- Design Process: breadth and depth of idea generation and exploration, evaluation of ideas, and development and refinement of ideas
- Your Work: quality, relevance, and ideas of your final pieces, clarity of documentation as appropriate, technical craftsmanship employed, verbal presentation of your work, and evidence of understanding of the key concepts in the project
- Your Participation and Attitude: articulation of ideas, contribution of constructive criticism, value/frequency of comments given, ability to work effectively with teammates, attention to class activities, attendance, meeting of deadlines, demeanor, and commitment to this class and your work. In particular, because this is a lab course, it is critical that you are attentive and focused at all times. If you find that you are ahead of others when it comes to mastering tools and skills, offer help to your classmates.
Please note: outside of participation, your grade in this lab course will be largely based on your performance in Studio. Professor Crowley and I will be working together closely this semester; as such, the work we do in lab supports the work you do in studio. In that respect, if your grade declines in Studio it may also decline accordingly in Lab.