Visual communication: design studio education through working the process

Abstract

Visual communication designers must possess the intellectual tools to perform creatively and effectively in addressing the complex visual construct and new media. This paper discusses the process of a study with university freshman developing dialogue and thinking in the visual design studio for the realisation of the creative process. In this respect the study aims to unfold what is hypothesized as the design process at the root of design education in the department of visual communication design. The paper underlines communication and design thinking focusing on the design learning environment surrounded by the natural premise of connectedness with technology. The study begins by introducing the course material design and reveals teaching and learning strategies on the final project of the basic design course which sets the foundation for the design track in the curriculumn. Student works are exemplified in terms of 3D explorations, photography, sketches. Text and self reports are employed as a projection of students thinking process including the view and comments of the instructors in the must course. The result of the study may offer insights for educators in developing teaching and learning approaches through working the process of design thinking, exploration and discovery.