ISLA IPGT 10140

Design Theory and Practice

• ApresentaçãoPresentation

  This curricular unit proposes the acquisition and development of organizational skills in the foreseeable phases of organization, conception and development of graphic and multimedia communication design. That the student understands and knows how to put into practice different design theories and methodologies, subdividing the phases, with emphasis on problem solving, idea creation, form design, prototyping and testing, and development. Explore the roles and attitudes of the designer from the perspective of the creative thinker who works to transform localized contexts in systems that are also changing. Know how to implement creative mechanisms associated with the design project, through different methodological paradigms and systematic heuristics and processes along the lines of design methods and design thinking. The ability to think critically and visually about the identity and ideology of the design artifact.   
• ProgramaProgramme

  Definitions of the concept of design; From Design to Communication Design; Aesthetics, Fashion, Design, Redesign, Kitsch, Styling and Restyling. Design, authorship and ethics. The designer as a catalyst in processes of change. From Design Methos to Design thinking. Design theories and design methodology from the perspective of 20th and 21st century designers; Design methodology proposals;    Defining or redefining problems: Briefing and refining the briefing; guided visual research; observation; synchronic and diachronic analysis; mood boards; case studies; focus groups; transforming the order.    Techniques and methods for stimulating the generation of ideas;    Graphic representation of shapes: printing technique; simplification by leveling and accentuation; visual and formal exploration by digital and analog means;    Modeling and prototyping:    Presentation of the project;    Death of the object and second uses. Design for a digital world.
• ObjectivosObjectives

  This curricular unit proposes the acquisition and development of skills in the predictable phases of organization, conception and development of graphic communication and multimedia design. That the student understands and knows how to put into practice different design theories and methodologies, subdividing the phases, with emphasis on problem solving, idea creation, form design, prototyping and testing, and development. Explore the roles and attitudes of the designer from the perspective of the creative thinker who works to transform localized contexts in systems that are also changing. Know how to implement creative mechanisms associated with the design project, through different methodological paradigms and systematic heuristics and processes along the lines of design methods and design thinking. The ability to critically reflect and visually think about the identity and ideology of the design artifact.
• BibliografiaBibliography

  Tomitsch, M., Borthwick, M., Ahmadpour, N., Cooper, C., Frawley, J., Hepburn, L. A., Kocaballi, A. B., Loke, L., Núñez-Pacheco, C., Straker, K., & Wrigley, C. (2021). Design. Think. Make. Break. Repeat: A Handbook of Methods (rev. ed.). BIS Publishers.  Karjaluoto, E. (2014). The Design Method: A Philosophy and Process for Functional Visual Communication. New Riders.  Lupton, E. (Ed.). (2011). Graphic Design Thinking: Beyond Brainstorming. Princeton Architectural Press.  Cross, N. (2011). Design Thinking: Understanding How Designers Think and Work. Berg.  Brown, T. (2009). Change by Design. HarperBusiness.
• MetodologiaMethodology

  The teaching methodology combines brief conceptual explanations and demonstrations with active learning based on problems, projects, case studies, experimentation and reflection. In several classes, a short in-class question (approximately 10 minutes) is used to check understanding of previous content and encourage continuous study. This is followed by guided practical activities, carried out individually or in small groups and supervised by the teacher. Activities involve observation, analysis of real cases, intermediate versions, comparison of alternatives, peer/user testing and reflection on decisions. Projects P01 and P02 progressively integrate the course contents and include oral presentation and defence in order to validate students' understanding of concepts and design/production decisions
• LínguaLanguage

  Português
• TipoType

  Semestral
• ECTS

  3
• NaturezaNature

  Mandatory
• EstágioInternship

  Não
• AvaliaçãoEvaluation

  Elemento	Ponderação	Observações
  Atividades e Questões de Aula	30%	Realizadas/submetidas durante a aula; aplicação progressiva e evidência do processo.
  P01 - Redesign com intenção: melhorar sem apagar a identidade	30%	Individual; diagnóstico do problema, investigação, alternativas, maquetagem e defesa. Entrega: 05/11/2026.
  P02 - Produto multimédia para uma necessidade real	35%	Pares; briefing, pesquisa, conceito, protótipo, teste, iteração e defesa individual. Entrega: 14/01/2027.
  Assiduidade e participação	5%	Presença, envolvimento, cumprimento das tarefas e participação no feedback.

   

  Exame: 100%, nos termos do regulamento de avaliação aplicável.