module specification

World Building is part of the School’s Visual Communication MA courses, including Graphic Design and Illustration. World Building examines narrative and storytelling techniques in the creative process of world building and applies them to visual communication contexts, such as sequential narrative, editorial illustration, character design, user journey mapping and branding strategies. The module draws on ideas about comparative human experience and fundamentals of story structuring and applies these to a range of design processes and outcomes. This is done through case studies of world building both in literature and human sciences in parallel with examples of how these principles are demonstrated by significant visual practitioners, addressing different approaches to and techniques within the practice of world building. There is an emphasis on the importance of a comparative understanding of ‘worlds’, identities and global communities in relation to visual communication.

By engaging in discussion and analysis, you will study and research world building and the significance of views from outside the traditional canon of visual communication, responding creatively and critically to it. Through this critical reflection you will develop a project proposal to apply world building principles to your own area of practice, adapting and extending world building in its traditional sense, exploring its use as a design approach and problem-solving method.

The module is taught through a combination of lectures and seminars, talks from visiting lecturers and practitioners, studio-based workshops, visits and group activities. The module is assessed by submission of a portfolio of project development work and project outcomes.   

This module aims to:

• Give you an understanding of world building techniques in a visual communication context;
• Examine key concepts in world building and storytelling, and explore how they can be applied in design;
• Examine global visual communication cultures and assert their position in the canon of visual communication;
• Equip you to develop innovative ideas and solutions using world building and storytelling techniques;
• Apply your learning to problem solving in considered design contexts and appropriate formats.

N/A 

Available for Study Abroad? NO

The syllabus typically includes initial lecture and seminar discussion of the concepts of world building, from global perspectives on visual communication, with the presentation of brief discussion papers representing differing positions. LO1, LO5

You will apply research methods to investigate how world building may be used in both illustrative and graphic design contexts and through formats associated with those disciplines, such as graphic novels, editorial illustrations and designs, user journey mapping and digital product prototypes. There will be seminar discussions and presentation of case studies. LO2, LO3, LO5

You will build a body of research orientated to your subject specialisms and individual interests, taking a global view into account, developing a personal response to your research and proposing an original interpretation of world building, working towards the assessable outcomes. LO2, LO3, LO5

You will develop a visual communication project in response to your research. Normally, the design proposal would seek to take advantage of emerging technologies to achieve the targets set, or the reinvention or alternative application of existing ones. LO4, LO5

When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically will involve reading books and journal articles, going to galleries and exhibitions, working on individual and group projects, undertaking preparing project work and presentations, and preparing for deadlines. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and Weblearn and Linkedin Learning, the online learning platforms.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

• Knowledge and Understanding

LO1 demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of world building and storytelling principles and techniques, and how concepts have been applied in visual communication practice;

• Cognitive Intellectual Abilities

LO2 clearly articulate a personal position on the relevance of world building concepts and apply it to an innovative visual presentation relating to global aspects of visual communication;

• Transferable Skills

LO3 employ effective methods in the research and recording of world building concepts and the history of visual communication, identifying connections with contemporary practice and analysing world building approaches as a contribution to visual communication;

• Subject Specific Skills

LO4 produce and professionally present a piece of original design demonstrating application of practical design skills and theoretical knowledge;

• Professionalism and Values

LO5 demonstrate high levels of self-management in developing and delivering an original project, showing engagement with all aspects of the module, and independent self-reflective learning.

http://Link to digital reading list

Journals:
Creative Review
Eye Magazine
Varoom
Printed Pages

Websites:
linkedinlearning.com
eyeondesign.aiga.org
creativereview.co.uk
itsnicethat.com
theaoi.com/varoom
lectureinprogress.com
creativeboom.com/