What is Graphic Design?

Objective

Students will gain a foundational understanding of graphic design, its importance, and its applications in everyday life. They will also reflect on their own interests and expectations for learning graphic design.

Desired Results

Understanding Graphic Design

Students can define graphic design in their own words.
Students recognize the role of graphic design in communication and problem-solving.
Students identify key elements and principles of design.

Recognizing the Importance of Graphic Design

Students can explain why graphic design is relevant in everyday life.
Students identify common uses of graphic design in advertising, branding, digital media, and print.
Students analyze real-world examples of graphic design and discuss their impact.

Exploring Applications of Graphic Design

Students differentiate between various fields of graphic design (e.g., branding, UI/UX, illustration, typography).
Students connect graphic design to careers and industries they are interested in.
Students consider how graphic design influences user experience and perception.

Personal Reflection & Goal Setting

Students reflect on their personal interests in graphic design.
Students articulate what they hope to learn and achieve in the course.
Students set individual goals for their graphic design learning journey.

Vocabulary

Graphic Design The art of visual communication using images, text, and layout to convey a message.

Typography The style, arrangement, and appearance of text in design.

Font A specific design of text characters (e.g., Arial, Times New Roman).

Color Theory The study of how colors interact and influence emotions and perceptions.

Contrast The difference between elements (e.g., light vs. dark, bold vs. thin) to create emphasis.

Hierarchy The arrangement of elements to show their importance in a design.

Balance The distribution of visual weight in a design (e.g., symmetrical, asymmetrical).

Alignment The way elements are arranged in relation to each other (e.g., left, center, right).

White Space (Negative Space) The empty space around elements that helps with clarity and focus.

Composition The way visual elements are arranged in a design.

Layout The organization of text, images, and other elements in a design.

Resolution The clarity and detail of an image, measured in pixels per inch (PPI) or dots per inch (DPI).

Mockup A realistic preview of a design before it is finalized.

What is graphic design and where have you seen it?

Graphic design as the combination of creativity, typography, imagery, and color.
Its role in communication and problem-solving through visuals.

Group Activity: Places We See Graphic Design

Activity In small groups, students brainstorm and list places you encounter graphic design daily (e.g., on social media, billboards, packaging, magazines).
Visual Component Populate a slideshow with examples of graphic design in various contexts (logos, advertisements, websites, packaging, apps, etc.).

Discussion

Why are graphic designers important?
What makes them even more important in today’s digital society?
Discuss how graphic design influences marketing, branding, communication, and even accessibility

Personal Reflection and Sharing

What makes designs you see so appealing? (Consider colors, layouts, fonts, etc.)
What is one of your favorite brands or businesses? Do you think this company has a graphic designer?
What kind of projects do these designers likely work on?

As a class, brainstorm at least three characteristics of good design (e.g., simplicity, creativity, functionality). Write these on the board.

What does a Graphic Designer Do?

Careers in Graphic Design

Search for a career in graphic design.
What kinds of things does that person do? Details!
How much do they make?
Would you want that job?
Find image examples of the kinds of work that they do.

Standards Addressed

Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Standards:

Computing and Society (CAS):
- Standard 9-12.CAS.a.1: "Demonstrate responsible use of technology and an understanding of ethics and safety issues in using electronic media."
  - Alignment: The lesson's discussions on the role of graphic designers and the impact of design in digital society encourage students to consider ethical implications and responsible use of technology in media.
Digital Tools and Collaboration (DTC):
- Standard 9-12.DTC.a.1: "Use digital tools to design and develop a significant digital artifact (e.g., multipage website, online portfolio, simulation)."
  - Alignment: The lesson's activities, such as analyzing graphic design examples and reflecting on personal design projects, prepare students to use digital tools in creating their own graphic design artifacts.
Computing Systems (CS):
- Standard 9-12.CS.a.5: "Describe the main functions of an operating system and explain how they work."
  - Alignment: While not directly covered, understanding the tools and software used in graphic design touches upon the role of operating systems in managing these applications.

Massachusetts Arts Curriculum Framework:

Visual Arts (Creating):
- Anchor Standard 1: "Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work."
  - Alignment: The lesson encourages students to brainstorm and reflect on various aspects of graphic design, fostering the generation of artistic ideas.
- Anchor Standard 2: "Organize and develop artistic ideas and work."
  - Alignment: Through group activities and personal reflections, students organize their thoughts on what constitutes good design, aiding in the development of their artistic concepts.
Visual Arts (Responding):
- Anchor Standard 7: "Perceive and analyze artistic work."
  - Alignment: The lesson's activities involve analyzing various examples of graphic design, helping students develop skills in perceiving and critiquing artistic works.
- Anchor Standard 9: "Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work."
  - Alignment: By identifying characteristics of good design, students establish criteria to evaluate graphic design works.
Visual Arts (Connecting):
- Anchor Standard 11: "Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding."
  - Alignment: Discussions on the importance of graphic designers in today's society help students connect artistic ideas to cultural and societal contexts.

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