Impact of Technology

Consider how we share ideas visually today, through posters, magazines, websites, and social media. Technology has completely transformed the way we design and experience these visuals. It’s not just about speeding up the process; it's about using innovative tools and techniques that change how we design, produce, and share information. From eco-friendly printing methods and 3D modelling to working on interactive screens and moving towards paperless workflows, these developments are reshaping graphic communication and how we express ideas in our digital world.

Content

Input Devices

Output Devices

Environmental Printing

Environmental Publishing

Hardware and Software

Input Devices

Input devices are the tools we use to feed information into a computer, allowing us to create and manipulate digital graphics. They translate our physical actions – like drawing, typing, or pointing – into digital signals that software can understand. Without these devices, we couldn't interact with the digital world and bring our visual ideas to life.

Digital Camera

Designers can take photos of products, materials, people and documents and then input them into a DTP document.

Hand Held Scanner

Designers can scan any paper document. The scanner converts the file into a JPG. Resolution tends to be low, but it is a quick process.

Flatbed Scanner

Designers can scan in any paper document. They are available in a range of sizes. They are not very portable but offer high-quality images compared to hand scanners.

Drawing Tablet

Drawing tablets allow designers to sketch ideas onto the computer. This allows the design to create vector graphics.

Output Devices

Output devices are essential for bringing our digital graphic creations into the real world. They take the digital information stored in a computer and present it visually, allowing us to see, print, or project our designs.

Printer

Inkjet printers are the most common type. However, you can also find laser printers and wide-format printers.

3D Printer

‘Prints’ 3D CAD models out of plastic. It is a form of CAM – Computer Aided Manufacture.

Storage

In graphic communication, we create and work with large files – images, videos, design documents – and we need somewhere to keep them safe and accessible. That's where storage devices come in. These are the tools that allow us to save and retrieve digital information. Understanding these storage options is crucial for effectively managing and sharing our graphic design work.

USB Memory Stick

USB memory drives are inexpensive, portable storage devices with various capabilities. It is easy to transport files, although they can be lost or stolen.

External Hard Drive

External hard drives can store large files and serve as backups for important work. They have the capacity to hold numerous documents and files.

Cloud Storage

Instead of saving everything on your computer, cloud storage lets you save it online, making it easy to share and work on projects from anywhere. It is not to be confused with Cloud Computing.

Advantages

Information can be accessed regardless of location
It can be accessed and shared with all members of staff
It can be accessed on multiple devices or platforms
Information can be downloaded/uploaded at any time
Portable devices with less storage capacity can access the information as items will be saved in the cloud, not the device.

Disadvantages

Cloud could be hacked
Intellectual property could be stolen
Digital rights management issues
Always requires access to the internet
Cloud servers may fail
Virus infection of the system/software

Society and Industry

Paperless Office

A paperless office is where people try to use computers and digital files instead of paper for most of their work. Paperless offices are still not the norm, but there are significant advantages to running a paperless business:

Advantages

Improves the corporate image of the business
Easier to work remotely as all work is digital
Easier to collaborate/share work with colleagues and other people
Allows for smaller workspaces
Reduces the cost of storage
Reduces the cost of ink, toner or paper

Disadvantages

If computers or systems crash, you might lose access to important files
Digital files can be hacked or stolen if not properly protected
Staff may need time and help to learn how to use new digital systems
There are high set-up costs, as buying software, hardware, and cloud storage can be expensive at first
You can’t access digital files if there’s no power or internet connection.

Remote Working

Remote working means doing your job from somewhere outside the usual office, like from home or a café. It became especially popular during the COVID-19 pandemic and is still used by many companies today. People use computers, the internet, and video calls to stay connected with their team and get their work done.

Advantages

Employees don’t need to live near the office. Therefore, employers can have a bigger pool of people
Saves money and resources as companies don’t need to rent offices
Work can be shared through email and servers. Therefore, people can work in different countries
In some instances, people can choose when they work and can have flexible working hours.

Disadvantages

Less face-to-face contact can make management difficult
Employers need to rely on people to do work at home and upload it so others can access it.

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is when people and businesses use the internet to access services like software and data processing. Instead of running programs on a personal computer or a server in the workplace, everything is done on powerful computers (called servers) in different locations worldwide. Cloud computing allows users to:

Use software without installing it (e.g. Microsoft 365 or Google Docs
Access data from anywhere with an internet connection
Work on shared documents with other people in real time.

It is not to be confused with Cloud storage.

Advantages

Gives employees the ability to work remotely, which allows for easy collaboration
Companies working on a project across different locations give access to the same files, which ensures they work from the most up-to-date version
Cloud computing allows employees to be more flexible in their work practices, which allows them to access data at any time or in any location
Cloud computing systems are regularly updated, making sure the latest version is being used.

Disadvantages

If computers or systems crash, you will not be able to access or upload your work
Digital files can be hacked or stolen if not properly protected
Staff may need time and help to learn how to use new digital systems
You can’t access digital files without power or an internet connection.

File Management

File management is a key part of using computers properly. It involves organising your files and folders in a clear and logical way so that you and others can easily find and access the work you need. Good file management helps save time, reduces stress, and prevents important documents from being lost or mixed up.In businesses, there are often specific rules or folder structures that must be followed. For example, files might be sorted by project, date, or department. This makes it easier for everyone to know where to save their work and where to look for shared files.Using clear file names and keeping folders tidy also helps when sharing work with others. This means that anyone who needs to open or edit a file can do so quickly and without confusion.

Desktop Publishing

Desktop Publishing (DTP) is the process of using a computer and special software to design and create documents that include both text and images. It is now the standard method used to produce things like magazines, leaflets, flyers, posters, and newspapers.DTP software, such as Adobe InDesign or Affinity Designer, gives users powerful tools to control the layout, fonts, colours, and graphics of a document. This makes it easy to create professional-looking publications without needing large printing companies or expensive equipment. Because of DTP, designers can quickly make changes, test different layouts, and prepare files for printing or digital sharing. It has replaced older, slower methods that used to involve cutting and pasting text and images by hand. Today, it’s essential in many industries, including advertising, journalism, and marketing.

Advantages of using DTP over manual methods

Modifications are quick and easy to make as you have access to tools like edit, copy and paste, etc.
DTP can bring lots of items like text and images together in one document, which makes it easier to edit the overall design without using different software.
Speeds up the graphic design process as designers have access to tools like brushes, layers, etc.
Publication can be prepared for printing on the same computer, which allows designers to link directly to the printing process.

Disadvantages of using DTP

File types might be incompatible, which leads to higher costs as you need multiple software programs
If computers or systems crash, you will not be able to access your work
Staff may need time and help to learn how to use new digital systems.

Online Publishing

Online publication is sharing content, like magazines, brochures, leaflets, or adverts, on the internet instead of printing them out. It is becoming more popular than traditional (manual) publishing because it offers many extra features that can make the content more exciting and interactive. Additional features that can be added to an online publication that cannot be added to a printed publication include:

Videos and sounds can be added to bring the content to life and improve the user experience.
Animations can make elements move or appear in interesting ways, helping to catch the viewer’s attention.
Web links and hyperlinks can also be included, allowing readers to quickly visit websites or social media pages, or even go straight to a product page to make a purchase.
Content can be easily translated into other languages, allowing it to be used worldwide.
Accessibility tools, like Zoom and contrast can be applied to help aid the user experience

These interactive features help businesses connect with their audience more effectively and make digital publications more engaging than printed versions.

Environmental Factors

Environmental Printing

Companies can improve their carbon footprint and help the environment when printing by:

Using environmentally friendly ink (like vegetable inks, soy ink)
Ensuring that what they have printed can be recycled after it has been used
Using recycled paper
Taking into consideration when printing to ensure there is no excess/ waste of materials
Using energy-saving/efficient machinery when printing

Environmental Publishing

Companies can improve their carbon footprint by using less ink, paper or toner by:

Inverting grey to white
Reducing the number or sizes of images
Reducing the size of the font
Reversing the text (white on a dark background)
Applying transparency to images.

CAD/CAM Production

Layers

Layers are like clear, see-through sheets stacked on top of each other. Each layer can hold different design parts, such as images, text, shapes, or technical details. In DTP, layers might separate the background, headings, body text, and images. This means you can edit or move one part of the layout without affecting the others. In CAD, layers are often used to separate different parts of a technical drawing, like electrical lines, plumbing, walls, or furniture. You can hide or lock layers to focus on one part at a time, making the design process more efficient and accurate.

Advantages of Using Layers:

Easy Editing – Modify specific parts without disturbing other elements.
Better Organisation – Keep different components separate for a clearer workflow.
Non-Destructive Editing – Make changes without permanently altering the original design or other elements.

CAM

CAD (Computer-Aided Design) files can be used with CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing) systems to help machines like 3D printers, laser cutters, or CNC routers create real products. These machines follow the CAD design to make objects from materials like plastic, metal, or wood.This technology is commonly used in industries such as engineering, product design, and manufacturing because it allows for precise, repeatable results.

Advantages of CAM:

High accuracy – Parts are made exactly to the design with very little error.
Consistency – Every product is made the same, which is important for mass production.
Faster production – Machines can work quickly and for long hours without breaks.
Safer for workers – Machines handle the cutting and shaping, reducing the risk of accidents.

Disadvantages of CAM:

Expensive setup – Buying and setting up the machines and software can cost a lot.
Job loss – Fewer workers may be needed, as machines can replace some manual jobs.
Training needed – Staff need to learn how to use the software and machines properly.
Software or hardware problems – If the system crashes, production may stop completely.

CAD Production

Computer-Aided Design, or CAD, is the use of computers to create detailed 2D drawings or 3D models of products before they are made. It allows designers to plan, test, and improve their ideas digitally, saving time and materials during the design process.CAD models are helpful in many ways before manufacturing begins:

Direct Manufacture - 3D models can be sent straight to manufacture using technology such as 3D printing, CNC Routers, etc.
Testing Strength and Performance - With stress analysis tools, designers can apply forces to the model to see how it would behave in real life. This helps identify weak points and improve the design before anything is made.
Preparing for Production - CAD models can be turned into accurate orthographic drawings showing the exact sizes and shapes needed for making the product. These drawings help manufacturers build and assemble the product correctly and quickly.
Preparing for Production - CAD models can be turned into accurate orthographic drawings showing the exact sizes and shapes needed for making the product. These drawings help manufacturers build and assemble the product correctly and quickly.
Complex assembly - 3D models can show how complex models are assembled and do not need a manufacturer to interpret complex production drawings.

Examples

An audio technology company uses a cloud storage service. Describe two advantages of using cloud storage for a company. (2 marks) 2b

Accepted Answers

Files can be accessed remotely from anywhere in the world
It allows for remote working
Files can be easily shared between coworkers
It allows for collaboration
Files can be encrypted
It requires no physical space as files are saved online
There is file restoration features, therefore you ca access old versions/back-ups

A photographer captured images for use on the kitchen company’s website. Watermarked images were issued to the kitchen company. An example is shown below. Describe two advantages to the photographer of applying watermarks to their images. (2 marks)

Accepted Answers

Watermarking is a means of protecting the intellectual property of the company
It can act as an advertisement for the company
It will stop others from selling or passing off the images as their own
It prevents use of the image without payment being made

The photographer operates a paperless office. Describe two advantages of operating a paperless office. Do not include environmental benefits. (2 marks)

Accepted Answers

Improves the corporate image of the business
It is easier to work remotely
It is easier to collaborate/share work with other people
It allows for smaller workspaces
It reduced cost from storage
It reduced cost from the use of ink, toner or paper

The photographer sent digital versions of the samples to the kitchen company. Describe two advantages of the kitchen company of viewing the images digitally compared to the printed format. (2 marks)

Accepted Answers

When viewing, the image can be enlarged for better clarity
They can be viewed in little or no light/ dark
They can be shared instantly via email
They can store a high number of photographs on one device
They can be copied onto promotional material/website

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