Title of Scheme: 2D Graphic Design- School based Pictogram Communication Graphics. Aims: To help students: No. of Lessons: 15 Total Time: 9 Hours 20 minutes Date: 7/1/13 Group: 2nd Years No. Of Pupils: 30 Identify communication Graphic Design and experiment with icon variations. Explore Semiotics focusing on signs and meanings in relation to their interpreter and the environment in which they will be used (Secondary School). Produce and develop an understanding of pictogram visuals and their meanings. Translate their ideas into a pictogram design by incorporating space, scale, layout, monochrome, colour and materials. Apply pictogram design process to poster design for a song title, book or movie. Overall Learning Outcomes: On completion of this scheme students should be able to: Identify and discuss pictograms as visual communications explore different meanings of icons and the variation in which pictogram communications are represented. Create small scale pictograms (A4) employing an understanding of icons, interpreter and the environment in which they are displayed. Explore and experiment with a variety of symbols and icons that can be used to create fun and informative pictograms. Apply pictogram design and logos and their power of communication through examining clever, contemporary designs. Looking at their overall idea, how they communicate this idea and what the outcome is. Present their finished pictogram design to the class through power point presentation outlining conception of the original idea, the design process and the making of the finished design and promotional design. Investigating /Exploring/Creating (include Illustrations): I designed a range of pictograms with a fun element based on the Irish news the week I was designing; the news topics I worked with were the Irish budget, Emigration and Farmers day. I reproduced pictograms based on the pictograms around me in my college environment.
Investigating Students will investigate the world of information graphics through research focusing on; information graphics for public spaces such as Schools, Airports, Roads and the Olympics. Students will apply this style and process to their own design work. Students will view title sequence to movie Catch Me If You Can, displaying use of pictograms as a 3D form. Investigating multi faceted areas in graphic design. Exploring Each student will begin by reproducing a pictogram by adding a fun element to the icon to distort the information communicated. This will provide students with an understanding of the design process which they can translate to their own design work. Students will create a second small scale pictogram combining directional signage and people signage to create a unique design with an added element of fun. Drawing/Making: Students will begin by recreating a communication pictogram of their choice, adding a fun design element to distort the icon message. These can be traced onto coloured paper, cut and stuck in place paying attention to scale and layout. Students will use collage methods to create their finished pieces.
Designing a pictogram adding elements of fun and direction signage (photocopies provided). Students will create a second pictogram using black sugar paper and white paper, adding a directional icon to a people icon and adding an element of humor. Examples of students work; week one Pictograms with direction icons and humor Students will research the school redevelopment plans online and list areas that will need graphic communications signage. Each student will pick an area from a hat ensuring all students have an area to work with; designing for their chosen area an informative pictogram sign. Colour card will be provided for the backgrounds. Once final design has been decided students will make a pictogram sign employing the techniques and process used in early pictogram exercises.
Students will also design and construct a pictogram poster depicting a song, movie or book of their choice employing the process and techniques developed in the project. Students will view poster design work by graphic artist Viktor Hertz, compare and contrast their own work with artists work focusing on icons, layout, scale, line, composition and fun element. Work of artist Viktor Hertz;
Literacy/Key words: pictograms, icons, graphic design, communication, communicative qualities, environment, visual signs, characteristics, semantics, dependant on knowledge, context, society & culture, brain storm, word associations, accuracy, mounting, measurements, presentation, layout, text, clear, concise, font, spacing, alignment, collage. Numeracy: Use of measurements and accuracy for correct use of layout and scale is essential throughout the project. Use of Digital Media: Power point presentation on graphic communication, pictograms and reviewing students work. Use of internet to research pictograms. Use of digital camera to record student s work. Use of visualiser to view students work/work in progress. Use of internet and projector to view title sequence of Catch Me If You Can. Teaching/Learning Strategies: Demonstrate to students the different stages of the project: o How to brain storm and come up with design concepts. o How to look up relevant information on the internet. o How to use everyday pictogram signage images and redesign them to change the message depicted; adding appropriate humour. o How to use cutting blades and rulers to achieve a clean cut, essential in graphic design. Use of visual aids and power point presentations throughout the lessons on each lesson content. Use of wall charts displaying pictograms and communication graphics signage Compare and contrast students work though group discussion during each lesson. This should enable students to improve, adapt and add to their understanding of drawing, design and making process. Differentiation: At the beginning of the project, introduce what the project will entail and what the possible outcomes will be. Introduce step by step demonstrations though out the lesson. Review of these steps by writing each step on the white board. Review students work using visualiser and power point presentations. Use visuals throughout the lessons. Display student s artwork and visual aids on the walls around the art room. Have more easily attainable goals within the lessons so this will ensure progress. Have a recap and conclusion for each lesson and a brief introduction to what will be covered in the next lesson. Group work and buddy system, helping students to learn from one another and also helping the weaker students in the group to understand the processes.
Materials/Resources/Facilities: Paper (A3, A4, A2), coloured textured paper, black sugar paper, tracing paper, coloured card, circular and square templates, icon templates, pencils, markers, rulers, magazines, pritt stick, sellotape, masking tape, cutting boards, lightboxes. Safety Precaution: Students will be given demonstrations on how to use cutting tools safely (scissors and craft knives). Timeline/Sequence of Lessons: 8 double classes,70 minutes each Lesson One: Introduction to Graphic Design; information graphics, Pictograms, Icons & signs, Power point presentation and class discussion. Internet research on pictograms. Redesign a well known pictogram, adding a fun element and distorted meaning from the original. Lesson Two: Continuation of redesigning pictogram, Watch catch me if you can title sequence; discussion on use of pictograms in the sequence. Examine the design used and explore possibilities of students own designs. Investigate areas in the redeveloped school that will need information graphics. Lesson Three: Students will view Catch Me If You Can title sequence-class discussion-draw up list of areas of the school that need signage-allocate each student an area that will need information graphics, Canteen, art room etc. Students will sketch arrange of possible designs using pictograms/icons for their allocated area. Lesson Four: Finalise their design and move on to making of their communication graphics wall sign. Lesson Five: Continue to further the design process using drawing, tracing, cutting, and layout and mounting skills. Lesson Six: Completion of communication graphics wall sign. Mounting of wall sign on card. Display of class work as a communication wall. Photograph signage in place throughout the school. Lesson Seven: Presentation on graphic artist Viktor Hertz poster work. Group discussion comparing and contrasting students design work with artist Viktor Hertz. Design an A3 pictogram poster depicting a song or video game of students choice. Lesson Eight: Completion of poster. Class presentation. Assessment Rubric: See separate page