2019/20 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

DESN5162M Colour Design

15 creditsClass Size: 40

Module manager: Prof Stephen Westland
Email: s.westland@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2019/20

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module introduces theories and principles of colour design and discusses how they contribute towards effective, usable and understandable design solutions. Colour is an important element of successful design. It has the ability to convey information and to emotionally engage users with products, services and environments. Examples of design outputs that require effective use of colour include web design, app design, motion graphics, infographics, leaflet and poster design, product design, fashion and interior design, and many areas of graphic design. Students will respond to a set brief in order to put the above theories and principles into practice. They will produce a reflective report to document their design process. Students will also conduct usability tests to ascertain the applicability of their design solution to real-life contexts.Students will be given a choice of 2 briefs: one brief will focus more on the design of a simple product (e.g. the product itself, the packaging, the brand, etc.) and the other on visual appearance (e.g. of a web page, of an app, etc.).

Objectives

This module gives students the opportunity to:
- Learn theoretical and practical aspects of colour design.
- Explore the inter-disciplinary nature of colour design in a variety of contexts – healthcare, manufacturing, marketing, branding, etc.
- Address the specific needs and motivations of clients by using colour effectively.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students will have provided evidence of being able to:
1. Analyse and interpret current theories and principles of Colour Design in order to define a problem or need.
2. Access and critically analyse literature, and plan appropriate research methods for the successful development of a design project.
3. Design and develop effective and visually stimulating design solutions in response to a specific problem or need and in relation to real-life settings.
4. Contribute to the implementation and execution of a project to a professional and commercial standard.
5. Take a proactive role in working with others and contribute to the planning and execution of group work.

Skills outcomes
User-centred research and design

Syllabus

This module will deliver a combination of lectures and practical sessions. Lectures will engage students with the theory, research and professional approaches to Colour Design. The lecture content will be built around: 1) Colour and emotion; 2) Colour mixing; 3) Colour preference; 4) Colour harmony; 5) Colour semiotics; 6) Colour measurement. Practicals will give students the opportunity to put their knowledge and theory into practice by planning, designing, developing and evaluating their creative project, as well as their research.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	5	1.00	5.00
Seminar	17	1.00	17.00
Private study hours			128.00
Total Contact hours			22.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Private study

In order to gain confidence to develop and articulate their own ideas, students will engage in private study.

Each lecture is supported by material that is available on the Blackboard VLE. This material provides links to appropriate journal papers, books, videos and websites. Digital copies of the lectures will be also available on the VLE so that students can follow up in a systematic and structured manner.

Students will bring and discuss their ideas to the lectures, allowing them to gain confidence in their own critical thinking. Students will also be asked to find and provide design examples to show their understanding of the theoretical content addressed in the lecture.

- Literature search and reading: 30 hours
- Independent research and preparation: 40 hours
- Preparation and evaluation of assessed outcomes - 58 hours

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student progress will be monitored through:
• Regular attendance at lectures and practicals (absences dealt with through the normal School channels).
- Participation in practicals.
- Regular feedback given in practicals.
- Interim feedback around week 21: formative presentation

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Report	Reflective report (1,000-1,250 words)	30.00
Group Project	Creative Design Project	70.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

The re-sit will be an individual creative design project and a 1,000 to 1,250 words project report.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 11/06/2019

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