Visual Thinking explores how we process and communicate visual information. You'll learn about perception, visual language, and creative problem-solving. The course covers techniques for generating and organizing ideas visually, like sketching, mind mapping, and storyboarding. You'll also analyze images, practice visual storytelling, and develop critical thinking skills through visual exercises.
It's not typically considered a tough course, but it can be challenging if you're not used to thinking visually. The concepts aren't super complex, but you might need to stretch your brain in new ways. Some students find it easier than traditional art classes because it's more about ideas and communication than technical skills. Overall, it's usually seen as an interesting and fun class.
Drawing I: Basic drawing techniques and observational skills. You'll learn about line, form, and composition.
Art History Survey: Overview of major art movements and styles throughout history. Provides context for understanding visual communication across cultures and time periods.
Design Thinking: Focuses on creative problem-solving methods used in design. You'll learn to approach challenges from multiple angles and develop innovative solutions.
Information Design: Explores how to present complex data and ideas visually. Covers topics like infographics, data visualization, and user interface design.
Visual Communication: Dives into the theory and practice of using images to convey messages. You'll study graphic design principles, typography, and branding.
Digital Storytelling: Combines visual thinking with technology to create compelling narratives. Covers topics like storyboarding, video editing, and interactive media.
Graphic Design: Focuses on creating visual content for print and digital media. Students learn design software, typography, and branding strategies.
User Experience (UX) Design: Combines visual design with psychology to create intuitive digital interfaces. Students study user research, wireframing, and prototyping.
Art Education: Prepares students to teach art in schools or community settings. Covers art history, studio techniques, and teaching methods.
Visual Anthropology: Explores how visual culture reflects and shapes society. Students study photography, film, and other visual media in cultural contexts.
UX/UI Designer: Creates user-friendly interfaces for websites and apps. They use visual thinking skills to organize information and guide users through digital experiences.
Art Director: Oversees the visual style of projects in advertising, publishing, or film. They use visual thinking to develop concepts and communicate ideas to creative teams.
Information Designer: Transforms complex data into easy-to-understand visuals. They create infographics, data visualizations, and other visual explanations for various industries.
Design Strategist: Applies visual thinking to solve business problems. They use techniques like journey mapping and prototyping to develop innovative solutions for organizations.
Do I need to be good at drawing to take this class? Not really - it's more about thinking and communicating visually than creating polished artwork.
How is this different from a regular art class? It focuses more on the thought process behind visual communication rather than specific artistic techniques.
Can this class help me in non-art careers? Absolutely! Visual thinking skills are valuable in many fields, from business to science to education.
Will we use computers in this class? It depends on the instructor, but many visual thinking courses incorporate both digital and analog tools.