Information Package
baskent.edu.tr

Master's Program of Graphic Design with Thesis

GRA516

INFORMATION DESIGN

Course Code
GRA516
Semester
-
Theory+Practice
2 + 2
ECTS
10
Course TypeElective Course
Course LevelMaster's Degree With Thesis
Year of Study-
Semester-
ECTS10
Name of Lecturer(s)
Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, the students;

  1. Explain the theoretical foundations and basic concepts of information and wayfinding systems.
  2. Develop user scenarios and wayfinding flows by conducting campus/space analysis.
  3. Design the signage hierarchy, message structure, typography, and pictogram language as a holistic system.
  4. Examine example systems from Turkey and the world using critical criteria; extract criteria for good practice.
Mode of DeliveryFace to face
PrerequisitesNo
Recommended Optional Programme Components
Course DescriptionIn this course, a literature review is conducted within the scope of information and guidance (wayfinding) systems, and the relationship between signage systems and campuses/living places is investigated conceptually. Information design systems from Turkey and the world are examined.
Course Contents
WEEK TOPICS
1st Week Course definition, objectives, curriculum, and information regarding projects to be undertaken.
2nd Week Course scope; wayfinding concept, examples, evaluation criteria. Campus selection and brief.
3rd Week Literature review: information/wayfinding systems, environmental graphic design.
4th Week Fieldwork method: mapping, user profiles, information architecture. Data collection plan.
5th Week Example reviews from Turkey (public, hospital, university, transport). Critical analysis template.
6th Week Example reviews from the world (metro/airport, campus, etc.).
7th Week Campus analysis: entrances, decision points, circulation axes. Marking on photographs and plans.
8th Week Message and hierarchy decisions.
9th Week Midterm Week: Interim report + sample analysis presentations.
10th Week System architecture: signage family, naming, coding, color/icon language. Draft set.
11th Week Typography and legibility: point size/distance, contrast, material surface. Proof applications.
12th Week Pictogram and symbol design.
13th Week Layout and modulation: grid, directional arrows, positioning principles. Application on plan.
14th Week Final Presentation.
Recommended or Required ReadingCalori, Chris & Vanden-Eynden, David. (2015). Signage and Wayfinding Design (2nd ed.). Wiley.
Gibson, David. (2009). The Wayfinding Handbook. Princeton Architectural Press.
Mollerup, Per. (2013). Wayshowing>Wayfinding: Basic & Interactive. BIS Publishers.
Uebele, Andreas. (2007). Signage Systems & Information Graphics. Thames & Hudson.
AIGA / SEGD (Environmental Graphic Design) case studies and current example archives.
Planned Learning Activities and Teaching Methods
  • Lecture
  • Project
  • Discussion
  • Case Study
  • Presentation
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Quantity Percentage (%)
Mid-term 1 40
Project 1 60
Total(%) 100
Contribution of In-term Studies to Overall Grade(%) 100
Contribution of Final Examination to Overall Grade(%) 0
Total(%) 100
Language of InstructionTurkish
Work Placement(s)No

Programme Qualifications / Learning Outcomes

LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
K1 X X X
K2 X X
K3 X X
K4 X X
K5 X
K6 X
K7 X X
K8
K9 X
K10 X X
K11 X X
K12
K13
K14 X X
K15 X X X
K16 X X X
K17