Graphic communication as the name suggests is communication through graphics and graphical aids. It is the process of creating, producing, and distributing material incorporating words and images to convey data, concepts, and emotions.[1]
The field of graphic communications encompasses all phases of the graphic communications processes from origination of the idea (design, layout, and typography) through reproduction, finishing and distribution of two- or three-dimensional products or electronic transmissions.[1]
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Graphical communication involves use of visual material to relate ideas, such as drawings, photographs, slides, transparencies and sketches. The drawings of little children, and a rough map sketched to show the way could be considered graphical communication. Any medium that uses a graphic to aid in conveying a message, instruction, or an idea is involved in graphical communication. One of the most widely used forms of graphical communication is the drawing.
The earliest graphics known to anthropologists studying prehistoric periods are cave paintings.
and markings on boulders, bone, ivory, and antlers, which were created during the Upper Paleolithic period from 40,000–10,000 B.C. or earlier. Many of these were found to record astronomical, seasonal, and chronological details.
Some of the earliest graphics and drawings known to the modern world, from almost 6,000 years ago, are that of engraved stone tablets and ceramic cylinder seals, marking the beginning of the historic periods and the keeping of records for accounting and inventory purposes. Records from Egypt predate these and papyrus was used by the Egyptians as a material on which to plan the building of pyramids; they also used slabs of limestone and wood. From 600–250 BC, the Greeks played a major role in geometry. They used graphics to represent their mathematical theories such as the Circle Theorem and the Pythagorean theorem.
Graphics are visual presentations on some surface, such as a wall, canvas, computer screen, paper, or stone to brand, inform, illustrate, or entertain. Examples are photographs, drawings, Line Art, graphs, diagrams, typography, numbers, symbols, geometric designs, maps, engineering drawings, or other images. Graphics often combine text, illustration, and [[colour . Graphic design may consist of the deliberate selection, creation, or arrangement of typography alone, as in a brochure, flier, poster, web site, or book without any other element. Clarity or effective communication may be the objective, association with other cultural elements may be sought, or merely, the creation of a distinctive style.
Graphics can be functional or artistic. The latter can be a recorded version, such as a photograph, or an interpretation by a scientist to highlight essential features, or an artist, in which case the distinction with imaginary graphics may become blurred.
Communication is the process whereby information is imparted by a sender to a receiver via a medium. It requires that all parties have an area of communicative commonality. There are auditory means, such as speaking, singing and sometimes tone of voice, and nonverbal, physical means, such as body language, sign language, paralanguage, touch, eye contact, by using writing. Communication is defined as a process by which we assign and convey meaning in an attempt to create shared understanding. This process requires a vast repertoire of skills in intrapersonal and interpersonal processing, listening, observing, speaking, questioning, analyzing, and evaluating. if you use these processes it is developmental and transfers to all areas of life: home, school, community, work, and beyond. It is through communication that collaboration and cooperation occur.[2]
Visual communication as the name suggests is communication through visual aid. It is the conveyance of ideas and information in forms that can be read or looked upon. Primarily associated with two dimensional images, it includes: signs, typography, drawing, graphic design, illustration, colour and electronic resources. It solely relies on vision. It is form of communication with visual effect. It explores the idea that a visual message with text has a greater power to inform, educate or persuade a person. It is communication by presenting information through Visual form. The evaluation of a good visual design is based on measuring comprehension by the audience, not on aesthetic or artistic preference. There are no universally agreed-upon principles of beauty and ugliness. There exists a variety of ways to present information visually, like gestures, body languages, video and TV. Here, focus is on the presentation of text, pictures, diagrams, photos, et cetera, integrated on a computer display. The term visual presentation is used to refer to the actual presentation of information. Recent research in the field has focused on web design and graphically oriented usability. Graphic designers use methods of visual communication in their professional practice.
Communication design is a mixed discipline between design and information-development which is concerned with how media intermission such as printed, crafted, electronic media or presentations communicate with people. A communication design approach is not only concerned with developing the message aside from the aesthetics in media, but also with creating new media channels to ensure the message reaches the target audience. Communication design seeks to attract, inspire, create desires and motivate the people to respond to messages, with a view to making a favorable impact to the bottom line of the commissioning body, which can be either to build a brand, move sales, or for humanitarian purposes. Its process involves strategic business thinking, utilizing market research, creativity, and problem-solving.
The term graphic design can refer to a number of artistic and professional disciplines which focus on visual communication and presentation. Various methods are used to create and combine symbols, images and/or words to create a visual representation of ideas and messages. A graphic designer may use typography, visual arts and page layout techniques to produce the final result. Graphic design often refers to both the process (designing) by which the communication is created and the products (designs) which are generated.
Common uses of graphic design include magazines, advertisements, product packaging and web design. For example, a product package might include a logo or other artwork, organized text and pure design elements such as shapes and color which unify the piece. Composition is one of the most important features of graphic design especially when using pre-existing materials or diverse elements.
The term representation, according to O'Shaughnessy and Stadler (2005), can carry a range of meanings and interpretations. In literary theory representation is commonly defined in three ways.
Representation, according to Mitchell (1995), began with early literary theory in the ideas of Plato and Aristotle, and has evolved into a significant component of language, Saussurian and communication studies. Aristotle discusses representation in three ways:[4]
The means of literary representation is language. The means of graphical representation are graphics. Graphical representation of data is one of the most commonly used modes of presentation.
Graphic communication is an optional subject its main purpose is to introduce students to making architectural drawings - both manual and electronically. In addition to teaching Computer Aided Graphics (CAG)Desktop publishing (DTP) and manual publishing.
The Graphic communication education can be pitched at many different levels:
All of these subjects are defined and assessed by the SQA [1] (Scottish Qualifications Authority)
The Standard Grade Graphic Communication course consists of three elements;
The Knowledge and Interpretation element and the Drawing Ability elements are externally assessed in the Final Exam.
The Knowledge and Interpretation element is a theory section which contains many topics including; Building Drawings, Circuit Diagrams, Flowcharts, Safety Symbols and Public Notices, Computer Aided Graphics (CAG), Colour Theory and Reading and Interpreting Complex Drawings.
The Drawing Ability element is a practical drawing section which also contains many topics under two main areas - Orthographic Drawing and Pictorial Drawing. Orthographic Drawing includes; basic, prisms, pyramids, cylinders, cones, assembly drawings and sectional views. Pictorial Drawing includes; isometric, planometric, cabinet oblique, exploded views, sectional views, assembly drawings, one point perspective and two point perspective.
The Illustration and Presentation element is produced throughout the course through making a folio of work which is marked and graded by the pupils' teacher. They then send this mark away to the SQA (Scottish Qualifications Authority) unless the centre is moderated, in which case the whole folio is sent in. This folio must contain work showing; use and section of colour, "shading, toning, rendering", layout and lettering, graphs and charts, modelling, use of CAD library, use of CAD, CAG for display, display and overall draughtsmanship.
Each element is a third of the candidates final mark.
The higher course is formed by the study of 3 units; two technical graphics units and desktop publishing. 30% of the assessment marks come from a thematic presentation which pupils work on throughout the year; these range from manual desktop publishing design to pupil chosen project where isometric and orthographic drawings are manually produced.