ID107BKK
Design Fundamentals 2
Faculty
Tien Nguyen
Design Director at Base Design
Course length
Duration
Total hours
Credits
Language
Course type
Fee for single course
Fee for degree students
Skills you’ll learn
Overview
Good design is useful, purposeful, simple, and easy to understand. However, achieving this level of clarity requires a lengthy and often ambiguous process filled with experimentation. This course is a continuation of “Design Fundamentals”, however it diverges from the conventional focus on producing 'useful' end results. Instead, it aims to broaden students' perspectives by encouraging them to challenge the acquired knowledge through creative experimentation.
Learning highlights
- Failing and making mistakes are integral parts of the design process, serving as valuable learning opportunities. Rather than hiding errors, this course encourages students to embrace experimentation and openly share their "failures". By doing so, students develop critical analytical skills essential for evaluating design work effectively. This approach fosters a deeper understanding of design principles and cultivates the ability to learn from both successes and setbacks – and more importantly the ability to visually and verbally express those learnings.
Course outline
15 classes
Session 1
Introduction
Session 2
A. Shapes & Forms
Session 3
A. Typography
Session 4
A. Grids, Layout & Composition
Session 5
A. Colors
Session 6
B. Working Session: Abstraction & Reduction
Session 7
B. Working Session: Failure
Session 8
B. Working Session: Good Taste
Session 9
B. Working Session: (extra)ordinary
Session 11
C. Working Session: Final Project
Session 12
C. Working Session: Final Project
Session 13
C. Working Session: Final Project
Session 14
C. Working Session: Final Project
Session 15
C. Presentations: Final Project
Session 10
B. Working Session: Intention & Expectation
Prerequisites
Fundamental understanding of Design Principles:
Typography
Layout & Composition
Grid Systems
Color Theory
Methodology
The course is divided in 3 main sections:
A. Recap core learnings of “Design Fundamentals”:
This section is focused on revisiting the already acquired knowledge and deepen the understanding through more experimental design exploration.
B. Individual Working Sessions on abstract design Topics:
This section aims to expand the student’s understanding of the fundamental principles and their critical thinking by tackling common topics in Design.
C. Group Working Sessions on Final Project:
Students will work on their final Project in small groups of 3-4 ppl.
Each lesson will include a working session (as well as homework) in which students have to apply their learnings practically. There are no restrictions on Media. However, students are encouraged to work with analog and unconventional methods and limit the usage of computers to a minimum.
At the beginning of each session, there will be a ‘Design Crit’, in which each student will present their (home)work to the class. Students will analyze each other's work and share constructive criticism.
Each student will be required to keep a sketchbook, documenting their thoughts and progress throughout the duration of the course.
Grading
Tien Nguyen is a German-Vietnamese Brand Designer based in Ho Chi Minh City. Before relocating to Vietnam he worked as a Designer and Art Director for Double Standards and freelance designer in Berlin, contributing to the creation of visual identities and campaigns for internationally renowned cultural institutions and clients. Prior to pursuing a career in design, Tien graduated in (East Asian) Art History and worked as an artist liaison and communications manager for several prominent art galleries across Germany.
He currently works as a Design Director at Base Design.
See full profileApply for this course
Design Fundamentals 2
by Tien Nguyen
Total hours
45 Hours
Dates
Jan 13 - Jan 31, 2025
Fee for single course
€1500
Fee for degree students
€750
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FAQ
Will I receive a certificate after completion?
Yes. Upon completion of the course, you will receive a certificate signed by the director of the program your course belonged to.
Do I need a visa?
This depends on your case. Please check with the Spanish or Thai consulate in your country of residence about visa requirements. We will do our part to provide you with the necessary documents, such as the Certificate of Enrollment.
Can I get a discount?
Yes. The easiest way to enroll in a course at a discounted price is to register for multiple courses. Registering for multiple courses will reduce the cost per individual course. Please ask the Admissions Office for more information about the other kinds of discounts we offer and what you can do to receive one.