Cursos / 1º Ciclo / Faculty of Architecture and Arts :: Design

DESIGN I - 2025/2026

1º curricular year
Semestralidade: annual
ECTS: 32

Teachers

Leading Teacher: Prof. Doutora Raquel Antunes
Assistant Professor: Prof. Doutora Raquel Antunes

Class type and School hours

Teórico-prática : 12 Horas

Teaching Language

Portuguese

Main Aims/Objectives

Build design awareness by expanding students´ theoretical and practical vision of the designer´s future activity;
Know and operationalize the design methodology as a process of rationalization and systematization of the creative act leading to the resolution of problems that aim to improve the life of the human being;
Know and apply the fundamentals of two-dimensional design;
Master the grammar of two-dimensional representation;
Promote research and experimentation.

Specific Aims/Objectives

Promote critical awareness and observation skills;
Communicate through design (reasoning/theories) and explore experimentation;
Develop the ability to synthesize and use research to support knowledge;
Communicate and organize the project with a specific verbal and written language;
Understand terminology and practices with specific design language;
Master the design methodology in the creative process.

Skills to be acquired

To know the differences and affinities between design contexts;
To know and apply (KA) various techniques of expression and visual representation;
KA own languages to develop and communicate ideas and concepts;
To master the ability to organize elements that structure two-dimensional discourse;
KA design grammar languages for developing visual representations;
KA different stages of the design methodology in the process of building an idea.

Teaching Procedures

Reflective analysis and case study research;
Discussion of issues that contextualize problems;
Collection of technical and scientific information, using different sources;
Experimentation and practical application of contents using different proposals;
Accompanied Study/Tutorial Orientation;
Carrying out study visits, open classes and partnerships with local entities.
Resource to the Moodle and M.Teams platform.

Programme

NTRODUCTION AND FUNDAMENTALS OF DESIGN
Exploring the world of communication and design.
Design terminology and themes for formulating critical, analytical,
systemic and reflective thinking.
Visual thinking and narrative in Design.
The point as a geometric coordinate, sign and visual mark.
The line in its typologies, rhythms and densities, relationship, identification and typology.
The plane as a visual element.
The line as an element of synthesis and calligraphic line.
Introduction to typography: body, size, visual variants, interline, alignment, spacing.
Colour as a communication element: colour system, colour scheme, symbolism and meaning.
Experimental exercises with different variations in size, scale, thickness, shape, rhythm, texture, colour and contrast.

DESIGN METHODOLOGY AND PRINCIPLES
The different design methodologies and their application.
Creativity and innovation in design.
Design grammar as an essential element for communication.
Design principles: grid, balance, contrast, movement, repetition, hierarchy, white space, proportion, proximity and emphasis.
Analysing case studies applied to design.
Experimental exercises with different variations on two-dimensional representations.
Dossier and descriptive memory of a project.
Application and development of design methodology.

COMMUNICATION AND DESIGN
Editorial design: supports and layout.
Identity design: brand, logo and identity manual.
Communication design: posters and social media.
Surface design: module/pattern.
Development and analytical reflections on projects in the field of communication and design.
The communication medium and support, production and make-up

The main themes of the academic year will constitute four theoretical-practical work proposals (P):
P1. FUNDAMENTALS OF DESIGN
Exploring the use of the point as a geometric coordinate, sign and visual mark.
Explore the use of the line as a differentiated form of communication.
Exploratory exercises with different variations in size, scale, thickness, shape, rhythm, colour and contrast, using graphic registers of two- and three-dimensional materials.

P2. EDITORIAL DESIGN
Application of physical and digital formats.
Exploring and manipulating the different elements of design: grid, alignment, framing, balance, drawing, illustration, photography, colour, typography, visual hierarchies and variants, aesthetics, layout, organisation and visual communication of content.

P3. IDENTITY DESIGN
This work proposal comprises two distinct but complementary phases:
Exploring bi-media language (iconic and typographic), which organises the expressive relationship between image and text, to communicate a brand on different physical and digital media.

P4. POSTER DESIGN
Explore the interconnection between the different fields of design, image and typography to communicate messages in large format (poster), with a high level of informative and formal synthesis.
Explore the repetition of an image/design through different processes, based on the concepts of rapport, module and grid, with theoretical and practical application exercises.
Experiment and communicate results in different functions, applied to different materials and formats.

Evaluation Type

The evaluation will be carried out in accordance with Reg. General Assessment as well as the Exceptional Continuous Assessment (CA) Regime Universidade Lusíada. From the CA criteria, in addition to attendance, participation and commitment in classes, the evaluation will focus mainly on the process, execution, presentation and support of the four work proposals, with previously defined criteria, objectives and competences. The Final Assessment includes the CA grade and two Tests of Frequency.

Teaching Resources

Materials: Books, magazines, supporting texts, articles and scientific research, viewing of videos and websites in digital format.
Classroom: projector, whiteboard, markers and light table.
Internet: Microsoft Teams platform and Moodle platform
Study visits and other events.

Sustainability Objectives

STRONG
SDG 4 – Quality Education
SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities
SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production
MODERATE
SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being
SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
SDG 13 - Climate Action
SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals

Keywords

Design.
Methodology.
Creativity.
Communication.
Brand.
Poster.

Main Bibliography

Complementary Bibliography