-
Presentation
Presentation
The Design Futures I module aims to promote the creation of visual narratives, bringing together the fundamentals of visual communication, the language of images, the psychology of form and motion design. Taking a reflective approach, students develop skills in analysing, conceptualising and representing an identity through different visual languages, exploring processes of meaning-making, composition, abstraction and animation. The use of digital motion design tools enables students to engage in hands-on learning, allowing them to transform concepts and narratives into audiovisual artefacts, thereby strengthening their ability to communicate ideas in a creative and well-reasoned manner.
-
Class from course
Class from course
-
Degree | Semesters | ECTS
Degree | Semesters | ECTS
Bachelor | Semestral | 4
-
Year | Nature | Language
Year | Nature | Language
2 | Mandatory | Português
-
Code
Code
ULHT93-27146
-
Prerequisites and corequisites
Prerequisites and corequisites
Not applicable
-
Professional Internship
Professional Internship
Não
-
Syllabus
Syllabus
1. Autobiographical narrative Narration and narrative. Signified and signifier. Retrospective and prospective. Communication processes: Context | Objectives | Actions Image planes and points of view. Practical project: Development of an autobiographical visual narrative using images 2. Abstract narrative Psychology of Form Principles of visual language and graphic abstraction Practical project: Transposing the previous narrative into an abstract stop-motion narrative. 3. Introduction to Motion Design Fundamentals of motion design. Introduction to Adobe After Effects. Basic principles of animation. 4. Final project Development of an abstract narrative in motion design. Integration of the principles of narrative, composition and animation.
-
Objectives
Objectives
By the end of the module, students should be able to: Understand the fundamental principles of visual storytelling and communication through images. Apply concepts of meaning, narrative and identity to the development of visual projects. Use principles of the Psychology of Form and Gestalt Theory in the construction of visual compositions. Explore processes of abstraction and formal organisation as tools for communication. Develop visual narratives using motion design. Use Adobe After Effects to produce digital animations. Communicate personal concepts through coherent and well-founded visual solutions.
-
Teaching methodologies
Teaching methodologies
The curricular unit prioritises active learning methodologies, combining lectures, analysis of reference materials, formal experimentation and the progressive development of projects within an autobiographical context that fosters empathy and identification with the theme(s). Students are encouraged to explore different creative processes through project-based learning, using analogue and digital techniques to develop visual narratives. Ongoing support, critical reflection and formative feedback promote autonomy, the capacity for experimentation and the consolidation of technical and conceptual skills.
-
References
References
Adams, S., & Stone, T. (2017). The Complete Graphic Designer: A Guide to Understanding Graphics and Visual Communication. Rockport Publishers. Lupton, E. (2017). Design Is Storytelling. Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum. Rutledge, A. (2018). The Designer's Guide to Gestalt Psychology. Rockport Publishers. Shaw, A. (2020). Design for motion: Fundamentals and techniques of motion design (2nd ed.). Routledge. Soares, L., Aparo, E., & Almendra, R. (2025). Storytelling in design: In digital age cultural show travels on network. In Springer Series in Design and Innovation (Vol. 48, pp. 443-453). Springer.
-
Assessment
Assessment
A avaliação é contínua e centra-se no desenvolvimento progressivo de um projeto de narrativa visual, estruturado em duas fases complementares.
Instrumentos de avaliação:
- Narrativa autobiográfica e narrativa abstrata - 50%
- Introdução ao After Effects e desenvolvimento da narrativa em Motion Design - 50%
Parâmetros de avaliação:
- Qualidade conceptual e coerência da narrativa;
- Aplicação dos princípios de comunicação visual, composição e animação;
- Integração dos conhecimentos teóricos e técnicos;
- Criatividade, experimentação e capacidade de reflexão crítica;
- Qualidade técnica e comunicacional da apresentação final.
------------
Assessment is continuous and focuses on the progressive development of a visual narrative project, structured in two complementary phases.
Assessment criteria:
- Autobiographical narrative and abstract narrative - 50%
- Introduction to After Effects and development of the narrative using motion design - 50%
Assessment criteria:
- Conceptual quality and coherence of the narrative;
- Application of the principles of visual communication, composition and animation;
- Integration of theoretical and technical knowledge;
- Creativity, experimentation and critical thinking;
- Technical and communicative quality of the final presentation.
-
Mobility
Mobility
Yes
