Syllabus for Graphic Design for Games

Grafisk design för spel

  • 7.5 credits
  • Course code: 5SD526
  • Education cycle: First cycle
  • Main field(s) of study and in-depth level: G1N

    Explanation of codes

    The code indicates the education cycle and in-depth level of the course in relation to other courses within the same main field of study according to the requirements for general degrees:

    First cycle

    • G1N: has only upper-secondary level entry requirements
    • G1F: has less than 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
    • G1E: contains specially designed degree project for Higher Education Diploma
    • G2F: has at least 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
    • G2E: has at least 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements, contains degree project for Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science
    • GXX: in-depth level of the course cannot be classified

    Second cycle

    • A1N: has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
    • A1F: has second-cycle course/s as entry requirements
    • A1E: contains degree project for Master of Arts/Master of Science (60 credits)
    • A2E: contains degree project for Master of Arts/Master of Science (120 credits)
    • AXX: in-depth level of the course cannot be classified

  • Grading system: Fail (U), Pass (G), Pass with distinction (VG)
  • Established: 2021-05-26
  • Established by: The Department Board
  • Applies from: Spring 2022
  • Entry requirements: General entry requirements
  • Responsible department: Department of Game Design

Decisions and guidelines

The course falls under the supplemental field of study 'Expression in Convergent Media'.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:

  • Design a simple visual profile for a game and its related product material, taking context such as platform, product identity and target audience into account,
  • Plan the production of a graphic design for use in a game context,
  • Explain the basics of graphic design theory and typography terminology,
  • Perform a simple analysis of the verbal and visual communication of interface designs, and
  • Describe and reflect on their own design process.

Content

The course comprises lectures on the theory around graphic design, how it relates to games, the conditions for designing a visual identity for games.

Students apply the theory in an individual project. The individual project is composed of creating a plan for the production of a visual identity for a game, taking platform, market and target audience into account. Students then design the visual profile for a game according to their plan. The visual profile includes, but is not limited to, typography, GUI elements, and rapid prototyping of the user experience.

Students engage in guidance and mentoring with each other throughout the coursework and assignments.

Instruction

The course is offered both as a campus course, on Campus Gotland, and as an online course. The campus based version of the course has regular taught classes in the form of lectures, seminars and tutoring sessions. The online version of the course is web-based but offers the equivalent learning materials and interaction with teachers and students, online.

For the most part, teaching takes the form of mentoring and guidance of the students' work on assignments and coursework.

Assessment

Examination is based on process documentation, an individual project and a presentation.

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the University's disability coordinator.

Uppsala University does not accept cheating or plagiarism. Suspected incidents of cheating or plagiarism are reported to the Vice-Chancellor, which may issue a formal warning to the student or suspend the student from studies for a certain period.

Other directives

This course completely overlaps and replaces Graphic Design for the Web (5SD005 och 5SD507) at Uppsala University.

Reading list

The reading list is missing. For further information, please contact the responsible department.

Print