The importance of design

Instruction

The Importance of Design

Over the course of ENG102, you have engaged key critical thinking skills to help you become a more informed observer and reader. You have also engaged the research process to help you join the conversation relating to ideas that you are passionate about. In the twenty-first century, there is an added component relating to both critical, informed engagement and reaching an audience: design. From the printed newspaper to the television, the texts that get the most attention have a sense of audience-centered design.

You must be aware of another factor: there is a lot of information out there! To put this in context, read How Much Data is Generated Each Day from the World Economic Forum.

In order for your point of view to be heard among the many voices out there, you need to stand out. Further, on the job, you may be expected to do a professional presentation or otherwise “package” your contributions to appeal to a wider audience than just your boss.

Some Options for Your Project

Depending on your subject, your technical skill set and other factors, you may choose one of the following options for your project. Don’t be afraid to try something new! Each has related tutorials and tips to guide you through the process.

Commercial/PSA

 allows you to build short, free video slideshows. Since you can add text, music, and images, you can easily craft a commercial-style video (or PSA- Public Service Announcement) to promote your idea. The challenge here is working within these constraints and still evoking your message. If you’d like to use another tool, please email your instructor.

To meet the demands of the assignment, students should choose two contexts and produce two shorts. You could design one commercial to appeal to a sympathetic audience and one to appeal to a resistant audience, or perhaps one that uses ethos and one that uses pathos. You should include an additional page with a description of your purpose as described under the assignment section below.

For help on coming up with some creative ideas for this project, and for learning more “tips,” see the following websites:

1. Planning a Commercial: 
2. Making a PSA: 
3. Using Animoto: 

A sample (Note: While this sample shows one PSA, ENG102 students will need to complete two for full credit): .

Pamphlet or Brochure

You may create a pamphlet or a brochure in which you try to “sell” your idea or opinion on your research subject to someone else. Use persuasive voice and tone, but be brief. Use bullets, visuals, etc., in order to make it visually attractive. A good way to create this is to use Microsoft Publisher or another program that will support the layout and format.

This project should be a minimum of two pages (just as you would see a front and back of a brochure) and a maximum of 4 pages (a brochure with an insert). You should include an additional page with a description of your purpose as described under the assignment section below.

For help on coming up with some creative ideas for this project, and for learning more “tips,” see the following websites:

3. Check out  for more help with understanding the elements of page layout.

A sample (Note: this shows only one side of a brochure): 

Website

While this may sound scary, today’s technology makes it possible to design a website without knowing how to write code. Use Google sites (sites.google.com) or Wix.com to produce a website defining and explaining your topic. Include graphics, links, and information designed to persuade a reader to your point of view.

Your site should be visually appealing and include a minimum of three pages and a maximum of six pages. You should include an additional page with a description of your purpose as described under the assignment section below.

For help on coming up with some creative ideas for this project, and for learning more “tips,” see the following websites:

4. Check out  to understand the role of visuals in web design.

Visual Response

Create a comic (minimum of three, 6-panel spreads), a series of advertisements (minimum of two appealing to different audiences or using a different rhetorical approach), or a short video relating to your issue (maximum length 12 minutes).

For help on coming up with some creative ideas for this project, and for learning more “tips,” see the following websites:

1. For Comics:
2. For Videos:
3. For Advertisements:
4. Multimedia Posters:
•  (This site allows for a 7-day free trial only)