San Diego State University School of Art + Design

A RT 454:
E N V I RO N M E N TA L
G RA P H I C D E S I G N
Fall 2016
Tuesday + Thursday 3:30-6:10pm
Classroom / Lab 316

I N S T R U CTO R Chris McCampbell

Office Hours Tuesday + Thursday after 6:10pm by appointment only

Telephone 619-594-6511 (School of Art, Design and Art History office)
E-mail cmccampbell@mail.sdsu.edu

CO U R S E D E S C R I P T I O N

Environmental graphic design is a specialized professional practice in the field of graphic

design. It is highly multi-disciplinary, involving many other practices related to architecture,
interior design, construction, and more recently, user experience (UX) and interaction (UI) design.

Identification and communication systems applied to interior

and exterior environments, developed to enhance the visitor
experience, connect people to place, and reinforce a visual identity.
This is a studio course that will consist of readings, field & user research (you will be
required to visit and document sites outside of class, as well as conduct interviews with
users and stake holders), class discussions, and development of graphic design projects to
conceptualize, plan, and design experiences that connect people to place.

CO U R S E G O A L S

> Understand the different areas of environmental graphic design and how it relates to other
disciplines including graphic design, information design, architecture, interior design, and
user experience and interaction design.

> Articulate design concepts through formal writing and verbal presentation using
terminology related to environmental graphic design project planning and implementation.

> Utilize background research on geography, cultural anthropology, demographics,

urban design, and architecture to develop design concepts.

> Develop strategies and apply principles of design that translate design goals into visual
communication solutions that connect people to place.

> Research and understand the main fabrication processes, technologies, and materials
involved in the implementation of environmental design projects and create detailed
construction documentation that illustrate this knowledge.

P R E R E Q U I S I T E S (2016 / 2017 CATA LO G)

Prerequisites: Grade of C (2.0) or better in Art 341, 342A, 345 (highly recommended). Computer
proficiency required with working knowledge of vector graphics and page layout software
consistent with current industry standards. Concurrent enrollment in any prerequisite classes
may not be accepted.

1 McCampbell / Syllabus / Fall 2016

Art 454 Environmental Graphic Design
 Proof of Completion of Prerequisites: When asked you must hand-in, as proof of completion
of prerequisites, a copy of your transcript no later than the second class of the semester.
Highlight your name, Red ID, major, catalog year, and prerequisite classes with grade earned.
If you are working out of an earlier catalog year, make copies of the course descriptions and
prerequisites and turn in along with your transcript. Preregistered students unable to show
proof of prerequisites may be dropped from the class.

I M P O RTA N T D U E D AT E S *

August 15 PROJECT 1: ICONIC CITY INVESTIGATION

Deliverable: Presentation and written summary posted to Blackboard
December 15 PROJECT 2: COLLEGE AREA WAYFINDING
Deliverable: Design Intent Documentation (printed booklet & digital files)
December 1 PROJECT 3: LEMON GROVE WALL MURALS
Deliverable: Design Documentation (digital files), Scaled Mock-up
December 15 FINALS DAY (Mandatory Attendance)
Deliver Project 2, Final Presentations
REQUIRED OFF-CAMPUS ACTIVITIES
November 9 Shop Tour at CNP Signs
December 3 Lemon Grove Festival (more details to follow)
TBD Local Design Industry Event (must attend at least one, upcoming events announced in class)

W E E K LY C LA S S S C H E D U L E *

W1: 8/30, 9/1 COURSE INTRODUCTION: What is EGD?, review SEGD website
Quickfire Exercise: Personal Landmarks
START PROJECT 1: Review handout
W2: 9/6, 8 Read/Discuss: “How to Design Happiness”
P1-Phase One: Pecha-kucha examples / Discuss initial findings / define theme
P1-Phase Two: Curate photographic research and interpretations for presentation
W3: 9/13, 15 PROJECT 1 DUE AUG. 13: In-class Presentations
START PROJECT 2: Review project handout / project site / examples
Watch Film: “Sign Painters”
W4: 9/20, 22 Read/Discuss: WF Handbook 1.1–1.3: The Discipline
P2-Phase One: Research & Analysis
W5: 9/27, 29 Read/Discuss: WF Handbook 2.1–2.2: Planning & Strategy
P2-Phase One: Research & Analysis, Begin Concept Sketches
Quickfire Exercise: Cognitive Mapping
W6: 10/4, 6 Read/Discuss: WF Handbook 2.3–2.4: Sign Types
P2-Phase One: Refine concepts
P2-Phase One Presentation & Critique
W7: 10/11, 13 Read/Discuss: WF Handbook 3.1–3.3: Branding & Visual Elements
P2-Phase Two: Design Development
SHOP TOUR OCT. 13: CNP Signs
W8: 10/18, 20 Read/Discuss: WF Handbook 3.4–3.6: Sign Forms & Materials
P2-Phase Two: Design Development
P2-Phase Two Presentation & Critique
W9: 10/25, 27 START PROJECT 3: Review project handout / project site / examples
P3-Phase One: Research & Analysis, Begin sketching
Watch Film: “Urbanized”
W10: 11/1, 3 Read/Discuss: “Beyond Zuccotti Park”
P3-Phase One Presentation & Critique
P3-Phase Two: Concept Sketches, Development
P2-Present Project 2 development to CACC
W11: 11/8, 9 P3-Phase Two: Visual Development
W12: 11/15, 17 P3-Phase Two Presentation & Critique

2 McCampbell / Syllabus / Fall 2016

Art 454 Environmental Graphic Design
 P3-Phase Two: Scaled Mock-up
W13: 11/22, 24 P3-Phase Two: Visual Development, Scaled Mock-up
THANKSGIVING NOV. 24: NO CLASSES
W14: 11/29, 12/1 PROJECT 3 DUE DEC. 1: Present final designs and turn in Scaled Mock-up
CONTINUE PROJECT 2-Phase Three: Design Intent Documentation
W15: 12/6, 8 Read/Discuss: WF Handbook 4.3–4.4: Documentation
P2-Phase Three: Design Intent Documentation
Guest Speaker: TBD
W16: 12/13 P2-Phase Three: Design Intent Documentation
FINAL: 12/15 PROJECT 2 DUE DEC. 15: Presentations, upload deliverables to Blackboard
1:00–3:00pm FINAL PRESENTATIONS in 316

* The instructor reserves the right to modify the schedule at his/her discretion according to need.

E VA L U AT I O N C R I T E R I A

All class assignments will be evaluated on the following grading scale, which is based on
SDSU grading guidelines:

A Outstanding achievement, professional-grade, only for the highest accomplishment

B Praiseworthy performance, confident in your decisions, definitely above average
C Average, comfortable with your skills, satisfactory performance, most common
D Minimally passing, reconsider your efforts, less than typical undergraduate effort
F Failing, serious lack of effort and/or incomplete

D E S I G N G RA D I N G C R I T E R I A

10% Participation in Group Critiques, Quick Fires, Discussions, and Readings

Attendance: 2 excused absences allowed before grade drops
15% Project 1 - Iconic City Investigation
45% Project 2 - College Area Wayfinding
30% Project 3 - Lemon Grove Wall Murals

> Execution of assignment, following the instructions on the handout and given in-class.
> Demonstrated understanding and accomplishment in solving project goals.
> Creation of visually strong forms displaying focus, clarity, originality, and vitality.
> Process and documentation displaying quality, diversity, and risk-taking in discovery of ideas.
> Presentation of work, professionalism, motivation, enthusiasm, and craftsmanship.
> Engagement and participation in critiques and other discussions in class.

* RE-DO’s FOR GRADE RE-SUBMISSION ARE NOT ACCEPTED

* LATE PROJECTS: Every day a project is late, will drop half a grade. Example: B drops to B-

C R I T I Q U E S A N D F E E D-B AC K

Group critiques will be the primary opportunity to receive feedback during this class. Critiques
are valuable not only to the presenter, but also to the class as you all learn from one another.
A large part of your Participation grade relies on your participation in critiques:

1. Present the work required (number of sketches, size, format, type of print).
2. Share questions and concerns about your own work with the rest of the class.
3. Voluntarily engage and comment on other students’ work in a analytical way.
4. Take notes on what is suggested about your work.
5. Interpret the feed-back given to other students as it applies to your own work.

Be sure to take detailed notes during critiques. You are encouraged to rely on partner
feedback to catch-up on information you might have missed in group critiques.

3 McCampbell / Syllabus / Fall 2016

Art 454 Environmental Graphic Design
 Feedback via email / PDF will only be provided when, for time limitations, a student doesn’t
receive feedback during class (in group or individual).

C RA F T S M A N S H I P

Graphic design is an applied art. In order to excel you must learn how to present your work in
immaculate condition. Your craftsmanship will be considered in your grade at all times.

Craftsmanship also applies to the digital media you will use to produce your work. Proper
workflow is as important as the work you generate. The following will also be considered in
your final grading:

> Proper file organization and file naming (lastname_ART454_semester_project.ext)

> Maintaining initial sketches and concept files
> Building clean files and using proper application workflow
> Including fonts and proper links to placed images

All work must also be submitted properly, using the protocol requested in class. This may
include uploading to the class server, Blackboard, or email. If you have difficulty with any of
these methods, you must consult me PRIOR to the project deadline.

BACK UP YOUR WORK REGULARLY! Lost or damaged files are not an excuse for missing a
critique or a deadline.

You are responsible for solving cross-platform (Mac/PC) and application conflicts when you
work on computers other than the graphic design labs.

AT T E N D A N C E A N D TA R D I N E S S

AT TENDANCE IS REQUIRED. EXCUSED ABSENCES DURING THE TERM ARE NOT TO

EXCEED TWO. THREE TARDIES EQUAL ONE ABSENCE.

Tardiness is defined as being late for class or departing before class is formally dismissed.
Attendance will be recorded at the beginning of the class, as well as participation in critiques
(see above). It is your responsibility to let me know that you need to be marked late and not
absent when you come in after roll is taken.

You will have the chance to make-up for one absence by completing extra-credit assignments,
attending one of the events or exhibitions suggested during the semester. Proof of attendance
will be required.

If you miss class it is your responsibility to get notes and assignments from other students.
Absences are not an excuse for late assignments, in-class projects or final critiques. All
assignments, handouts, and announcement are available on Blackboard.

Some participation is recorded through non-measurable criteria such as enthusiasm,

growth, curiosity, commitment, and contributions to class during critiques. Critiques, reading
discussions, and attendance to outside events are the main opportunity to show participation.

C LA S S P O L I C I E S

Department Crashing Policy: Crashers are admitted according to SDSU’s new Wait List policy.
Adding students beyond the seat limit is at the discretion of the instructor.

Preregistered No-Shows: If a student does not show up for the first class and is not in class at
the beginning of the second class, the student will be dropped from the course.

In-class protocol: It is unacceptable to study for other classes or to work on assignments

for other courses during class. No lewd language or imagery in work or during critiques. No
e-mail, instant messaging and other forms of electronic communication while in class

Portable communication devices and laptops: All portable communication devices must
be turned off during class. They disrupt your focus and interrupt activity going on in the
classroom. If you need special consideration, please submit a written request.

Wellness protocol: If you are ill, and especially if you are contagious, stay home and get well.
E-mail the instructor in case of absence due to illness.

4 McCampbell / Syllabus / Fall 2016

Art 454 Environmental Graphic Design
 Incompletes: An incomplete will not be granted automatically and will only be granted under
the severest of circumstances. Be realistic about your schedule. If you cannot handle the work
load, adjust your schedule to what you are able to manage.

Plagiarism: The SDSU Academic Integrity Policy is enforced. If you are unclear on what
constitutes cheating or plagiarism, please see me. Required class assignments must be
solely your own work, including all analysis and writing. If you use any text or concepts from
published literature, you must cite these sources.

CO U R S E M AT E R I A L S A N D E Q U I P M E N T (REQUIRED)

> Gibson, David. The Wayfinding Handbook: Information Design for Public Places. Princeton
Architectural Press, 2009. ISBN 1568987692
> Basic drafting equipment (rulers, x-acto knives, paper, pens & pencils, etc.)
> High Megapixel Digital Camera
> Portable hard drive *** Flash drives are not stable backup

Class Communication: Each student is required to obtain a proper e-mail address to ensure
regular communication with the instructor. Your e-mail address must be registered correctly
through Blackboard, as all communication for the course will be transmitted through
Blackboard, including grades and other course documents.

Printing: Black-and-white (laser) and color (ink jet) output will be required throughout the
course. Make sure that you have a budget for this or that you buy your own color printer.

Lab Session: Our computer labs have all the required programs for use in class and during
open lab hours, as well as a type library. Free B+W printing will be available only during class/
lab hours only for assignments due at the end of the class or to evaluate results during the
same session.

Lab Equipment: Any equipment signed-out by a student for use during lab time is the
student’s responsibility to return to the instructor at the end of class. The equipment must be
returned in the same condition as it was lent. Students must conform to SDSU’s Acceptable
Use Policy while using campus equipment.

W O R K D O C U M E N TAT I O N

Documentation of your work may be used by SDSU; the School of Art, Design, and Art History;
or by the instructor in printed documents, as part of an exhibition, or presentation. You must
state in written form if you object to this happening.

S P E C I A L ACCO M M O D AT I O N S

If you are a student with a disability and believe you will need accommodations for this
class, it is your responsibility to contact Student Disability Services at (619) 594-6473. To
avoid any delay in the receipt of your accommodations, you should contact Student Disability
Services as soon as possible. Please note that accommodations are not retroactive, and that
accommodations based upon disability cannot be provided until you have presented your
instructor with an accommodation letter from Student Disability Services. Your cooperation is
appreciated.

5 McCampbell / Syllabus / Fall 2016

Art 454 Environmental Graphic Design
S U G G E S T E D B I B L I O G RA P H Y

Berger Craig M., Skolnick, Lee, Lorenc, Jan. What is Exhibition Design? RotoVision, 2007.
ISBN 2940361665

Calori, Chris. Signage and Wayfinding Design: A Complete Guide to Creating Environmental
Graphic Design Systems, 2nd Edition. Wiley, 2015. ISBN 1118692993

Gibson, David. The Wayfinding Handbook: Information Design for Public Places. Princeton
Architectural Press, 2009. ISBN 1568987692

Hora, Mies. Official Signs and Icons, second edition. 2005. ISBN 0976951304

Hunt, Wayne. Environmental Graphics. Collins Design, 2004. ISBN 0060548444

Lynch, Kevin. The Image of the City. MIT Press, 1960. ISBN 0262620014

Mollerup, Per. Wayshowing > Wayfinding: Basic & Interactive. BIS Publishers, 2013.
ISBN 9063693230

Poulin, Richard. Graphic Design and Architecture, A 20th Century History: A Guide to Type, Image,
Symbol, and Visual Storytelling in the Modern World. 2012.
ISBN 1592537790

Tufte, Edward R. Envisioning Information. Graphics Press, 1990. ISBN 0961392118

Venturi, Robert, Izenour, Steven, Brown, Denise Scott. Learning from Las Vegas - Revised Edition:
The Forgotten Symbolism of Architectural Form. MIT Press, 1977. ISBN 026272006X

Additional readings will be available on Blackboard or on-line.

IT WILL BE YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO PRINT THOSE MATERIALS IF YOU CHOOSE.

6 McCampbell / Syllabus / Fall 2016

Art 454 Environmental Graphic Design