​​Design Criticism Schedule

​​The schedule is subject to change. This page will updated with the most current due dates and assignments.

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​​9.09 Course Introduction
​​Read: What writing has to do with design, Writing is the new unicorn skill, Writing is Design, Too, If You are Writing an Essay or a Thesis, Why Write About Graphic Design? and listen to Seth Godin’s podcast No such thing (as writer’s block)
​​Assignment: Write “100 Words on Design” essay
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​​9.11 
​​100 Words presentation and discussion; break into groups for reading discussion
​​Lecture: Design is Writing
​​Read: The Shape of Design (p. IX–34) (Download PDF)
​​Assignment: write “Why I am a Designer” essay
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​​9.16 
​​Finish Design is Writing lecture
​​Break into groups to discuss writing and reading
​​Lecture: Design Criticism
​​Read: TSD (p. 35–57), Criticism = Love, How to Take Criticism
​​Assignment: bring in design piece that inspires you
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​​9.18 
​​Reading discussion
​​Read: TSD (p. 60–89), What Do We Want from Design Criticism?, Graphic Design Criticism as a Spectator Sport
​​Assignment: write Message, Tone and Format essay
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​​9.23 
​​Message, Tone and Format essay due
​​Reading discussion
​​Lecture: Thoughts on Brands
​​Read: TSD (p. 90–99) and Brand New reviews
​​Assignment: write Brand Review (due 9.30)
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​​9.25 
​​Watch Brian Collins talk
​​Look at branding studios
​​Reading discussion
​​Read: How to Redesign a Tech Logo, Instagram’s Abomination (3 Parts) 
​​Assignment: continue work on Brand Review
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​​9.30 
​​Brand Review assignment due
​​Discuss Design&™ and choose topic
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​​10.02 
​​Watch Nerdwriter’s Nighthawks video essay
​​Meet in small groups to discuss essays
​​Meet individually
​​Read: Gail Bichler on The Great Discontent and Writing, Briefly
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​​10.07