Communication Design

Hi Pratishtha,
A programme thats well-established at design schools in the US and Europe, Communication Design is gaining prominence at Indian design institutes because of the vast job scope. So, what does this area of design involve? Just as fashion designers use textiles as raw material to create clothes, Communication Designers use images, visuals and video as raw materials, to communicate ideas, advertise and promote products or services.
For instance, companies look for a logo that will be etched in the memories of consumers forever. Think Apple, Nike or even the Olympics. Known as brand identity, this is an upcoming area in India, which needs professionals with design skills and strategic thinking, a combination that Communication Design programmes aim to create.
Industry snapshot
~ Brand identity: Creating logos, pictograms, fonts and systems used by companies and organizations. It can also be applied to events or concepts.
~ Campaigns: Spanning all media platforms for commercial and social purposes TV, posters, flyers, interaction capsules, social media, print ads, direct mailers, newsletters, campaigns can be for the purpose of advertising or social development campaigns.
~ SFX industry: An up and coming area, theres a demand for technically savvy and creatively-minded individuals. Since the industry is in its infancy, this is the best time to break in!
~ e-learning design: Storyboards and interactivity are important elements in this field, which is growing in scope as e-learning becomes more popular.
~ Print publishing: Magazines, books and newspapers.
~ Packaging design: Enhancing the look of consumer products.
~ Broadcast design: Opening/closing credits, tickers and other aspects of films and TV programming.
~ User interface design: Typically, any product or service, where interactivity is an important feature, uses the support of good communication design. This includes design of retail spaces, websites, social media sites, computer & mobile interfaces, software applications, exhibition spaces, to name a few. For instance, in website design an understanding of information architecture is a must.
~ Event design: Conceptualizing the look and feel of exhibitions, events and conferences. Event management firm or be a professional.
~ Signage and way-finding systems: Signboards and pictograms for road networks, metro systems, malls, airports, company premises, parking lots and other public spaces like museums.
All the best.

Hi,
A programme thats well-established at design schools in the US and Europe, Communication Design is gaining prominence at Indian design institutes because of the vast job scope. So, what does this area of design involve? Just as fashion designers use textiles as raw material to create clothes, Communication Designers use images, visuals and video as raw materials, to communicate ideas, advertise and promote products or services.
For instance, companies look for a logo that will be etched in the memories of consumers forever. Think Apple, Nike or even the Olympics. Known as brand identity, this is an upcoming area in India, which needs professionals with design skills and strategic thinking, a combination that Communication Design programmes aim to create.
According to advertising veteran Ravi Deshpande, design houses and design arms of ad agencies both work in the area of brand identity and need skilled people. But this is just one area where Communication Designers can be absorbed, and there are several more. This scenario prompted Ravi to bring French design school cole intuit.Lab to India. Unlike other design schools it primarily focuses on graphic and visual communication design.

A communication designer is responsible for creating design solutions that have a high visual impact. The role involves listening to clients and understanding their needs before making design decisions. Their designs are required for a wide variety of products and activities, such as websites, advertising, posters, computer games, books, magazines, product packaging, exhibitions and displays, corporate communications and corporate identity.
A communication designer works to a brief agreed with the client, creative director or account manager. They develop creative ideas and concepts, choosing the appropriate media and style to meet the client's objectives. The work demands creativity, up-to-date knowledge of industry software and a professional approach to time, costs and deadlines.
Progression from a junior designer is possible within two to three years, with the first few jobs acting as stepping stones. At this stage, developing a reputation, networking and making contacts are important.
Successful designers can apply for a senior designer post after three to five years. In large design partnerships, it may be possible to achieve promotion from designer to management positions, such as studio manager or creative director. In general, career development depends on frequent job movement to widen your experience and develop your portfolio.

Hello Zuha,
A communication designer is responsible for creating design solutions that have a high visual impact. The role involves listening to clients and understanding their needs before making design decisions. Their designs are required for a wide variety of products and activities such as websites, advertising, books, magazines, posters, computer games, product packaging, exhibitions and displays, corporate communications and corporate identity.
A communication designer develops creative ideas and concepts, choosing the appropriate media and style to meet the client's objectives. The work demands creative flair, up-to-date knowledge of industry software and a professional approach to time, costs and deadlines.
Progression from a junior designer is possible within two to three years, with the first few jobs acting as stepping stones. At this stage, developing a reputation, networking and making contacts are important.
Successful designers can apply for a senior designer post after three to five years. In large design partnerships, you can achieve promotion from designer to management positions, such as studio manager or creative director. In general, career development depends on frequent job movement to widen your experience and developing your portfolio. Successful designers have to think strategically about career moves and consider the development opportunities within each role.