SUNY Erie Visual Communications Program Color Theory Module
Challenge
In the Fall of 2020, the Visual Communications Technology; Graphic Arts, and Printing program at SUNY Erie was forced to transition to an online format. Classes that focused on the visual arts and print production, normally taught in a traditional classroom, now had to be converted to e-learning modules, using a variety of digital platforms such as Webex conferencing the Blackboard LMS.
Understanding basic color theory is essential for anyone working in the graphics industry. Because SUNY Erie’s programs offer training in design and production, students must have a solid technical grasp of color to achieve the desired outcome.
Most available color e-learning lessons failed to include lessons on color theory that were applicable for both aesthetic design and print production. A single all-encompassing lesson had to de developed for students in the program that could be delivered on the school’s Blackboard Learning LMS.
Solution
The color theory class is a one-week lesson in a series of studies as part of an online 15-week introductory graphic design course. This color theory class is delivered asynchronously online on the LMS platform Blackboard. The class content is delivered through various media that include instructor-written lessons, YouTube and LinkedIn Learning videos, and articles and blogs written by professional designers. The color class comprises basic instruction in using color as it pertains to graphic design.
Subjects covered in this lesson include the color wheel, color schemes, additive and subtractive color, CMYK, Pantone, and electronic color, as well as the relativity and psychology of color. This color theory lesson is also integrated into a larger five-week logo design project assigned later in the semester. As part of this logo design project, students are also summatively assessed when they must build several color scheme options in Adobe Color for a logo they designed.
Featured below are several elements that are part of the Color Theory e-learning module delivered on SUNY Erie’s Blackboard Learning platform. Prominently featured is a prototype lesson on the color wheel, built using Articulate Storyline 360.
Design Document
Complete Instructional Design Document outlining the week’s lesson in color theory including a goal analysis, a task analysis, performance objectives, content outline, assessment strategy, and course evaluation.
UX Prototype
UX prototype built using Adobe XD that outlines the basic visual look for a lesson on color theory built in Articulate Storyline 360.
Storyboard
Storyboard that outlines the visual look, navigation, animation, and narration for a lesson on color theory built in Articulate Storyline 360.
Storyline Prototype
Storyline 360 prototype that will be incorporated within the school’s LMS. This lesson covers the basics of color theory, using the online color picker Adobe Color, and formative assessment through a short assignment on choosing colors for a logo.
Storyline Infographic Job Aid
Job aid poster featuring the basics of color theory and the color wheel.
Animation
Short animation outlining the principles of primary, secondary, and tertiary color. Also included are the tints, shades, and value of color.
Summative Assessment Through A Blackboard Learning Assignment
The students will use Adobe Color, an online tool used by many professional graphic designers to experiment with, create, and share different color schemes. Students are asked to create color palettes in Adobe Color using three different color rule models, complementary, triadic, and monochromatic. When the student has completed creating their color palettes, they will save them to their Adobe Cloud account and submit a screenshot of each color combination to the instructor for an authentic assessment. Although this assignment requires a small amount of creativity, the results of this task are very objective and students are expected to create correctly developed color schemes with 100% accuracy.