Main Components of Media Communication Design in Details (Essay Sample)

Main Components of Media Communication Design in Details
Introduction
Communication design is a discipline that combines design and development of communication and is usually concerned with how intermission by various media such as electronic media communicate with individuals. Carey (2008) stated that communication design is not only concerned with the development of the message but also with appropriate media channels that will ensure that the developed message reaches the intended audience.
Media communication design is divided into various components. These are graphic design and communication design. Each of these components plays an important role in the development and movement of the message to the intended audience. Graphic design is made up of text layout and images that are used in evoking senses and transmission of messages. Harrison et al. (2010,p. 700-708) Graphics used in Media communication design are usually properly designed using the best elements of designing in order to capture the attention of the audience and also help communicate to the audience the right message. It is used in the enhancement of the process of communication and promotion of better understanding for the developed message.
Main components of media communication design in details
As stated earlier, media communication design is made up of various components including:
Graphics. Graphics can be defined as visual presentations that can be displayed on various surfaces such as walls, paper or a screen of a computer. They are basically used in entertaining, informing and, exemplifying individuals. It usually includes conscious creation, arrangement and alignment of illustrations, pictures, color and text. Notable examples of graphics include: posters, photographs, logos and charts. Communication. Communication can be defined as the process through which information is moved from a sender to the intended recipient through a medium or channel. It can also be stated as process of attempting to create a mutual understanding by conveying meaning.
Communication can either be verbal or non-verbal. Verbal communication can be in the form of speaking and singing while non-verbal communication can be in form of body language, eye contact and facial expressions. Arias et al(1997,p.1-12) stated that all the parties involved in the communication process must have a common understanding to enable good and perfect flow of the communication process.
Visual communication. This is a combination of graphics and communication.it is basically a process of communication that uses visual aids in the delivery of information and ideas in a visual form.it id usually used in putting across concepts, data and even emotions. This form of communication is involved in the exploration of the power to teach and inform an individual via a visual message. It is usually associated with images which are two dimensional including: drawing, illustration, signs, color and topography.
Graphic Design. Graphic design can be defined as the process of communication that uses visual features, that is graphics and text in conveying a message to the intended audience.it is involves collaboration between the graphic designer and the client. Modern day designers use computer software in designing their illustrations. Graphic design is actually considered to be part of media communication due to the fact that it is involved in one way or another in conveying messages to the intended audience. Martinec and Van (2009) stated that graphic design is a very subjective in nature such that it is only the audience that can determine and evaluate whether it is perfect or not depending on their artistic preferences.
Communication Design: this is a mixture of development of information and design.it is basically concerned with how the media communicate with individuals.it combines creation of aesthetic messages and purposeful information that can meet the needs of the intended audience. The main target of communication design is to create messages that attract attention, encourage and instill desires in people thorough the use of design. It also create s mechanism, through which the individuals can respond to the conveyed messages.
Elements, Skills and Tools for Graphic and communication Design
Brereton and McGarry (2000, p. 217-224) stated that Graphic design elements are usually used with communication designs in media communication design. The following are the graphic and communication designs that are commonly used:
Shapes. These are root source of designing as they are used in creation of layouts, patterns and other complex shapes. Ishimaru (1978, p. pp. 336-393) stated that alteration and experimentation of shapes with a certain design eventually leads to the effect desired by the designer.
Lines. These are used in division of space, creation of forms and direction of vision. For instance, straight lines are employed in the designing of newspapers whereby they are used in the layout to separate the contents of the newspaper. The use of the grid system assists in the achievement of a consistent feel and look. This also helps in creation of successful web and print layouts.
Color. This is used in making a particular text or image stand out or facilitate evoking of emotions. Color is thus an important component in creation of appealing media communication design.
Typography. This entails the font, alignment, size, spacing and color used in the media design.
Art, Illustration and Photography. Stahl (2006) stated that a powerful image can either make a design or break it.Use of artwork, illustrations and photographs creates a powerful simulation for the designs and are usually used in telling stories, supporting ideas and grabbing the attention of the audience. This shows how important selection of image is important in media communication design. Designers are usually in a position to create their own images.