Topics
The primary aim of the basic studies for design with digital media is to create a understanding for the medium computer by taking a look at various aspects. Working on exercises about topics like typography on the computer, the conception of virtual spaces, open processes or synesthetic experiments make the students acquainted with the basic knowledge.
Typography
Computer typography serves as a first step into designing with the computer. There is a focus on the differences between typography on the computer which features reactivity, interactivity, dynamics, etc. and printed or linearly animated typography. The starting point is a freely chosen short piece of text. Then concepts are developed based on the content of this text.
Virtual Space
The projection of three-dimensional data on a two-dimensional plane, the screen invokes some sort of spatial impression. This virtual space is not just limited to the simulation of "real" space but also holds the potential to extend it. The limitations of virtual space are made up by new means of design like the free definition of centers of gravity or light sources. Virtual space can serve as a starting point of novel three-dimensional dynamic information graphics or spatial navigation applications.
Process
With the possibility to compute information in realtime and to react on the behavior of a person the computer provokes new dramaturgical paradigms. Computer games in particular quickly loose attraction if they are structured linearly like movies and degrade the computer to some better sort of video player offering people only to pause and continue a course of events. Computer games revenge quickly with boredom when they are inappropriately concepted like linear movies which is why they are the perfect training ground for designing non-linear open processes in which the audience is involved actively.
Sound
Regardless whether data is of acoustic, visual or tactile origin computers always process them the same way: as numbers. First this multimedia quality opens the door to a wide range of abilities of expression and then there is also the possibility to elegantly cross these different ways of perception. Synesthetic art and design enters a new level.
Images
Links
http://grundlagen.digital.udk-berlin.de/
Faculty
Ralph AmmerStudents
Christoph KoeberlinMarkus Lerner
Jakob Schillinger
Michael Schmitz
Andre Stubbe
Richard The