Communication Design Course

1. What is Communication Design?

Communication design is one creative discipline that doesn’t bind you to a niche—the jobs and possibilities are limitless. Technically speaking, it is the strategic creation and transfer of meaningful information through visual compositions. It involves crafting messages that influence audience behaviour, perception and attitude across various mediums like print, digital and social media.

Communication designers are experts in fields of advertising, branding, web design, and information design. However, positioned at the crossroads of diverse creative disciplines, this field is required in virtually every sector, from shaping the interface of your mobile phone to the seamless operation of urban city systems.

2. What is the difference between Graphic Design and Communication Design?

	Graphic Design	Communication Design
Definition	Denotes the art and application of crafting visual elements, including logos, icons, illustrations, typography and layout.	Covers a wide range of disciplines, including but not limited to graphic design, advertising, branding, web design, information design, film & animation, publication and UX/UI design. Communication design includes graphic design but extends its scope to include a more comprehensive approach to effective communication.
Approach	More specialised and focused.	More interdisciplinary, holistic and strategic.
Focus	Focus towards aesthetics and visual persuasion	Unlike graphic design, communication design goes beyond form, encompassing the simultaneous design of information. Whether through classic print or electronic media, communication designers focus on storytelling and effectively conveying ideas, knowledge and products to meet client and user needs.
Parameters of Specialisation	User understanding, data-driven decisions	Visual impact, brand identity, emotional appeal.
Skills	Typography, illustration, photography, layout, visual storytelling.	Graphics, research, content strategy, information architecture, user experience (UX).
Applications	Logos, brochures, advertisements, packaging, brand materials	Signage, infographics, websites, user interfaces, educational materials, logos and other forms of advertising.

3. What are the roles and responsibilities of a communication designer?

Communication designers don’t just focus on aesthetics—they harness visual language to solve communication problems effectively. Here is a comprehensive list outlining their roles and responsibilities:

• Visual Storytelling and Brand Identity
  Craft narratives, maintain guidelines: Weave impactful visual stories with typography, images, etc., ensuring brand consistency across platforms. Demonstrating expertise across print and digital mediums, along with strategic incorporation of various media forms.
• Information Architecture
  Wireframe, flow, visualise: Structure complex info, optimise navigation, design engaging visuals like charts and infographics using tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch and Figma, applying them to create high-quality visuals.
• User Experience (UX) Design
  Design for everyone, test for usability: Build interfaces for all abilities and needs to promote accessibility, optimise across devices.
• Collaboration and Project Management
  Manage project timelines, budgets and deliverables, collaborating effectively with clients, stakeholders and other designers.
• Comprehensive Design Practice
  Prioritising ethical considerations, attention to detail through multiple iteration along with research and analysis.

4. What are the different types of courses for communication design?

Depending on your level and interest of study, you can opt for degree, diploma or certificate-level courses in Communication Design. You can pursue undergraduate or postgraduate level in full-time, part-time or online modes as per the availability at the concerned institution. For your ease of understanding, the table below highlights relevant options and their details:

Degree	Course Category	Duration	Scope
Undergraduate	Bachelor of Design (B. Des) / Bachelor of Arts (BA Hons)	4 years	Wide range of opportunities in all areas of communication design, including branding, UX/UI design, information design, editorial design, motion graphics, etc.
Postgraduate	Master of Design (M.Des) / Master of Arts (MA)	2 years	Advanced specialisation: Deepens knowledge in a specific area of communication design, like information design, UI/UX, or branding.
Diploma / Certificate course	Online/Offline	6 months – 1 year	Can provide entry-level opportunities or skill upgrades for career transitions.

Fascinated by animation, graphic design, filmmaking or visual storytelling? Learn why IIAD’s tailored Communication Design course is the launchpad to your creative brilliance.

1. Can you provide an overview of the communication design course at IIAD?

At IIAD, the 4-year Communication Design course (UG) is a pathway to refining vital visual communication skills. Beginning with the foundation programme, which attempts to bridge your high-school learning with specialised visual design studies, the course integrates design practice, thinking and research.

Here, you will learn to craft compelling visual narratives using language, images, videos and other graphic elements. You will also get the opportunity to explore various disciplines like graphic design, animation, storytelling, branding, advertising and user-experience design. This course is tailored to equip you with the essential skills and relevant experiences, ensuring you are industry-ready.

2. What is unique about the communication design course at IIAD?

• Global Education Standards
  At IIAD, the curriculum for the communication design course aligns with , ensuring adherence to global standards. For more details, please checkout the international progressions page or speak with admission counsellors.
• Exploring International Opportunities with Communication Design Course at IIAD.
  Dream of designing on a global stage? Communication Design course at IIAD helps you manifest that into reality with its feature of international transfers. You can start your international career by transferring to elite universities in the UK, US, Australia, and Canada.

  Build your fundamental understanding of design at IIAD over 2 or 3 years, then smoothly transition to your desired university abroad by opting for a flexible model that aligns with your goals. One model provides a concentrated two-year academic track, leading to an opportunity for international advancement to an international university of your choice. In an alternative model, you have the flexibility to opt for a transfer to a university of your preference after completing three years of education within a programme of your choice at IIAD.

  To explore more details, connect with our admission counsellors or visit our international progressions page.

3. What sets IIAD’s communication design course curriculum apart?

The curriculum, adapting to changes in digital and print media, ensures our Communication Design course meets industry needs—offering practical skills for the job market.

• Live Projects
  At IIAD, communication design students undertake a human-centred approach in their projects, seamlessly blending visual impact with practical effectiveness. Live Projects is a component wherein you get the opportunity to engage with real client briefs, and gain insights into industry practices and processes.

  Recently, the Communication Design department collaborated with the eighth edition of Serendipity Arts Festival, Goa wherein they worked with local entrepreneurs to develop visual branding and communication systems to celebrate the grassroot communities and their traditions.

  Another milestone project is the digitisation of the museum experience at the National Museum, in collaboration with Tricolour India Schauspiel Pvt. Ltd.

  Students of the Communication Design course actively contributed to live projects with installations at Select Citywalk and Katha Publications (One Katha At A Time).

  They also played a pivotal role in notable initiatives such as Project Mapping for Martyr’s Memorial Museum, Rumiyana for Ishara Puppet Theatre Trust, and Folktale Through Multimedia Animation Films.

• Learn On-Site Internships
  IIAD students are encouraged to engage in an 8-week internship during their second year, followed by a mandatory 16-week internship in their third year. These experiences provide much-needed industry exposure, allowing students to apply their knowledge through a hands-on and explorative approach.

  This cultivates skills to navigate brand and client dynamics, adopting a user-centric design approach, fostering collaboration, and providing practical insights into complex design processes.

  IIAD ensures significant industry exposure for communication design students through collaborations with industry leaders like IBM, Cognizant, Bain & Co., Yuj Design, Square Boat, Legatto HealthCare, WNS Global, Learn with Leaders, Boat, Buffalo Soldiers, Brand Catapult, Digital Jalebi, Pepper Square, AICL Communications, E & Y, Lollypop Design, Sostronk, Userfacet, Vega Industries, Lopez Design, Infoedge India, Yatra, and more, with several of these regularly recruiting talent from IIAD.

• Industry Exposure

  Facilitated by active collaborations with design professionals, faculty and peers across disciplines, students at IIAD cultivate a growth mindset by learning from each other. The Communication Design curriculum ensures substantial industry exposure through a variety of masterclasses, workshops and mentorship programs led by industry experts both online and offline. This holistic approach enriches students with real-world insights and practical skills.

  Prominent contributors from various creative fields have shared their insights through masterclasses and workshops. Among them, Ruchi Batra, Design Director, IBM, led a session on Interactive Experience (iX). Other notable contributors include Anamika Haksar (filmmaker and theatre enthusiast); Varun Grover (writer, comedian, poet, and filmmaker), MK Raina (actor and filmmaker), Vandana Kataria (filmmaker and production designer), and Sudhanva Deshpande (theatre director and actor). Each of these experts shared their insights and knowledge in areas such as filmmaking, storytelling, acting, production design, and Indian New Wave Cinema.

  At IIAD, students receive global exposure through international workshops, elevating their learning experiences. One such workshop was led by Dr. Jake Abrams, Associate Professor in Illustration Animation, Kingston School of Art, Knights Park on poetic objects. The Communication Design department boasts a track record of success, with both students and alumni earning prestigious accolades and awards.

• Showcase at the Annual Show

  Upon successfully finishing the course, you get the chance to showcase your projects at the yearly exhibition, where distinguished professionals from the design industry attend.

  Over the years, IIAD has been graced by the attendance of diverse and influential individuals as guests for the show. These include M K Raina (Theatre Actor & Director), Dadi Pudamjee (Founder, The Ishara Puppet Theatre), Manish Vashist (Design Director, UX Group Manager, IBM India), Laila Tyabji (Founder, Dastkar), Dr. Sraboni Bhaduri (Head of Brand & Consumer Insights at Future Brands), Sunil Vashisth (Sr. Vice President of Strategy at Future Brands), Nikhil Joshi (Partner, Digital Jalebi), Indrani De Parker (Designer and Faculty, IIIT), Amardeep Behl (Managing Director, AB Design Habit & Co. Pvt Ltd), Samar Jodha (Founder, Red Balloon), Arini and Medha Soni (Founder and CEO, I, Arini), to name a few.

• Achievements Beyond The Classrooms: Student Success Stories
  At IIAD, students develop a distinct voice and gain exposure, fostering their growth. Instances such as Sreeram Jayaram’s Animation Xpress ANN Award, Arjun Yadav‘s win in the D’Source Corona Design Challenge at IIT-Bombay, and Shreya Arora securing the Best Short Script award (runner up) at the Women’s Independent Film Festival in Los Angeles, or Tarika Jain securing the nominations for Best Animated Short Film (2D/3D) – Student (India) at 24FPS International Animation Awards 2023 for her film Suni Sunai, underscore how IIAD students not only excel but also find the right platforms to showcase and celebrate their creativity.

4. What is the teaching methodology in IIAD’s communication design course?

IIAD’s communication design course is unique because it’s not your typical classroom setup. Instead, it’s all about hands-on learning in a studio environment, focusing on developing your practical skills. What makes it stand out even more is the active collaboration between professionals, faculty, and students from different disciplines. This mix of perspectives allows students to learn not just from their instructors but also from each other.

In this course, networking, pitching ideas, and getting feedback from experts are key components. This approach not only gives students a taste of entrepreneurship but also makes them more job-ready.

The teaching method covers everything from visualisation and design tools to visual narratives and digital storytelling. Through a five-step process, students discover their unique style by exploring, getting exposure to industry trends, and chatting with professionals.

IIAD’s communication design faculty is a diverse group with names including Sakshi Jain, Aarti Uberoi, Shaaz Ahmed, Chandrika Kumari, Devan Das, Gagan Narhe, Ikroop Sandhu, Avanish Sathianathan, Oshin Vipra Sagar, Inderjit Singh Jassel, Kaushikee Gupta, and Pranay Patwardhan. They bring real-world experience to the table, making the learning experience at IIAD both practical and industry-oriented. To know more, please visit the website.

1. What are the various options I have for a career in communication design?

A career in communication design opens up diverse opportunities across several fields on different levels. Here are some key options:

• Graphic Designer:
  Create visual concepts using computer software or by hand to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers.
• UX/UI Designer:
  Design user experiences and interfaces for digital products, ensuring they are visually appealing and user-friendly.
• Art Director:
  Oversee the visual style and imagery used in media, ensuring it aligns with the overall design strategy and objectives.
• Motion Graphics Designer:
  Create animated visual content for film, television, and digital media, using a combination of visual and audio elements.
• Illustrator:
  Use artistic skills to create visual representations for various purposes, such as books, magazines, and digital media.
• Game Designer:
  Visualise and craft interactive experiences for the gaming industry.
• Information Designer:
  Simplify complex data into clear and understandable visuals, like charts, maps, and infographics.
• Brand Identity Designer:
  Develop visual elements that represent a brand, including logos, colour schemes, and typography, to create a consistent brand image.
• Web Designer:
  Design and create the layout, visual appearance, and usability of websites, ensuring an engaging and effective online presence.
• Packaging Designer:
  Design packaging materials that are not only visually appealing but also functional and informative.
• Digital Marketer with Design Skills or Content Strategist:
  Combine communication design skills with digital marketing strategies, creating visually compelling content for online campaigns.

2. How does IIAD help you prepare for your communication design career?

• Career Service Division Overview
  IIAD’s Career Services Division (CSD) is the branch that oversees placements, internships and other industry-integration opportunities for students of Communication Design course. CSD conducts impactful workshops with industry experts, assists students in building strong professional profiles, and hosts dynamic networking events. Securing internships, research roles, and live design projects with leading firms, this division ensures students gain valuable hands-on experience, preparing them to be future-ready upon graduation.
• Internships and Placements for IIAD Students
  Students have the opportunity to pursue careers in communication design with reputable organisations such as IBM, Cognizant, Bain & Co., Yuj Design, Square Boat, Legatto HealthCare, WNS Global, Learn with Leaders, Boat, Buffalo Soldiers, Brand Catapult, Digital Jalebi, Pepper Square, AICL Communications, E & Y, Lollypop Design, Sostronk, Userfacet, Vega Industries, Lopez Design, Infoedge India, Yatra and more.

  Notable alumni who have landed with reputable organisations include Aakriti Jain at Grid Design Studio, Lilly Topo at Sostrong, Inder Raj Singh Virdi at freightcom, Lopamudra Bose at Bain & Company, Mallika Johari at Cognizant, Sushmita Rai at Centre for Policy Research, Malavika Thampi at House of Masaba, Duvve Gautam at cult.sport, Angad Singh Jassar at Digitow Design Studio and Komal Singh Bhargava at cashkaro.com.

• Exploring International Education Opportunities
  At IIAD, you can pursue global opportunities for academic advancement through international transfer and exchange programs. We collaborate with well-known universities such as the University for the Creative Arts, Nottingham Trent University, Coventry University, Kingston University and Arts University Bournemouth.

  IIAD alumni have pursued master’s degrees at various institutions globally, including York University and La Salle College in Canada, Loughborough University in the UK, UCA, England and Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts at Washington University, USA. Locally, alumni have continued their education at institutions like Jamia Milia Islamia and Delhi Technological University in New Delhi.