Balearic PAU Design study plan

Define and correctly use the core vocabulary of form (point, line, plane, volume, shape, figure-ground, positive and negative space) by writing a 30-term glossary with one original example each.

Analyse the principles of composition (balance, rhythm, hierarchy, contrast, proportion, unity, movement) by annotating six real designs from memory-safe sources, labelling each principle you identify.

Apply colour theory deliberately: build a colour wheel reference and produce three original compositions that each demonstrate a distinct harmony scheme (complementary, analogous, triadic) with a written justification of each choice.

Explain how visual weight and hierarchy direct a viewer's eye, using a hand-drawn diagram that traces the reading path through two of your own compositions.

Translate the elements and principles from week 1 into layout decisions by redesigning one existing poster's grid while keeping its content, then compare the before-and-after hierarchy in a short written critique.

Identify and name the parts of type (baseline, x-height, ascender, descender, counter, serif, terminal) on an annotated specimen you draw yourself.

Classify typefaces into the main families (serif, sans serif, slab, script, display) and match each to two contexts where it works well, justifying each pairing.

Build a typographic hierarchy using only one typeface family at three levels (heading, subheading, body) and demonstrate scale, weight and spacing as the distinguishing tools.

Write a real design brief for a small local project (for example a café menu, a community-centre sign or a student society identity), covering audience, problem, constraints, deliverables and success criteria.

Run a structured research phase: gather at least five references, write a one-line takeaway for each, and separate observation from assumption.

Generate at least 20 distinct thumbnail ideas for the brief before evaluating any of them, then shortlist three with written reasons for inclusion and rejection.

Produce a low-fidelity layout or wireframe of the shortlisted direction and test it against the brief's success criteria.

Refine the week-3 layout into a finished piece with consistent spacing, alignment and typographic detail, then document every correction you made and why.

Explain the role of grids (column, modular, baseline) by building one grid system and applying it to two different formats.

Analyse a signage or wayfinding system by describing how it handles legibility at distance, pictograms, colour coding and consistency, and propose one improvement.

Map the anatomy of a brand identity (mark, logotype, colour, type, tone, applications) and outline the minimum viable identity for your week-3 brief.

Compare materials (wood, metal, polymer, glass, textile, composite) on strength, weight, cost, recyclability and typical manufacturing process, and select a justified material for a simple object you design.

Apply ergonomic reasoning by measuring a real hand or body dimension and using it to size a handle, grip or control, documenting the measurement source.

Evaluate an everyday product against sustainability criteria (material choice, disassembly, repairability, end-of-life, packaging) and propose three concrete redesign changes.

Sketch a simple functional object in three views with dimensions, showing how function, material and ergonomics interact.

Build a timeline of major design movements (Arts and Crafts, Bauhaus, Art Deco, Modernism, International Typographic Style, Postmodernism, contemporary digital design) with dates, key characteristics and one representative work each, written from your own notes.

Explain the Bauhaus approach to integrating craft, industry and teaching, and state what it changed in design education and practice.

Connect at least two historical movements to a present-day design decision in your own project, showing cause and effect rather than a decorative reference.

Analyse an accessibility issue in a real public space or interface (contrast, type size, colour-only coding, tactile guidance, cognitive load) and specify a fix that meets recognised contrast and legibility guidance.

Situate your project in context by writing a stakeholder and impact note covering users, culture, technology, environment and cost.

Run a full timed mock of the practical exercise format: read a design prompt, plan for ten minutes, produce a concept and rationale within the time limit.

Justify your design decisions using the vocabulary and principles practised earlier, citing at least five specific concepts by name.

Self-assess the mock against a rubric you write yourself (brief fit, concept strength, execution, justification, accessibility) and identify your two weakest criteria.

Consolidate weak areas by redoing the two lowest-scoring rubric criteria from week 7 and comparing the new attempt against the old one.

Practise rapid recall: produce a one-page summary sheet of key terms, movements, dates and principles from memory, then correct it against your notes.

Complete a second full timed mock under exam conditions and score it against the same rubric.

Assemble a final portfolio of your eight deliverables with a short reflective note on what improved and what remains uncertain.