4B053E - Design for Story 01 Sep 2027 - 31 Aug 2033 | Version 0
Associated Module Information
| Module Code: | 4B053E | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Title: | Design for Story | ||
| Faculty: | Faculty of Business and Creative Industries | ||
| Faculty Group: | Games and Design | ||
| Faculty Sub Group: | Design | ||
| Module Leader: | Leonie Sharrock | ||
| Module Team: | Thomas Walters, Gustavo Arteaga, Tomos Hooson | ||
| First Intended Intake: | SEP 2027 | Final Year of Intake: | 2032 |
| Date Closed: | |||
| Credit Value: | 30 | Credit Level: | 4 |
| Language: | English | ||
| Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: | |||
| Equivalent Module: | |||
| HECOS codes: | 100057 - animation | ||
| HECOS Code Weighting: | 100 | ||
Document Version Information
| Version | 0 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Sep 2027 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2033 |
Module Aims
To introduce students to the principles of visual storytelling in animation through character design, composition, storyboard and animatic development processes.
To develop students’ ability to communicate narrative ideas visually using design, staging and sequential imagery.
To encourage experimentation, research and iterative design practice in the development of visual narrative concepts.
Content Summary
This module introduces the principles of visual storytelling in animation through character design, composition, storyboarding and animatic development. Building on the animation foundations established earlier in the course, you will explore how design elements such as shape, form, colour, composition and style, alongside cinematic codes and camera language, can be used to create mood, communicate narrative ideas and guide audience engagement.
Through a series of studio-based design and visual development activities, you will experiment with different approaches to translating narrative concepts into visual sequences. The module emphasises observation, visual analysis and iterative design development, encouraging you to generate, test and refine ideas through sketching, storyboarding and visual planning processes. You will have significant creative choice in the selection of narrative themes, visual styles, characters, environments and storytelling approaches, enabling you to develop work that reflects your individual interests and creative strengths.
By the end of the module, you will have produced a portfolio that documents your research, visual development and production planning alongside a completed storyboard and animatic sequence. As a Level 4 module, Design for Story develops the visual narrative and communication skills that underpin later modules in animation production, character performance and professional storytelling practice.
Learning and Teaching Methods
| Activity Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 9 |
| Seminar | 3 |
| Tutorial | 8 |
| Project Supervision and Mentoring | 8 |
| Formative Assessment - Scheduled | 8 |
| Practical Classes and Workshops | 10 |
| Demonstration | 10 |
| Guided Learning | 10.5 |
| Summative Assessment and Preparation | 60 |
| Independent Learning (Including self-directed study and support) | 173.5 |
| Total Hours Selected | 300 |
Learning Outcomes
| # | Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| LO1 | Apply principles of visual storytelling, composition and design to develop characters, settings and sequential imagery for animation. |
| LO2 | Develop and refine a storyboard and animatic sequence through research, experimentation and iterative visual development, demonstrating an emerging understanding of narrative communication. |
Module Requisites
N/A
Assessment Criteria
| Assessment Category | Assessment Type | Description | Duration | Word Count | Weight (%) | Best of? | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asynchronous Assessment | Creative Portfolio | Visual development and design portfolio demonstrating concept exploration, character and environment development, composition, visual communication and progressive design development. Submission to include integrated reflective commentary evaluating visual research, visual development and the application of story principles. Individual. ONLINE. | 0 | 500 | 40 | No | 40 |
| Asynchronous Assessment | Creative Portfolio | Storyboard and animatic sequence demonstrating narrative structure, visual storytelling, sequencing, pacing and cinematic communication principles. Submission to include integrated evaluative commentary reflecting on development processes, creative decision-making and narrative effectiveness. ONLINE. INDIVIDUAL. | 0 | 750 | 60 | No | 40 |
Assessment Matrix
| Assessment Type | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| LO1 | LO2 | ||
| Creative Portfolio | ✔ | ✘ | |
| Creative Portfolio | ✘ | ✔ | |