Course detail
Digital tools, networks and automation
FaVU-2DNSAAcad. year: 2024/2025
The course consists of an introductory, lecture part, in which the introduction of the topic or tool is followed by a practical presentation (demo). The second, active/practical part of the course will consist of a discussion of the topics and tools and their application to problems of specific design, studio practice + integration into specific studio projects.
Course outline:
- Independent hardware and information technology
- Work in monopoly ecosystems (Adobe, Autodesk, Apple, Microsoft, Meta)
- Digital ecology and sustainability of software and hardware
- Operating systems and their future
- Interoperability and lock-in
- Programming, visual programming
- No-code tools, automation, output processing
- Internet tools, collaboration and social networks ¨
- Free software (and open-source) licensing
- Machine learning and large language models (marketed as "AI")
- Types of pricing strategies for digital tools
Language of instruction
Czech
Number of ECTS credits
2
Mode of study
Not applicable.
Guarantor
Department
Entry knowledge
Apart from a general overview, no specific entry knowledge or skills are required.
Rules for evaluation and completion of the course
The following conditions are set for the award of credit: attendance (2 permitted unexcused absences) and active participation in class, specifically participation in the practical part of the course.
Aims
The aim of the course is to introduce Study Programme Design students to a wide range of digital tools for processing graphics, video, 3D graphics, collaboration, output processing, automating repetitive tasks, programming and the use of large language models (AI). Emphasis will be placed on increasing student independence from mainstream tools and a deeper understanding of the relationship between software and the user. Students will gain an overview of current mainstream digital tools and open-source alternatives. Graduates of the course will be able to critically reflect on the use of technologies and tools to solve specific problems in their practice.
Study aids
Not applicable.
Prerequisites and corequisites
Not applicable.
Basic literature
PASQUINELLI, Matteo. The Eye of the Master: A Social History of Artificial Intelligence. Verso, 2023. ISBN 1788730062. (EN)
PATER, Ruben. Caps Lock: How Capitalism Took Hold Of Graphic Design, And How To Escape From It. 1. Valiz, 2021. ISBN 9789492095817. (EN)
PATER, Ruben. Caps Lock: How Capitalism Took Hold Of Graphic Design, And How To Escape From It. 1. Valiz, 2021. ISBN 9789492095817. (EN)
Recommended reading
DOCTOROW, Cory. The Internet Con: How to Seize the Means of Computation. Verso, 2023. ISBN 9781804291245. (EN)
HARRIS, Malcolm. Palo Alto: A History of California, Capitalism, and the World. 1. Little, Brown and Company, 2023. ISBN 031659203X. (EN)
LORUSSO, Silvio. What Design Can’t Do: Essays on Design and Disillusion. Set Margins, 2023. ISBN 9789083350134. (EN)
MCQUILLAN, Dan. Resisting AI: An Anti-fascist Approach to Artificial Intelligence. Bristol University Press, 2022. ISBN 9781529213515. (EN)
MUELLER, Gavin. Breaking Things at Work: The Luddites Are Right About Why You Hate Your Job. Verso, 2021. ISBN 1786636778. (EN)
HARRIS, Malcolm. Palo Alto: A History of California, Capitalism, and the World. 1. Little, Brown and Company, 2023. ISBN 031659203X. (EN)
LORUSSO, Silvio. What Design Can’t Do: Essays on Design and Disillusion. Set Margins, 2023. ISBN 9789083350134. (EN)
MCQUILLAN, Dan. Resisting AI: An Anti-fascist Approach to Artificial Intelligence. Bristol University Press, 2022. ISBN 9781529213515. (EN)
MUELLER, Gavin. Breaking Things at Work: The Luddites Are Right About Why You Hate Your Job. Verso, 2021. ISBN 1786636778. (EN)
Classification of course in study plans
- Programme DES_M Master's, 1. year of study, winter semester, elective
, 1. year of study, winter semester, elective
, 1. year of study, winter semester, elective
, 1. year of study, winter semester, elective
, 2. year of study, winter semester, elective
, 2. year of study, winter semester, elective
, 2. year of study, winter semester, elective
, 2. year of study, winter semester, elective