New Media Art Graphic Design Program

The Department of New Media Art was launched in 2004. First as a BA, now, for three years, we have also had MA level studies. The program, unique in Poland, consolidates Polish art traditions and new technologies. Students are engaged in interdisciplinary and trans-disciplinary exploration in the digital arts. The curriculum enables students to investigate innovative approaches to contemporary theory and practice, and fosters both individual inquiry and high-level collaboration. Current research areas in the department, include new forms of visual communication using sensing and physical interfaces, experimental games, augmented reality, motion graphics, hybrid architectural/media environments, digitally articulated sculpture and responsive environments.

The primary objective of the program is to prepare creative critical thinkers to become leaders in new media design, not losing the long Polish tradition in art.

PJAIT employs outstanding specialists, researchers and academic teachers from Poland and other countries as well.

PJAIT is active on the international scene, cooperating with academic centres in Europe – within the framework of the Erasmus–Socrates program – and from other continents (North America, Asia, Australia). The students of PJAIT can participate in exchange programs and take courses at renowned foreign universities.

The New Media Art Department at the Polish-Japanese Academy of Information Technologies offers Graphic Design Program in courses including typography, poster, editorial, graphic novel, animation, information and interaction design, and time-based communication at the undergraduate level. The program focus lies in dynamic information, interface and interaction design, and how type, image, sound, and movement may be combined in new media for effective communication.

Required studio courses introduce principles of communication with type and image in both static and time-based forms. Students take a sequence of typography studios, color classes and digital imaging workshops.

Design electives address a range of areas important to graphic design and visual communication and may include editorial design, interactive maps, narrative structures in video and for smart screens, moving typography as well as interface and interaction design. The design studies sequence of courses covers art + design history, social and culture change, design philosophy, perception, and aesthetics. In general, topics will change based on faculty research and the specializations of visiting teachers collaborating with us in the international exchange programs (Erasmus, Cumulus). The Graphic Design Program focuses on developing effective communication through the study and practice of design. We use methods that synthesize traditional approaches with relevant technology to meet societal and environmental needs. Our program draws upon the strengths of the liberal arts and new technologies in reach context of the scientific and creative disciplines of New Media Art and IT departments. Current research areas include: interactive digital media, virtual environments, games, augmented reality, motion graphics, digital audio production – electronic sound arts, Internet-oriented authorship, hybrid architectural/ media environments, expressive ubiquitous computing, digitally articulated sculpture, installation and performative practices, digital media research.

This enables our students to become well-rounded problem solvers, preparing them to shape dynamic communication for better future. Through the three-year curriculum, students start with exploration of image + type forms in space and time, conduct design research for organizations like local museums, non-profit organizations, etc. and they finish with addressing problems of visual complex information in both physical and digital environments.

We teach students to communicate in various contexts through storytelling, organizing information into systems, designing interface and visualizing ideas, so that they are understandable and accessible to audience.

Students’ projects in physical and digital environments take form of static and dynamic typography, maps, graphics and images. Students move seamlessly between various media, motion and generative type and images. They can quickly generate and express ideas that educate, inform, and delight audience.

After three years, students graduate with a BFA in New Media Art Graphic Design Program specialized in Visualisation or Animation.

They often choose to work at design studios, special effects / postproduction studios, film studios, ad agencies or pursue additional degrees.