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

doc. MgA. Mikuláš Macháček

Department

Department of Design (KDE)

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)

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)

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

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

13 hours, compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. MgA. Mikuláš Macháček

Practical class

13 hours, compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. MgA. Mikuláš Macháček