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Semantics & Communication Theory

Message design and information transfer

This course introduces students to the principles of designing messages across various media. Communication is examined as a process in which the sender (designer) encodes a message, transmits it through a channel, and the receiver (intended audience) decodes it.

Students create projects in multiple formats, including audio messages designed for specific audiences. Over the years, these projects have reflected diverse topics of interest. Selected clips are shared here as reference material.

Class discussions focus on the role of communication theory, Gestalt principles, and information theory in shaping message design and its application in real-world contexts. 
Title slide of the presentation linked with the course - 70 slides

Understanding Raga in Indian music

YEAR: 2013
Language: Hindi + English
AUDience: 20 yrs and above
CREDITS
Institute: IDC School of design, IIT Bombay
Students: Naveed + Ram + Prashant
Content-type: Conceptual 
Task: Design an audiovisual message on a topic you do not understand.
Based on the concept: When you teach, you also learn
Discipline: Communication Design
Course: Semantics & Communication Theory
Instructor: Prof. Mandar Rane

How does a air conditioner work?

YEAR: 2015
Language: English
AUDIENCE: 9-11 YRS
Credits
Discipline: Communication Design 
Course: Semantics & Communication Theory  
Instructor: Prof. Mandar Rane
Institute: IDC School of design, IIT Bombay
Students: Upasana + Rekha
Content-type: Conceptual 
Task: Design an audiovisual message on a topic you do not understand.
Based on the concept: When you teach, you also learn
Language: English
CONTENT
After playing in the hot sun, Varsha and Amit came home tired. When Varsha’s mother switched on the AC, the room quickly became cool. Amit was surprised and thought there might be ice inside. Smiling, Mother explained that the AC doesn’t make cold air, it works like a pump that pushes the heat out of the room. To show them, she made a fun game where Varsha became one tube, Amit another, and she acted as the pump. Amit laughed and said, “Now I understand, the AC chases the heat outside!”

Difference between HIV and AIDS

YEAR: 2013
AUDience: 20 yrs and above
CREDITS
Discipline: Communication Design 
Course: Semantics & Communication Theory
Instructor: Prof. Mandar Rane
Institute: IDC School of design, IIT Bombay
Students: Amrutha Krishnan 
Content-type: Facts + Conceptual 
Task: Design an audiovisual message on a topic you do not understand.
Based on the concept: When you teach, you also learn
Language: Hindi + English
CONTENT
A conversation information difference between HIV and AIDs.

More audio clips 

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Last updated: 9 APR. 2020
Semantics & Comm. Theory
Free Download // Assignments and documentation of student works
ASSIGNMENT DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Very Difficult
80%
COURSE CONCEPT AND DESIGN
The course was originally designed by Prof. Uday Athavankar.  My teacher. I owe it to him. It is a legacy I am taking forward. 
Prof. Uday Athvankar
Prof. Uday Athavankar
Product Design
Faculty IDC, IIT Bombay
Mandar Rane
Prof. Mandar Rane
Communication Design
Faculty IDC, IIT Bombay
Primary Audience:
Communication Design students: B.Des + M.Des //  Anyone who is interested in designing effective communication

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