With the ever-increasing number of options in the marketplace, the emergence of new and more media, and the frenzied pace of business today, consumers and business people alike have shorter attention spans and less time to devote to digesting information. Globalization has compounded the problem as organizations attempt to market their goods and services in the midst of disparate cultural norms and languages. As a result, all types of organizations now need to communicate more quickly, clearly, and effectively across channels, markets, and cultures. Visual communications have become increasingly critical for organizations to accomplish their objectives. Whether the challenge lies in building and managing brands, connecting with key stakeholders through traditional and emerging channels, or presenting information to key stakeholders, using visual communications strategically can help organizations clarify, convince, and connect with their audiences.

This session is designed for professionals in the corporate or nonprofit arena who want to be more visually literate and better equipped to present their ideas more clearly, communicate with design professionals more effectively, or lead a branding initiative for a product, service or organization. The course is intended to help professionals better understand the value visuals play in the brand communications mix, set objectives for visual identity and design programs, and analyze creative solutions from a strategic perspective.