Visual Communication Studio

Overview

This unit seeks to introduce students to the fundamentals of visual design. It aims to facilitate the exploration of fundamental visual design elements, principles and practice, providing students with a foundation for further communication design-based projects. Using image, type and meaning, students explore different methods to graphically represent their environment, including objects and place.

Unit learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

1. Engage with research, design process methods and models relevant to design enquiry
2. Document and organise design research, concept and design development to then develop design proposals
3. Critically evaluate and reflect on design process and project outcomes
4. Develop hand crafted graphics and typography to create project outcomes
5. Implement highly developed project outcomes using appropriate computer software applications

Teaching methods

Hawthorn

Assessment

Content

The unit introduces students to aspects of the practice of communication design. Topics include:

• Collecting, analysing and interpreting research-based material
• Planning, management and documentation of design projects
• Creative problem solving strategies and idea generation methods
• Combining word, image and idea to create effective communication
• Design elements and principles as a basis for developing form suitable for visual communication
• Spatial organisation methods
• Critical evaluation, reflection and review