Overview

This unit provides students with an introduction to advanced information design, its principles and techniques, involved in visualising complex data. Students will gain an understanding of methods to visually interpret and communicate complex information in an engaging manner. Projects will enable students to apply and demonstrate their knowledge of a range of information graphic techniques, including alpha-numeric, symbols, timelines, charts, graphs, maps, tables, and diagrams in a visual communication context.

Requisites

Prerequisites
DCO20003 Information Design

Rule

75 credit points in any of the following courses: 

  • BA-ARC Bachelor of Design (Architecture)  
  • BA-DES/BA-DESS Bachelor of Design 
  • BA-DID Bachelor of Innovation and Design  
  • BB-DESBUS Bachelor of Design/Bachelor of Business  
  • BB-DESMCMN Bachelor of Design/Bachelor of Media and Communication 
Teaching Periods
Location
Start and end dates
Last self-enrolment date
Census date
Last withdraw without fail date
Results released date
Semester 1
Location
Hawthorn
Start and end dates
26-February-2024
26-May-2024
Last self-enrolment date
10-March-2024
Census date
31-March-2024
Last withdraw without fail date
12-April-2024
Results released date
02-July-2024
Semester 2
Location
Hawthorn
Start and end dates
29-July-2024
27-October-2024
Last self-enrolment date
11-August-2024
Census date
31-August-2024
Last withdraw without fail date
13-September-2024
Results released date
03-December-2024

Learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

  • Create information and interface design outcomes in a visual communication context, applying design principles, processes and techniques
  • Generate highly resolved graphic outcomes using software packages and techniques
  • Interpret data and information and communicate content as visual explanations and narratives
  • Prepare communication strategies for information design outcomes, using integrated media and technologies
  • Produce information and interface design solutions in response to a project brief
  • Critically review project outcomes in relation to a professional practice context

Teaching methods

Hawthorn

Type Hours per week Number of weeks Total (number of hours)
On-campus
Studio
3.00 12 weeks 36
Online
Learning activities
8.00 12 weeks 96
Unspecified Activities
Various
1.50 12 weeks 18
TOTAL150

Assessment

Type Task Weighting ULO's
Assignment 1Individual 10% 1,2,6 
Assignment 2Individual 40% 1,2,3,4,5 
Assignment 3Individual 50% 1,2,3,4,5,6 

Content

Topics for discussion may include:

  • Information and interface architecture, hierarchy and structure
  • Research methods for organising and presenting data and information content
  • Communication strategies
  • Visual explanations, editorial structures, information narratives and sequences
  • Information graphic types and methods to communicate quantitative and qualitative content: alpha-numeric, symbols, timelines, charts, graphs, maps, tables, diagrams etc.
  • Information design advocacy
  • Interface and user-centred design
  • Presentation techniques
  • Critical evaluation and review: self and peer evaluation tasks
  • Project documentation and reflection

Study resources

Reading materials

A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.