Visual Communication for Graphic Design
Unit code: ADAGD111
| Credit points | 12.5 Credit Points |
| Duration | 1 semester |
| Contact hours | 60 |
| Campus | Wantirna |
Related course(s)
This unit is part of the Associate Degree of Applied Graphic Design.
Aims and objectives
This unit seeks to introduce students to a fundamental understanding of, the practice of graphic design via exploration
of the relationships between type, image and meaning in visual communication. It is expected to provide a foundation
for, and methods for undertaking the design process and proceeding with design-based projects.
of the relationships between type, image and meaning in visual communication. It is expected to provide a foundation
for, and methods for undertaking the design process and proceeding with design-based projects.
At the completion of this unit students should be able to:
1. Engage with design process methods and models relevant to design enquiry;
2. Organise and record visual investigation, concept and design development leading to the generation of design
solutions;
3. Explore the graphic expression of an idea through the use of design elements and principles, word (typography)
and image;
4. Develop ideas visually that communicate with clarity;
5. Critically evaluate and reflect on design process and project outcomes.
1. Engage with design process methods and models relevant to design enquiry;
2. Organise and record visual investigation, concept and design development leading to the generation of design
solutions;
3. Explore the graphic expression of an idea through the use of design elements and principles, word (typography)
and image;
4. Develop ideas visually that communicate with clarity;
5. Critically evaluate and reflect on design process and project outcomes.
This unit will be taught at the Wantirna campus.
Teaching methods
60 hours of structured learning, including lectures, tutorials and assessments. In addition, the units require
approximately 90 hours of self-study, projects, assignments and skills development.
approximately 90 hours of self-study, projects, assignments and skills development.
Assessment
Design Project with staged assessment Individual 40%
Design Project with staged assessment Individual 40%
Presentation Individual 20%
Design Project with staged assessment Individual 40%
Presentation Individual 20%
Generic skills outcomes
Students will receive feedback on their progress in attaining the following key generic skills:
• analysis skills,
• problem solving skills,
• communications skills,
• ability to tackle unfamiliar problems, and
• ability to work independently.
• analysis skills,
• problem solving skills,
• communications skills,
• ability to tackle unfamiliar problems, and
• ability to work independently.
Content
The unit seeks to introduce students to fundamental aspects of the practice of graphic design. Topics may 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.
• 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.
Reading materials
Online in library
Lupton, E & Phillips, JC, 2008, Graphic Design the New Basics, Princeton Architectural Press, New York.
Resources
White, A 2002 The Elements of Graphic Design, Allworth Press, New York.
Barnard, M 2005, Graphic Design as Communication, Routledge, London.
Fletcher, A 2001 The Art of Looking Sideways, Phaidon, London.
Lupton, E & Phillips, JC, 2008, Graphic Design the New Basics, Princeton Architectural Press, New York.
Resources
White, A 2002 The Elements of Graphic Design, Allworth Press, New York.
Barnard, M 2005, Graphic Design as Communication, Routledge, London.
Fletcher, A 2001 The Art of Looking Sideways, Phaidon, London.
