Course Title: Design 1
Part A: Course Overview
Course Title: Design 1
Credit Points: 12.00
Terms
Course Code |
Campus |
Career |
School |
Learning Mode |
Teaching Period(s) |
GRAP2354 |
City Campus |
Undergraduate |
345H Media and Communication |
Face-to-Face |
Sem 1 2006, Sem 1 2007, Sem 1 2008, Sem 1 2009, Sem 1 2010, Sem 1 2011, Sem 1 2012, Sem 1 2013 |
Course Coordinator: Helen Dickson
Course Coordinator Phone: 03 9925 9816
Course Coordinator Email: helen.dickson@rmit.edu.au
Course Coordinator Location: Office Location: Building 7, Level 3, Room 32.
Course Coordinator Availability: By Appointment
Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities
This is a first year class, therefore there are no pre-requisites for this course.
Course Description
The course is an introduction to the theory and practice of visual communication within the first year of the Bachelor of Arts – Animation and Interactive Media program.
The design course is a sequential learning program structured over semester 1 of first year. Through the analysis and application of design theories, design practices
and theoretical and technical skills, this course aims to develop your understanding of design as a communication tool.
During this course you will develop an understanding of design processes and practices utilising conceptual skills and techniques to create original visual design solutions.
You will develop an understanding of possibilities that can be applied to create innovative and engaging design solutions. You will be introduced to skills used throughout the degree -
including research, development of academic practices, visual exploration and the creation of design solutions.
You will have an opportunity to research, evaluate, discuss and critically examine visual communication solutions. You will be encouraged to develop skills appropriate for expanding
creative design solutions and possibilities.
The knowledge gained in this course can be directly applied to the first year Design Studio 1 and Imaging 1.
Design 1 is a pre-requisite for Design 2, Design Studio 2, and Imaging 2 within second semester of Year 1.
It is also a pre-requisite for Design Studio 3, 2D Animation 1, 3D Animation 1, Interactive Media 1 and Video 1, within year 2 of the degree program.
Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
• Research, develop, explore, create, experiment, analyse and critique content in the creation of creative visual design solutions.
• Develop innovative and appropriate concepts which apply typographic principles and illustrative techniques to create visual solutions.
• Apply both visual and verbal skills, as used within design practice, to present articulate and engaging ideas and design solutions.
• Apply design process and design practice to visual communication, information design, typography, image creation, and digital design.
• Form a synthesis between intellectual understanding, critical analysis, techniques and genres, aesthetics and their relevance to visual communication principles.
• Develop the capability to investigate and apply skills in visual semiotics as is applied to visual communication theory.
• Encourage the exploration of design as practiced within a broader cultural, ethical and professional context.
• To provide you with a basic knowledge of spatial and conceptual abilities including visual element management as communication.
You will be assessed on your development of the following graduate capabilities in this course:
• Apply skills of self motivated learning & critical appraisal
• Utilise research methodologies, investigative problem identification & apply to innovative and creative solutions
• Employ ongoing analysis, development and application of conceptual processes
• Apply, manipulate & combine media
Overview of Learning Activities
During this course you will be introduced to the theory and practice of visual communication. Your learning will focus on the development of skills and knowledge to be utilised in design classes.
Through lecture based delivery, workshops, tutorials, consultation, individual/group critique you will be exposed to methodologies for developing, analysing and producing visual design solutions.
Propose design concepts that address the specific requirements in response to the briefs. In the development of creative original visual communication you will demonstrate the ability to
research solutions, evaluate ideas, develop problem solving techniques, visually explore techniques to create original visual solutions.
You will be encouraged to present your design concepts at workshops for class discussion. Peer feedback will follow, providing you with the input needed to further refine your ideas.
You will engage in brainstorming, planning and problem solving activities that encourage self-reflection on creative processes.
You will apply design process and design practice to create visual communication solutions. You will apply both visual and verbal skills to present and articulate engaging ideas and design solutions.
You will develop the capability to investigate and apply skills in visual semiotics as is applied to visual communication theory.
Your designs should aim to be innovative using appropriate concepts that apply both typographic principles and photographic/illustrative techniques to create visual solutions.
You will be encouraged to form a synthesis between intellectual understanding, critical analysis, techniques and genres, aesthetics and their relevance to visual communication principles.
Overview of Learning Resources
Many of the resources you will be expected to use are computer-based or computer peripherals and these resources will be provided in the school’s computer studios.
You may need to use digital content acquisition tools such as cameras and sound recording equipment: these will be available for student-loan. You can organize the loan of such equipment
yourself from the school’s equipment store.
You should make uses of wider university resources such as its libraries, their print and audio-visual collections and, if appropriate, the University’s Learning Skills Unit.
You will need to supply visual dairies, to record creative work. You will also be expected to supply computer materials, such as computer storage devices, DVDs, printouts, folio’s for
presentation of work, when appropriate.
Along with standard computer peripherals and materials (DVDs, Books, etc) you will be required to read certain texts and access web resources. A list of recommended texts will be
provided on-line on blackboard guides and in classes.
Overview of Assessment
Assessment Tasks
Assessment will take the form of ongoing progressive assessment and of a formal folio submission at the end of the semester.
Each brief must demonstrate the knowledge that you have acquired through the planned learning experience.
Assessment will progress through each developmental stage and you will receive feedback through a written feedback sheet,
and participation in group critiques (formal & informal), and review during the course of the design project.
Assessment elements will comprise of:
• Sketch book/s
• Design development files
• Briefed class exercises
• Briefed projects
Breakdown of Assessment Results:
Class Exercises - 20 percent of your expected result.
Class Project/s - 80 percent of your expected result.