Course Title: Generate design solutions

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2022

Course Code: GRAP5388C

Course Title: Generate design solutions

Important Information:

Please note that this course may have compulsory in-person attendance requirements for some teaching activities. 

To participate in any RMIT course in-person activities or assessment, you will need to comply with RMIT vaccination requirements which are applicable during the duration of the course. This RMIT requirement includes being vaccinated against COVID-19 or holding a valid medical exemption. 

Please read this RMIT Enrolment Procedure as it has important information regarding COVID vaccination and your study at RMIT: https://policies.rmit.edu.au/document/view.php?id=209

Please read the Student website for additional requirements of in-person attendance: https://www.rmit.edu.au/covid/coming-to-campus 


Please check your Canvas course shell closer to when the course starts to see if this course requires mandatory in-person attendance. The delivery method of the course might have to change quickly in response to changes in the local state/national directive regarding in-person course attendance. 

School: 515T Creative Industries

Campus: Brunswick Campus

Program: C4382 - Certificate IV in Design

Course Contact: Ruth Wellington

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 9988

Course Contact Email: ruth.wellington@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Frances Tatarovic

frances.tatarovic@rmit.edu.au

Robin Blood

robin.blood@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 60

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None required.

Course Description

In this course you will develop the skills and knowledge required to generate design solutions in response to a particular design need. You will generate concepts and identify solutions to a design challenge, applying the design process, with a focus on research and collaboration.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

BSBDES401 Generate design solutions

Element:

1 Define the design challenge

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Determine and evaluate user/client needs 1.2 Clarify specifications, parameters and constraints of the design challenge in consultation with relevant stakeholders 1.3 Articulate essence of the design challenge in an appropriate format.

Element:

2 Undertake research to inform the design solution

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Source, evaluate and acknowledge information that may assist in responding to the design challenge 2.2 Consider historical, current and future perspectives and trends that might inform design solutions 2.3 Consider relevant social, economic, environmental, ethical and cultural issues that may impact design solutions 2.4 Analyse, distil and collate information to inform the development of the design solution.

Element:

3 Communicate and collaborate with others

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Establish and develop working relationships with key stakeholders 3.2 Seek and integrate input and ideas from others during design process 3.3 Inform key stakeholders about progress of the design and related implications 3.4 Negotiate and agree on any changed requirements or modifications.

Element:

4 Generate ideas and responses to the design challenge

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Reflect on and integrate ideas generated from research and consultation 4.2 Use a range of creative thinking techniques to generate different options and ideas 4.3 Apply relevant principles of functionality, ergonomics, aesthetics and sustainability to development of different options.

Element:

5 Select a design solution

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Develop and use a range of criteria to evaluate different options and ideas 5.2 Select a preferred solution based on agreed criteria and in consultation with relevant key stakeholders 5.3 Adjust and refine proposed design solution based on research, testing and reflection 5.4 Present proposed design solution with appropriate supporting documentation according to project requirements.


Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

Learning activities will take place in a studio and computer laboratory using industry standard tools and resources. You will complete exercises and industry style projects. You will also be required to undertake independent study. In-class activities will include:

  • class exercises
  • tutorials
  • practical demonstrations
  • workshops
  • group discussion
  • review and revision
  • peer learning
  • peer teaching and class presentations
  • teacher directed group activities/projects
  • workshopping of student projects including peer/lecturer feedback

 

Out of class activities may include:

  • independent research
  • independent project based work
  • studio practice
  • online tutorials and activities
  • review and revision


Teaching Schedule

While all course content will be delivered, the order and mode of delivery may change depending on the availability of specialist facilities and equipment. Please check Canvas regularly as any updates will be communicated by your teacher. 

Please note: While your teacher will cover all the material in this schedule, the weekly order is subject to change depending on class needs and resources.

There will be a number of prescribed tasks and projects (see Assessment Tasks below).

This course will be delivered in the same weekly session as EMPL7122 - Develop and extend critical and creative thinking skills - BSBCRT301. The following timeline contains activities for both courses


Week

Topics & Activities

Assessment

0

Orientation and Course Intro session
Icebreaker and group task/s. 

 

1

Course overview

Introduction to Assessment Task 1: - Creative Design Brief and Template

What is a brief – key features. Generate insightful questioning to create a basic work plan/brief.
Work on a group task in class and record the results.

Assessment task 1- Creativity Solutions (EMPL7112C)

1.Explain the Brief – answer questions in the template

2

The brief; explore and review of findings and questions.

Research and mind maps
Researching and using mind maps to generate idea.

2. Research Task
3. Exploring Mind Maps 

3

Mind maps and generating concepts
Creating and using mind maps to generate idea.

Complete digital version of mind map. Use mind map to visualise at least two potential, different design solutions.

DUE: WEEK 3
Mindmap milestone


3. Digital Mind Maps

4

Muse on, articulate and gain feedback on two different ideas.

3. Using mind maps to generate 2 ideas

5

Feedback on two different ideas and document further research.

Creating mood board and presenting a new idea

3. Recording and actioning feedback
4. Mood boards, try something new

6

Create a series of thumbnails and choose two to develop in to more detailed roughs

Finish two currency designs for feedback in week 7.

DUE: WEEK 6 (end of week)
Assessment task 1- Milestone submission: Work in progress

5. Thumbnail sketching and concept drafts

7

Review - Class review of completed designs.

Explain your ideas and present two completed currency designs for group feedback. Record feedback and make changes to designs for week 8.

Homework
Research a design thinking
method and complete a final short reflection of assessment task 1.

6. Outcomes of the brief- two different ideas and currency designs


8. Home work- research a design thinking method

8

Consolidation and wrap-up of assessment task 1
Place final designs in template and explain changes.

Complete any missed exercises covered earlier in the semester.
Improve, re-photograph or scan images etc.

Complete a final reflection.


 


DUE: WEEK 8 (end of week)
Assessment task 1-
Creativity Solutions

7. Final designs after feedback implemented.

9. Final reflection



9

Introduction of Assessment Task 2 - Music covers and process document. 

Read through the brief for Project 2.
Extract critical questions and targeting your artist research.


Homework- Walk and Talk task.

Assessment task 2- Music covers and process document (GRAP5388C).

 

3. Research artist and group

2. Critical questions unpacking the brief.

10

Research
Access RMIT online library. Visit a record store. Collate your research and summarise it. 

Time tracking apps.

4.Research into vinyl and target market

5. Research into design trends and technologies

6. Research album design; historical and contemporary.

11

Upload completed research

At the beginning of the class you will be asked to upload your research for this project to check that you are on track.

Use two creative thinking exercise/s to generate original potential design solutions to answer the brief.

Visualise them as two rough layout sketches and explain your ideas


DUE: WEEK 11- Research milestone
Assessment task 2-
Music covers and process document

7.Idea visualisation


12

Present your ideas 2D- Review and refine.

Show your ideas to your peers as a visual presentation. Ask critical questions to generate constructive feedback. Use this feedback to select, modify and adapt your ideas to bring to completion your final designs

8.Process 1- Document Feedback

13

Finalise design solution 2D.

Group review of completed designs to a finished product. Review and refine.

9. Outcome 1 (2D)
10.Design solution 1 summary 

14

Present your 3D ideas.
Use two creative thinking exercise/s to generate original potential design solutions to answer the brief.

Show your ideas to your peers as a visual presentation. Ask critical questions to generate constructive feedback. Use this feedback to select, modify and adapt ideas.

11.Design solution 2 summarise, ideas and techniques

15

Feedback on designs
Determine the best idea from a range of possible design solutions for completion to a finished product.

Finalise design solution, review work and gain feedback before week 16

11. Design solution 2 summarise, ideas and techniques

12. Outcome 2 (3D)

16

Wrap-up of assessment task 2 and submission

Design choices

Work should be completed; your design idea to a finished, folio-ready stage. Complete the documentation of Project 2, readying it for submission at the end of the class.

Final questions before submission. 

Students must attend this session to determine whether more work needs to be added to their final submission. Respond to feedback and complete any unsatisfactory-standard assessment to a competent level. 


DUE: WEEK 16
Assessment task 2-
Music covers and process document.

13.14. Design choices

1. Project summary


17

Resubmission- (no formal classes)

Respond to any feedback (via canvas) and resubmit unsatisfactory assessments by date specified. 


18

Assessment and return of submissions 



Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References

New Graphic Design School : A Foundation

9780500288634

Graphic Design Thinking: Beyond Brainstorming, Ellen Lupton

9781568989792


Other Resources

Prescribed Texts

There are no compulsory prescribed texts in this course. This course has recommended books listed under 'References'

Resources 

You are advised to look at the Learning Hub at myRMIT site for ongoing updated information. A range of learning resources and references are provided throughout the year.

You will require a personal storage device and tools as outlined in tool kit list.

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems and access to specialised facilities and relevant software. You will also have access to the library resources.

Amongst the library's electronic resources is the ability to access Lynda.com for online tutorials and lessons. You may be given these tutorials (and other resources) to supplement your classroom learning. The University Library has extensive resources for Design students. The Library has produced a subject guide that includes quality online and print resources for your studies http://rmit.libguides.com/graphicartanddesign

The Library provides guides on academic referencing http://www.rmit.edu.au/library/referencing and subject specialist help via your Liaison Librarian http://www.rmit.edu.au/library/librarians/dsc


Overview of Assessment

Assessment is on-going throughout the course. Assessment tasks will require you demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills through practical projects and/or exercises.
The assessment tasks are: Design solution exercises and projects
An assessment charter summarises your responsibilities as an RMIT student as well as those of your teachers.


Assessment Tasks

Due dates for assessment tasks dependent on access to specialist facilities and equipment may change. Please check Canvas regularly as any updates will be communicated by your teacher. 

There are two assessment tasks. Feedback throughout the course may be written, verbal or a combination of both.You are required to demonstrate all learning outcomes to a satisfactory standard. Both assessment tasks one and two must be completed and submitted to a satisfactory level to achieve competency.

Assessment task 1: Creativity Solutions - Design Brief

Students are given a creative brief and work with a supplied template to solve a design problem. All research, development, feedback and iteration must be documented and recorded. All parts of the template must be completed to a satisfactory level to pass this assessment task. Participation and engaging in session feedback are embedded into this assessment task

The aims are;

  • Active participation in a range of creative thinking activities, including ability to ask relevant questions and to generate a range of ideas in response to a given situation or issue
  • Understanding of creativity and creative thinking at a basic level, including its impact and importance for individuals, communities and businesses
  • Knowledge and application of different creative thinking techniques and processes to a range of situations
  • Development of a design solution through research, reflection and the generation and refinement of ideas
  • Effective collaboration with others in the design process
  • Knowledge of design trends and technologies in the relevant industry context.

Due week 8

Assessment Task 2: Music covers and process document

Design artwork for two chosen albums covers form a free music archive. Complete a process document to record research, ideation, collaboration with others and the final outcome. Students must use the supplied template. All parts of the template must be completed to a satisfactory level to pass this assessment task. Participation and engaging in session feedback are embedded into this assessment task.

The aims are;

  • Active participation in a range of creative thinking activities, including ability to ask relevant questions and to generate a range of ideas in response to a given situation or issue
  • Understanding of creativity and creative thinking at a basic level, including its impact and importance for individuals, communities and businesses
  • Knowledge and application of different creative thinking techniques and processes to a range of situations.
  • Development of a design solution through research, reflection and the generation and refinement of ideas
  • Effective collaboration with others in the design process
  • Knowledge of design trends and technologies in the relevant industry context.

Due week 16

You are required to demonstrate all learning outcomes to a satisfactory standard.
You will receive feedback with verbal and/or written evaluation of your progress within class time. 
The submitted projects will be assessed with written feedback as well as a checklist that relates to separate components of the project and the overall outcome.

All assessments tasks need to be deemed satisfactory to gain competency in this unit.
VE courses are graded using the following competency-based grading:

 CA

 Competency Achieved

 NYC

 Not Yet Competent

 DNS

 Did Not Submit for assessment


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant unit of competency. These matrices are available through Program Administration.

Other Information

Attendance:

Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises It is strongly advised that you attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully.


Feedback - You will receive verbal and written feedback by teacher on your work. This feedback also includes suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.
Student feedback at RMIT

Student Progress 
Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential. Student progress policy

Assessment:

Information on assessment including Special consideration, Adjustments to assessment, (e.g. applying for an extension of time):

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment


On Time Submission and Impact of Late Submission 
On time submission is an important factor in your assessment. Employability skills are embedded in all courses and these include Planning & Organising and Self-management. For this reason, late work impacts on your competency assessment. 
Submissions that are assessed as Not Satisfactory can be re-submitted once and this is only permitted during the period that the competency is scheduled.

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism:

RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy.

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/academic-integrity

Submissions
When submitting work for assessment you are required to complete a declaration of authorship. This must be done for every summative assessment task. This statement acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications. For non-­digital submission use the printed form provided. For digital online submission please use e­ Submission process.

Information about your studies:

You can access My Studies through the RMIT website for information about timetables, important dates, assessment dates, results and progress, Canvas etc.

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students


Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning:

Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.

Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer or RPL for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course.

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/enrolment/apply-for-credit

Course Overview: Access Course Overview