Course Title: Apply the elements and principles of design

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2013

Course Code: GRAP5265

Course Title: Apply the elements and principles of design

School: 320T Architecture & Design

Campus: Brunswick Campus

Program: C5230 - Diploma of Graphic Design

Course Contact : Simon Rankin

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 9438

Course Contact Email:simon.rankin@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Nominal Hours: 100

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, however this unit will be in a clustered delivery with VPAU056 Create design concepts from a brief to produce 2-dimensional artwork to finished art stage.

Course Description

In this unit you will develop the skills and knowledge to apply different approaches and strategies for effective design solutions. You will investigate the application of acknowledged principles and elements in the concept, process and final outcome of the design.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VPAU013 Apply the elements and principles of design

Element:

1. Research for design solution ideas

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Research and analyse information, ideas and approaches with consideration of intellectual property, moral rights and copyright requirements to assist in identifying and clarifying concept design needs
1.2 Identify and prioritise main elements and design considerations
1.3 Examine technical aspects of the design concept
1.4 Appraise the aesthetics of the design
1.5 Develop design ideas based on initial research for discussion
 

Element:

2. Explore design elements and principles to inform concept

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Explore and experiment with a range of design solutions based on research and analysis
2.2 Test various design solutions using the elements and principles of design
2.3 Take account of particular safety or environmental issues associated with the use of different techniques and media
2.4 Propose design solution and present outcomes in a progressive and logical format
2.5 Evaluate the potential for new approaches based on capabilities of techniques already used
2.6 Adapt and use relevant ideas and approaches
 

Element:

3. Develop and refine design solution

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Determine a design solution based on knowledge and understanding of different techniques
3.2 Consider and establish criteria for selecting techniques, tools, equipment, materials required for the production of concepts based on experimentation results
3.3 Select approach to work which meets established criteria
3.4 Refine design solution based on ongoing experimentation and feedback
 

Element:

4. Identify and evaluate appropriate process and techniques to achieve design

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Identify possible constraints of materials related to desired outcome
4.2 Identify range of potential techniques to achieve desired outcome
4.3 Identify the imposed design limitations
4.4 Produce prototype design using alternative methods and techniques
4.5 Evaluate prototype design in terms of conceptual vision/design solution
4.6 Identify design shortcomings
4.7 Identify approaches to overcome design shortcomings
 

Element:

5. Realise design solution

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Select and apply the elements and principles of design to create design solution
5.2 Realise the design using techniques and media selected from research and experimentation to meet design solution
5.3 Evaluate and respond to the potential for changes in the use of techniques and experimentation to meet the design solution
5.4 Refine the design solution based on ongoing experiences with the production of the work
5.5 Use safe working practices throughout the production of the work
5.6 Consider issues of presentation and take action accordingly
 


Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this course, you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate your competency in the above elements.


Details of Learning Activities

This course addresses the design process in a holistic way. It will support students to develop skills in areas such as design problem solving, concept development, design research, audience analysis, design production, application of design principles and design delivery. There is an emphasis on projects that simulate real world industry situations and finished graphic design work suitable for inclusion in an industry ready portfolio.

Learning activities will take place in a studio, workshop or classroom 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 may include:
• class exercises
• practical demonstrations
• practical placement
• design activities or projects
• peer learning
• peer teaching and class presentations
• group discussion
• workshops
• teacher directed group activities/projects
• workshopping’ of student projects including peer/lecturer feedback

Out of class activities may include:
• online research
• library research
• independent project based work
• studio practice
• online tutorials


Teaching Schedule

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 availability of speakers and resources.
Week Semester 1 - Content Performance criteria
1 Review of 2012 graduate Folios VPAU013 1
2 Brief 1: Festival promotion – Delivery of brief –  Introductory exercises: Client and Audience VPAU013 2, 3, 4, VPAU056 1, 2, 3
3 Festival promotion – Class discussions VPAU013 1, 2, VPAU056 1, 2
4 Festival promotion – Concept development – Workshop VPAU013 3, 4 VPAU056 2, 3
5 Festival promotion – Design production VPAU013 2, 3, 4, VPAU056 1, 2, 3
6 Festival promotion – Design production – Feedback VPAU013 2, 3, 4, VPAU056 1, 2, 3
7 Festival promotion – Presentation festival promotion –  Response to feedback VPAU013 4, 5, VPAU056 4, 5
8 Festival promotion due – Feedback sessions VPAU013 4, 5 VPAU056 4, 5
9 Brief 2: Game On – Delivery of brief – Board game analysis – research activities VPAU013 1, 2 VPAU056 1, 2
10 Game On – Concept presentations VPAU013 1, 2, VPAU056 1, 2
11 AGIdeas – Game On – production VPAU013 2, 3, 4, VPAU056 2, 3
12 Game On – production VPAU013 2, 3, 4, VPAU056 2, 3
13 Game On – Mockup workshop – Construction of black and white mock-ups VPAU013 4, 5, VPAU056 4, 5
14 Game On – User testing and feedback VPAU013 4, 5, VPAU056 4, 5
15

Brief 2: Game On due – Client presentations – Feedback
Brief 3: Corporate ID & Style Manual – Delivery of brief – Class discussion

VPAU013 4, 5, VPAU056 4, 5
16 Corporate ID & Style manual – Client analysis workshop VPAU013 1,2, VPAU056 1,2
     
Week Semester 2 - Content Performance criteria
1 Master logo due start of class for discussion and feedback
Corporate ID & Style manual – Exercise: Kit of parts
 VPAU013 5 VPAU056 1, 2, 3
2 Work Placement -
3 Work Placement -
4 Corporate ID & Style manual – Design Production – Finished Art workshop VPAU013 4, 5 VPAU056 3, 4, 5
5 Annual Report – Discussion of brief from Typograph class– Fuji Xerox to conduct Clear Dry Ink workshop VPAU013 1, 2, VPAU056 2, 3
6 Annual Report – Concept generation
Brief 3: Corporate ID & Style Manual due – Screen presentation to class
VPAU013 1, 2, VPAU056 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
7 Annual Report – Design Production – Annual Report completed in Typography class VPAU013 2, 3, VPAU056 2, 3
8 Brief 5: Paper Sampler – Delivery of brief  – Class discussion
Excursion to Fuji Xerox
VPAU013 1, 2, VPAU056 4, 5
9 Paper Sampler – Exercise: Explore paper – Research and sampler analysis VPAU013 1, 2, VPAU056 1, 2
10 Paper Sampler – Concept generation – Concept presentations and feedback VPAU013 1, 2, VPAU056 1, 2
11 Paper Sampler – Design Production VPAU013 3, 4, VPAU056 3, 4
12 Paper Sampler – mockup workshop – Black and white mockup due for discussion VPAU013 4, VPAU056 4
13 Paper Sampler – Project finalisation – respond to feedback
Brief 5: Paper Sampler due – Screen presentation to class
VPAU013 4, 5, VPAU056 4, 5
14 Folio Review VPAU013 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, VPAU056 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
15 Folio Review VPAU013 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, VPAU056 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
16 Folio Review VPAU013 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, VPAU056 1, 2, 3, 4, 5


 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

None required


References

Ellen Lupton, 2011, Graphic Design Thinking: Beyond Brainstorming, Prinston Architectural Press

Debbie Millman, 2008, The essential principles of graphic design, Cinncinnati, Ohio : How Books

Timothy Samara, 2007, Design Elements: A graphic Style Manual, Rockport Publishers  

You are advised to look at the course myRMIT site for ongoing updated information.


Other Resources

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 of the library resources.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment is on-going throughout the course. Assessment will incorporate a range of methods to assess performance and the application of knowledge and skills and will include:

Practical tasks in the form of simulated industry briefs. Tasks are designed to highlight a student’s ability to apply the elements and principles of design and produce artwork from concept to finished art stage.

The RMIT assessment charter summarises your responsibilities as a student as well as those of your teachers.
 


Assessment Tasks

Assessment tasks in this course are either formative or summative. Formative tasks provide the basis for ongoing feedback and can be considered essential building blocks for the more substantial summative assessment tasks. Summative assessment tasks in this course are graded.

Feedback throughout the course may be written, verbal or a combination of both.

To demonstrate competency in this course you need to complete each one of the following pieces of assessment to a satisfactory standard.

Assessment task 1:
Festival promotion – Print collateral including: Poster, roadside ad, web app design, online ad – Due April 8

Assessment task 2:
Game on – Board game design including: Board, box, cards, playing pieces, packaging – Due May 27

Assessment task 3:
Corporate ID – Logo, Stationary, website design – Due August 12

Assessment task 4:
Paper sampler – Direct mail package promoting paper range – Due October 14

Grades which apply to courses delivered in accordance with competency-based assessment, but which also use graded assessment:

CHD Competency with High Distinction
CDI Competency with Distinction
CC Competency with Credit
CAG Competency Achieved - Graded
NYC Not Yet Competent
DNS Did Not Submit for Assessment


Assessment Matrix

An assessment matrix demonstrating alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency is available from the course contact person (stated above)
 

Other Information

Attendance
The major learning experience involves studio based exercises, demonstration and production. It is strongly advised that you attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to gain the competency.

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: http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=9pp3ic9obks7

Student Progress
Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential. Student progress policy: http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=vj2g89cve4uj1

Special consideration Policy (Late Submission)
All assessment tasks are required to be completed to a satisfactory level. If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment by the due date, you will need to apply for an extension. Special consideration, appeals and discipline:www.rmit.edu.au/browse/Current%20students%2FAdministration%2FAssessment (unresolved)

Cover Sheet for Submissions
You must complete a submission cover sheet for every piece of submitted work. This signed sheet acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications.

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 go to Academic Integrity: http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=kw02ylsd8z3n
 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview