Course Title: Design and manipulate complex layouts

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2020

Course Code: GRAP6346C

Course Title: Design and manipulate complex layouts

School: 375T Vocational Design and Social Context

Campus: Brunswick Campus

Program: C5359 - Diploma of Graphic Design

Course Contact: Alistair Briggs

Course Contact Phone: +61 9925 9988

Course Contact Email: alistair.briggs@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Claudia Bergsdorf

claudia.bergsdorf@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 65

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 design complex publication layouts. You will combine creative design skills with technical software proficiency. You will produce layouts for a range of publishing, design, advertising and printing outcomes.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CUAGRD505 Design and manipulate complex layouts

Element:

1 Analyse design needs

Performance Criteria:

■■ Confirm communication objectives for the publication based on the design brief and consultation with relevant people as required

■■Evaluate particular specifications of the design brief

■■Source and evaluate other information pertinent to the project

Element:

2 Develop and refine layout ideas

Performance Criteria:

■■ Identify relevant sources and conduct research to inform layout ideas

■■Consider the opportunities and constraints offered by different techniques and technologies

■■Assess the different elements that need to be incorporated into the overall layout

■■Create and refine ideas and options by working with the fundamental elements and principles of design

■■Refine ideas through use of ongoing technical experimentation

■■Evaluate and select approaches based on their potential to meet the communication need

■■Produce and present visual representations of design ideas and communicate with others to confirm as required

Element:

3 Create and manipulate layouts

Performance Criteria:

■■Set up the document using the capabilities of appropriate software

■■Manipulate and enhance the layout through use of an extended range of tools and features

■■Support communication objectives with effective integration of text and visuals

■■ Identify and resolve technical problems based on developing expertise

■■Achieve desired outcomes through application of design skills and technical expertise

■■Enhance outcomes by allowing the creative and technical processes to work together

■■Establish and follow safe work practices in the work process

Element:

4 Evaluate design work

Performance Criteria:

■■Critique the layout from both a functional and aesthetic perspective in the context of the design objective

■■Seek feedback from others as required, and make appropriate adjustments

■■Make assessment of own work and identify key learnings to inform future work

Element:

5 Finalise technical aspects

Performance Criteria:

■■Edit and refine layouts to meet technical requirements

■■Follow correct protocols for saving, exporting and storing files

■■Establish appropriate file formats for output and appropriate colour management profiles

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:

  • demonstrations and presentations by teacher
  • peer teaching and class presentations
  • group discussion
  • review and revision
  • peer learning
  • teacher directed group activities/projects
  • ‘workshopping’ of student projects including peer/lecturer feedback 

Out of class activities will include:

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


Teaching Schedule

This course is clustered with GRAP6348C BSBDES402 Interpret and respond to a design brief.

Please note: while your teachers 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.

WeekSession ActivitiesDue Dates
1

Activity 1A: Introduction & Simple Tables

  • Course overview & assessment requirements
  • InDesign revision
  • Working with tables & rules in InDesign
  • Complete Activity 1A with feedback & assistance

 
2

Activity 1B: Complex Tables & Tabs

  • Submit and review Activity 1A at start of class
  • Work with more complex forms in InDesign
  • Complete Activity 1B with feedback & assistance 

Activity 1A DUE
3

Activity 2: Magazine layout

  • Submit and review Activity 1B at start of class
  • Introduction to Activity 2 and discussion
  • Research 2 x publications and fill in research document
 Activity 1B DUE

INTRODUCTION TO ACTIVITY 2

 
4

Activity 2 research and concept development

  • Concept development 
  • Publication research feedback & discussion
  • Research contemporary typography and design
  • Source and cite appropriate imagery and article content

Research DUE
5

Activity 2 development

  • Explore range of tools and techniques to meet design objectives
  • Feedback and discussion

 
6

Activity 2 feedback

  • Focus on consistent execution across all components
  • Print out layout and engage in consultation to identify improvements

 
7

Activity 2 development and refinement

  • Submit final magazine spread and research document

Activity 2 DUE
8

ASSESSMENT TASK 1: Book Covers

  • Introduction to Project 2 and discussion
  • View examples, discuss concepts and research methods
  • Analysis of genre codes and how they are brought to life using images and type
  • Detailed study of the interrelationships between different visual design components within a complex layout

 

 
9

Assessment Task 1A genre research due

  • submit research and start developing design directions

Assessment Task 1A: RESEARCH DUE 
10

Assessment Task 1B Type Topic Booklet

  • Work on design directions using your research to guide you
  • Outline client/target audience and their expectations based on research/concept
  • Draw at least 3-5 concept sketches per cover

 
11

Assessment Task 1B collaborative activities

  • Source and incorporate peer/teacher feedback
  
12

Assessment Task 1B concept development

  • Refine layout ideas and develop designs
  • Feedback and discussion
  • Develop coordinated approach to covers
  • Submit design approach to date

 

Assessment Task 1B: DESIGN DIRECTIONS DUE
13

Assessment Task 1C: development

  • Initial PROOFING of Book Covers project in hard copy
  • Use iterative process to ensure expectations for consistency and accuracy are met across set

 

 
14

Assessment Task 1C: development and refinement

  • Respond to feedback to improve work
  • Conduct technical checks before final production
  • Refer to checklists to complete complex finished artwork

 
15

Assessment Task 1C: resolution

  • Resolve and produce work ensuring all parameters of design brief are met
  • Print hard copies and show to teacher for feedback and final approval
  • Scan and submit teacher/client mark-up/approval

Assessment Task 1C: FINAL MARK-UP DUE
16

Assessment Task 1D: final submissions

  • Submit your digital artwork and research document

Assessment Task 1D: DIGITAL SUBMISSION DUE

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

Prescribed Texts

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

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:
Exercises and projects

An assessment charter summarises your responsibilities as an RMIT student as well as those of your teachers.


Assessment Tasks

This course has several learning activities, and one assessment task. The assessment task has four components. You are required to demonstrate all learning outcomes to a satisfactory standard.

Activity 1a: Simple Tables & Rules. Due Week 2 start of class.

Activity 1b: Complex Tables & Tabs. Due Week 3 start of class.

Activity 2: Magazine Layout. Due Week 7 start of class.

Assessment Task 1A: Book Cover Research. Due Week 9

Assessment Task 1B: Book Cover Concept & Design. Due Week 12

Assessment Task 1C: Book Cover Research. Due Week 15

Assessment Task 1D: Book Cover Research. Due Week 16

 

At the completion of the course you will be assessed for competency.

Competency-based assessment is as follows:

CA Competency Achieved 

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 aspect of your 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 for success.

 

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 Progress

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

 

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 regarding the eSubmission process

 

Special Consideration Policy, Late Submission & Extensions

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. Pick the following link for details on applying for Special consideration

 

Reasonable adjustment is available and may be applied through the Special Consideration process. Any student seeking an extension, should aim at doing so a minimum of 2 days before the deadline. Work submitted late and without an extension at any point will incur late penalties in accordance with university policy. If you require an extension you must complete an extension form with evidence supporting your application and hand this to your instructor. Further links  Application for extension of time

 

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 go to Academic Integrity. Academic Integrity

 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview