Course Title: Research and apply graphic design techniques
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2019
Course Code: GRAP6367C
Course Title: Research and apply graphic design techniques
School: 345T Media and Communication
Campus: City Campus
Program: C5384 - Diploma of Digital Media Technologies
Course Contact: Kieran Doolan
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4110
Course Contact Email: mcvet@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Janelle Low
janelle.low@rmit.edu.au
9925 4815
Maya Toone
maya.toone@rmit.edu.au
9925 4815
Simon Rankin
simon.rankin@rmit.edu.au
9925 4815
Nominal Hours: 50
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
N/A
Course Description
This course will give you the skills and knowledge required to research and apply techniques to produce graphic design work. It involves interpreting work briefs, organising resources, testing ideas, and refining approaches to a range of design challenges.
This will assist in developing a full range of skills. Research, experimentation and refinement are used to produce a range of general design works.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
CUAGRD401 Research and apply graphic design techniques |
Element: |
1. Interpret graphic design briefs |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Interpret specifications in graphic design briefs and clarify issues with relevant people, as necessary 1.2 Take user or client requirements into account when making decisions about graphic design work 1.3 Consider parameters and constraints and clarify with relevantpeople as required 1.4 Research contemporary and historical information relevant to briefs |
Element: |
2. Organise resources |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Identify workspace, materials, tools and equipment required for graphic design work 2.2 Prepare and care for resources according to safety and organisational requirements 2.3 Follow storage and inventory procedures |
Element: |
3. Test graphic design approaches |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Produce preliminary visual representations 3.2 Identify possible design approaches and establish criteria for selecting final approach 3.3 Select materials, tools and equipment and test approaches and techniques 3.4 Evaluate test outcomes against criteria and select the best approach for the requirements of briefs 3.5 Review own work and seek feedback as required 3.6 Refine and document the design approach based on results of testing and evaluation |
Element: |
4. Produce graphic design work |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Create graphic designs using selected design approach 4.2 Respond to feedback and refine graphic design work 4.3 Present finished work within agreed work parameters |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course you will have the skills to:
- interpret information in briefs and related research
- select and care for required resources
- test graphic design methods and techniques and document outcomes and design approaches
- produce examples of graphic design work that meet the requirements of a range of briefs.
You will be able to effectively:
- explain the use of experimentation in developing and refining graphic design work
- explain the importance of researching information about graphic design when completing design work
- explain typical information found in graphic design briefs
- discuss typical parameters and constraints that need to be considered when interpreting design briefs, including intellectual property considerations, and availability of resources, time and budget
- identify common techniques, materials, tools and equipment used in graphic design
- briefly describe the health and safety requirements related to establishment of work space and use of materials and equipment for graphic design work.
Details of Learning Activities
This course consists of 2 Units of Competency that are clustered together for delivery and assessment. The other unit of competency in this clustered course is: CUAPHI504 Employ specialised imaging technologies
In class learning activities may include, but are not limited to:
• lectures and/or lab work
• teacher directed group activities and projects
• concept development of group and individual projects
• group discussions and class presentations
• peer and teacher feedback
• WIP (work in progress) reviews
• self directed online, library and industry research
• self directed project production work and reflection
Out of class activities may include, but are not limited to:
• maintaining secure daily backups of all assessment and project data to your RMIT Google Drive account
• accessing online tutorial resources
• self directed online, library and industry research
• self directed project production work and reflection
• class excursions to events and locations outside of RMIT
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 |
Topics & Activities | Assessment |
| 1 | Introduction to Graphic Design & Imaging 1 Introduction to InDesign Class Exercise 1 |
|
| 2 |
Introduction to AT1 & AT2 - RMIT Brochure What is Pre-Production? Introduction to Camera Skills |
|
| 3 |
Using Camera RAW Design Hierarchy, Layout & The Grid Class Exercise 3 |
|
| 4 |
Pre-Production: Putting it Together Work in Progress Session |
AT1 Pre-Production for RMIT Architectural Brochure |
| 5 |
|
|
| 6 |
Feedback Session: AT1 Pre-Production RMIT Brochure Creative Commons Class Exercise 5 |
|
| 7 | Pinterest Class Exercise 6 Work in Progress Session |
AT2 Production for RMIT Architectural Brochure |
| 8 | Introduction to AT3 & AT5 - Exposure Skate Class Exercise 7 |
|
| 9 | Feedback Session: AT2 Production RMIT Brochure Class Exercise 8 Work in Progress Session |
AT3 Pre-Production for Exposure Skate |
| 10 | Introduction to AT6 Album Cover The Pen Tool Class Exercise 9 |
|
| 11 | Feedback Session: AT3 Pre-Production Exposure Skate AT4 Project Review Sessions |
AT4 Project Review for Graphic Design 1 |
| 12 | Class Exercise 10 Work in Progress Session |
AT5 Production for Exposure Skate |
| 13 |
Class Exercise 11
|
|
| 14 | Feedback Session: AT5 Production Exposure Skate Work in Progress Session |
AT6 Album Cover |
| 15 |
Class Exercise 12
|
|
| 16 |
Wrapping Up & Review |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
N/A |
References
The University Library has extensive resources. The Library has produced a number of subject guides that includes quality online and print resources for your studies. The Library provides guides and subject specialist help via your Liaison Librarians. |
Other Resources
Students are encouraged to make full use of class time, open studio time and University computer lab resources. Please consult the RMIT University web site for details of access times and locations.
Other required resources include, but are not limited to: an A4 or A3 visual diary, drawing materials (pencils of various grades (1B & 2B), erasers, coloured pencils and pens, graphic markers such as Copic brand) broadband internet access, suitable digital media storage such as a portable hard drive or USB 3.0 flash drive, with at least 128Gb capacity.
You are strongly advised to maintain a daily backup schedule of all assessment and project data to your RMIT account.
Overview of Assessment
Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, practical project work and through the application of learned skills.
Assessment Tasks
Assessment for this course is competency based. To show competency, you must complete all assessments to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task.
Late assessment submissions, or submissions that do not reach the required standard may be assessed as Not Satisfactory (NS). You will receive feedback on your assessment through Canvas and resubmission instructions via email. You must resubmit within two weeks of this notification. You may re-submit an assessment task only once. Please refer to the assessment brief or rubric for full assessment criteria. All assessment documents are available on the course Canvas page through MyRMIT.
AT1 Pre-Production for RMIT Architectural Brochure
Complete pre production for a brochure to promote one of the following three buildings to prospective students promoting RMIT facilities:
- The Design Hub (Building 100)
- Swanston Academic Building (Building 80)
- A section of the New Academic Street
Due week 4
AT2 Production for RMIT Architectural Brochure
Execute the project that you planned in AT1 Pre-Production for RMIT Brochure.
Due week 7
AT3 Pre-Production for Exposure Skate
Complete pre production for a poster to promote this year’s Exposure Skate event.
Due week 9
AT4 Project Review for Graphic Design 1
Meet with your assessor to undertake a progress review (PR) meeting.
Your assessor will ask you six (6) questions which relate to the graphic design you are undertaking in Graphic Design 1.
As part of the meeting you are expected to show your graphic design in progress to inform your answers to the questions.
Due week 11
AT5 Production for Exposure Skate
Produce an A3 size poster for Exposure Skate.
Due week 12
AT6 Album Cover
Complete a pre-production, build and finish document using the template provided by your assessor. Your pre-production work must be approved by teaching staff before commencing build and finish.
Individually you must complete the following components:
- Album Cover Template (submit using template provided)
- Finished JPEG (exported at 1600 x 1600 pixels @ 300 ppi, RGB, Maximum Quality)
Due week 14
Graded assessment in this course uses the following grades:
CA - Competency Achieved
NYC - Not Yet Competent
DNS - Did Not Submit
Assessment Matrix
The assessment matrix for this course demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the unit of competency. It can be found on the Canvas course page through myRmit, or from your teacher.
Other Information
Please refer to the RMIT student page for extensive information about study support, assessment, extensions, appeals and a range of other matters.
Attendance:
Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises. You are strongly advised to 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.
Assessment Feedback:
You will receive spoken and written feedback on all your work. Where relevant, this feedback will also include suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.
Academic Progress:Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy designed to assist you in achieving your learning potential.
Adjustments to Assessment
If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment satisfactorily by the due date, you can choose to apply for an adjustment to your assessment. RMIT University offers a range of adjustments designed to support you in your studies, including an extension of time to complete the assessment.
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.
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.
Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) RCC applies only if you have previously successfully demonstrated competence in a unit of competency, and now require to be reassessed to ensure that the competence is being maintained.
Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer, RPL, or RCC for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course.
Course Overview: Access Course Overview