Course Title: Research and apply graphic design techniques

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2021

Course Code: GRAP6367C

Course Title: Research and apply graphic design techniques

School: 375T Vocational Design and Social Context

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5384 - Diploma of Digital Media Technologies

Course Contact: Nat Bates

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 3326

Course Contact Email: nat.bates@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Kieran Doolan

e: kieran.doolan@rmit.edu.au

ph: +61 3 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.

GRD1  Semester 1  2021Week     Class summaryAssessment
Wk 1
  • Overview of course requirements, assessments, key tools and techniques, theory and skill building exercises
  • What is graphic design anyway? Beginning the design process
  • Skill building exercises, design race
 
Wk 2
  • AT1 - Pre-Production for RMIT Brochure & AT2 - RMIT Brochure
  • Exploring graphic elements: point, line, shape - space, figure, ground
  • Skill building exercises
 
Wk 3
  • Exploring graphic principles: balance, symmetry, asymmetry and rhythm
  • Skill building exercises
  • Work on AT1 - Pre-Production for RMIT Brochure
 
Wk 4
  • Exploring graphic principles: proximity, alignment and the grid. Techniques for organising form and content
  • Skill building exercises
 
Wk 5
  • Work in progress feedback: AT1 - Pre-Production for RMIT Brochure
  • Work on AT1 - Pre-Production for RMIT Brochure

AT1 - Pre-Production for RMIT Brochure

Wk 6
  • Intro to AT2 - Production for RMIT Brochure
  • Assessment feedback: AT1 - Pre-Production for RMIT Brochure
 
Wk 7
  • Exploring graphic principles: layout and composition
  • Skill building exercises
 
Wk 8
  • Exploring graphic principles: Emphasis and contrast
  • Skill building exercises
 
  Mid semester break  
Wk 9
  • Work in progress feedback:  AT2 - Production for RMIT Brochure
  • Work on AT2 - Production for RMIT Brochure
AT2 - Production for RMIT Brochure
Wk 10
  • Intro to AT3 - Production for Magazine
  • Assessment feedback: AT2 - Production for RMIT Brochure
 
Wk 11
  • Exploring graphic elements: scale, depth and ratio
  • Skill building exercises
 
Wk 12
  • Exploring graphic principles: repetition, pattern and variation
  • Skill building exercises
 
Wk 13
  • Exploring graphic principles: harmony and unity
  • Skill building exercises
 
Wk 14
  • Work in progress feedback: AT3 - Production for Magazine
  • Work on AT3 - Production for Magazine

AT3 - Production for Magazine

Wk 15
  • Assessment feedback: AT3 - Production for Magazine
  • Work on AT4 - Progress Review for Graphic Design 1
AT4 - Progress Review for Graphic Design 1
Wk 16
  • Assessment feedback: AT4 - Progress Review for Graphic Design 1
 
Wk 17
  • Scheduled review and feedback of all assessments and folio material
 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources


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

Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency.  To be assessed competent means you have consistently demonstrated the required knowledge and skills at a standard expected in the workplace. To be assessed as Competent in this course, you will need to complete each assessment task to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task.

You should refer to the assessment brief which is available through Canvas for full assessment criteria

AT1: Pre-production for RMIT 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 5

AT2: Production for RMIT Brochure

Execute the project that you planned in Assignment 1 Pre-Production for RMIT Brochure. 

Due week 9

AT3: Production for Magazine

Produce the front cover of the women’s issues magazine, including a portrait cover photograph with a subject of your choice and a corresponding social media post that could be used to promote the issue.

Due Week 14

AT4: Progress Review for Graphic Design 1

Answer the eleven (11) questions provided using examples that relate to the techniques used to produce graphic design work and specialised imaging technologies.

Due Week 15

 

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. These matrices are available through Program Administration.

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.

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

Assessment:
Information on assessment including Special consideration, Adjustments to assessment, (eg. applying for an extension of time): https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/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