Course Title: Produce graphic designs for 2-D and 3-D applications
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2025
Course Code: GRAP6344C
Course Title: Produce graphic designs for 2-D and 3-D applications
School: 515T Creative Industries
Campus: Brunswick Campus
Program: C5409 - Diploma of Graphic Design
Course Contact: Ruth Wellington
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 9417
Course Contact Email: ruth.wellington@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Leigh Milward
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
This course describes the skills and knowledge required to plan and produce a body of two-dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) graphic design work in response to a variety of visual communication challenges. Design work will show a well-developed command of relevant software programs and the creative ability to generate ideas to meet the different needs of design briefs.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
CUAGRD502 Produce graphic designs for 2-D and 3-D applications |
Element: |
1. Interpret briefs for 2-D and 3-D work |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Confirm the objectives of the work based on the design brief 1.2 Evaluate design brief specifications 1.3 Source and evaluate other information and considerations pertinent to design brief |
Element: |
2. Collaborate and liaise with others |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Identify relevant people who contribute to the design process 2.2 Collaborate with others to inform and enhance the design process 2.3 Invite critical analysis of own work by others and act on feedback |
Element: |
3. Develop and present ideas for 2-D and 3-D work |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Explore a range of sources to inform ideas for work, and consider associated intellectual property implications 3.2 Evaluate ideas and options for meeting the brief using critical and creative thinking techniques 3.3 Experiment with techniques, equipment and media to develop ideas 3.4 Consider new and different approaches to format, type and visuals 3.5 Evaluate and review ideas for technical viability and suitability for communicating key messages 3.6 Produce and present visual representations of the design proposal 3.7 Produce clearly written explanatory information to support visual representation |
Element: |
4. Plan and organise the production of work |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Assess specific processes, materials and technologies needed to realise technical and creative aspects of proposed designs 4.2 Determine and organise the financial, physical and other resources required to complete the project 4.3 Develop a realistic timeframe for the production of work 4.4 Assess and respond to possible project constraints and risks 4.5 Monitor the project workflow 4.6 Develop production specifications supported by comprehensive visual and written documentation of the design processes |
Element: |
5. Realise 2-D and 3-D designs |
Performance Criteria: |
5.1 Extend skills with selected processes, materials and technologies to fulfil the objectives of the brief 5.2 Consider the elements and principles of design and manipulate format, type and visual elements to achieve desired effects 5.3 Engage in ongoing evaluation and refinement of creative and technical aspects 5.4 Apply safe work practices during the production process |
Element: |
6. Finalise artwork |
Performance Criteria: |
6.1 Prepare artwork to technical production specifications 6.2 Create documentation to support the final artwork 6.3 Conduct final checks and proofing processes 6.4 Make necessary adjustments and confirm final artwork and documentation with others as required |
Element: |
7. Evaluate own work |
Performance Criteria: |
7.1 Review work in progress and final work against requirements of the brief 7.2 Identify and respond to opportunities for refinement and re-thinking 7.3 Evaluate efficiency and effectiveness of the work process 7.4 Reflect on completed work to recognise own professional practice and skill development needs |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency in the above elements.
Details of Learning Activities
Learning activities will take place either online, or 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 session activities may include:
- in session demonstrations and presentations by teacher
- class exercises
- workshops including use of industry based equipment and materials
- knowledge and practical tests
- simulated workplace activities
- design activities or projects
- independent project based work
- teacher directed group activities/projects
- online tutorials and activities
- student presentations
- group discussions
- Blog/Wiki or other online discussion and participation
- review and revision
- group projects
- peer teaching & learning
- workshopping of student projects including peer/teacher feedback
- visits to industry, seminars, events and exhibitions
- guest lectures/presentations
- analysis/critique of relevant reading material
- research
Out of class activities may include:
- independent project based work
- completion of outstanding work
- online tutorials and activities
- independent research
- studio practice
- review and revision
- analysis/critique of relevant reading material
- research
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.
There will be a number of prescribed tasks and projects (see Assessment Tasks below).
| Safety, IP and Resources. Review unit requirements. Complete AT1a: Safety. Critical reading of supplied documents and examples. Review objectives. This session focuses on intellectual property research and critical thinking techniques. Through structured analysis, students will extract insights to inform their creative decisions. We will look at how your existing knowledge of IP will be applied to the upcoming project by looking at font licensing. Based on your reading of the brief, identify potential resources and assets that could be used. | |
| Critical thinking techniques. You must collaborate and coordinate with a peer. A range of short critical thinking techniques will be discussed in class – some techniques are too intensive for this project. Use these techniques to reveal helpful information that will improve your understanding of the project. Compile a list of project resources for the worksheet. Bring in drawing materials for the next session. | AT1a: Safety |
| Develop ideas, creative thinking. Evaluate information and considerations pertinent to design brief by looking at existing design, analysing the current use of typography and branding and how legal requirements might impact on design decisions around typography. Compile your analysis in the worksheet. Research, summarise in your own words, and apply a formal creative thinking technique or exercise for developing thumbnails and/or concept sketches. ‘Formal’ means following instructions and a process – we will look at some resources for this in class. | |
| Documenting graphic design work, production planning. One of the outcomes for this project is to create comprehensive documentation. To do this, you will record your process and present your outcomes. For this part of AT1b: Plan and Develop, you will investigate and analyse information about this process of documenting your work (e.g. in a folio). Next, we will look at the planning and set-up you need to do to complete work by looking at typical problems that occur during a graphic design job and how project management processes can anticipate most typical issues. Complete the production schedule for homework if it is not done in class. Note: you can collaborate on this plan. | |
| Interpret the design brief, costings. Finalise AT1b: Plan and Develop by summarising the key requirements of the design brief in collaboration with peers. We will also look at breaking this down into design deliverables and how to calculate a job quote and hourly rate from the perspective of an emerging graphic design freelancer. Review the critical and creative thinking techniques and how it might be applied. You can start the concept process while the meetings are on, but make sure you record it (take photos, scans – keep in mind it is for your folio). Bring in drawing materials for next session. | AT1b: Plan and Develop |
| Start the design process. Use your creative and critical thinking skills to produce the first of two concepts. The aim is to have two done during class, but complete one concept for homework if not done in class. Ensure you record this process work – take photos of you drawing, for example. | AT1c: Costings |
| Share ideas, complete concept document. To get started, put your first concept into the documentation and share for informal feedback. Use your creative and critical thinking to produce the second of two concepts. Anything not complete for this concepts should be done for homework. Finalising the presentation document and collaborating with the teacher and peers to select and refine the final design concept are the key focuses this week. Presentations are next session. Submit AT2a_worksheet_Ideas (the concept document) by the deadline and it will be printed for you. If you miss this deadline, you must come to the meeting prepared with an A3 colour print of your AT2a: Ideas document. | |
| Present concepts. AT2b: Present Concepts is an in-class assessment. The presentation is to a small group of peers (not the whole class) of your AT2a: Ideas document. This document will be shared with the client. Note: A client may be part of the meeting, depending on their availability. To complete AT2b: Present Concepts, in a supplied checklist, check off the criteria when completed and write your notes from the meeting. It will be signed off by the assessor to confirm your participation and accuracy. |
AT2a: Ideas [before class] AT2b: Present Concepts [in-class assessment] |
| Start production. Late/extension presentations for AT2b: Present Concepts. Students refine their design and ensure the technical setup is accurate, while also preparing for the development of the 3D mockup. The focus this week is on progressing the designs, starting with branding and mandatory elements like barcodes and ingredients. This allows for a structured development process, ensuring all necessary elements are incorporated from the outset. | |
| Production. Key production considerations. Continue with design production. One design should be more-or-less complete by the end of the next session, ready to submit for AT3a: Progress. | |
| Preflighting. Continue with design production. Preflight your most complete design for progress. Participate in an informal review – in class, we will look at the general rate of progress and determine what priorities you should make based on what was submitted for AT3a: Progress. | AT3a: Progress [submitted before class] |
| Making digital 3D mock-up. Introduction to making 3D representations of designs, pitched to complete novices. Check progress in Grades on Canvas. | |
| Prepare to finalise design. Production. The focus is on ensuring your designs have all key components (brand, product info, production elements like print safe area and bleed). You need finished (or near finished) designs to start making 3D mock-ups. | |
| 3D mockups. Finalise 3D render for folio. Create a range of renders to choose from. | |
| Finalise 2D and 3D. Finalise 2D artwork, ready for print production submitted as PDF/X-compliant files. The priorities this week include a final review of files for AT3b: Final Artwork. Introduction to AT4: Reflect. Guidance on answering these prompts will be provided in the worksheet, course notes and discussed in class. | AT3b: Final Artwork |
| Reflect. In the supplied worksheet (AT4: Reflect worksheet), reflect on the following areas, in reference to the completed project. This assignment is intended to be completed in class, but the due date is set to the end of the week to allow more time for reflection if needed. |
AT3c: Folio AT4: Reflect |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Gatter M (2010) Production for Print (1st ed.). Laurence King. |
|
Johansson K, Lundberg P and Ryberg R (2011) A guide to graphic print production (3rd ed.). Wiley. |
|
Barnum, A (2012), Graphic design : Australian style manual, McGraw-Hill Education, North Ryde |
Other Resources
You are advised to look at Study Support and the Diploma program shell on Canvas 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.
A reading list has been provided in Canvas with recommended supplementary materials to guide your independent learning between classes.
Amongst the library’s electronic resources is the ability to access LinkedIn Learning 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 rmit.libguides.com/graphic-design
The Library provides guides on academic referencing rmit.edu.au/library/study/referencing and subject specialist help via your Liaison Librarian.
Overview of Assessment
Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, oral presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights to your written tasks. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on CANVAS.
Assessment Tasks
Feedback throughout the course may be written, verbal or a combination of both.
Work in class provides the basis for ongoing feedback which should be considered essential for the assessment process.
There are four Assessment Tasks which need to be completed to a satisfactory standard in order to successfully complete the course.
Assessment Tasks
Note there are interim submissions. See the due dates in Canvas.
Assessment Task 1: Plan and Develop. Finalised by week 6
This is the first of four (4) tasks in which you will apply self-directed technical skills and knowledge to manage the accuracy and consistency of colour in the graphic design production workflow.
Assessment Task 1 has three separate submissions with interim submissions. See Canvas for the due dates. Assessment task 1 will be completed by Week 7.
- AT1a: Safety,
- AT1b: Plan and Develop and
- AT1c: Costings.
Assessment Task 2: Concept. Due week 8
This task focuses on producing and presenting design concepts as arrange of solutions to the brief. Show the underlying ideas and thinking behind your two concepts. Make a presentation that shows two (2) different concepts.
Assessment Task 2 has two separate submissions with interim submissions. See Canvas for the due dates. Assessment task 2 will be completed by Week 9.
- AT2a: Present Ideas,
- AT2b: Present Concept.
Assessment Task 3: Design. Due week 15
This task focuses on completing and presenting finalised artwork. Submit a draft of your package design for discussion, create finalised artwork ready for production and make a folio page that includes a 3D render of your final designs.
Assessment Task 3 has three separate submissions with interim submissions. See Canvas for the due dates. Assessment task 3 will be completed by Week 15.
- AT3a: Progress
- AT3b: Final Artwork
- AT3c: Folio
Assessment Task 4: Reflect. Due week 16
This is the final task in which you will demonstrate insight into project processes, explain pre-press processes and recognise professional practice and skill development needs. This is a written reflection where you will respond to supplied prompts.
This course will be assessed for Competency only. Students are required to demonstrate all learning outcomes to a satisfactory standard to achieve Competency.
Course results/grades which apply to competency-based assessment, are as follows:
CA - Competency Achieved
NYC - Not Yet Competent
SEC - Student Engagement Ceased
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
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. Attendance is recorded in this course.
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.
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
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 in the Canvas LMS.
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.
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
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