Unit rationale, description and aim
When used effectively, graphic design can develop innovative publications, providing information through visual communication and creating greater impact with audiences.
In this unit you will be introduced to current graphic design conventions for publication, both print and digital, through critical analysis of contemporary and historical graphic design practice. You will be encouraged to work collaboratively in planning and preparing publications while developing technical skills using industry design software in publication layout, use of images and typography.
The aim of this unit is to gain an understanding of current graphic design thinking and design trends, develop technical capability with a variety of industry design software options to produce designs for print and digital publications.
Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Demonstrate competency in technical skills applica...
Learning Outcome 01
Articulate the use of design thinking strategies a...
Learning Outcome 02
Demonstrate ability for critical analysis using vi...
Learning Outcome 03
Interpret, communicate and respond to cultural, et...
Learning Outcome 04
Content
Topics will include:
- Graphic design historical and contemporary contexts for publications
- Collaborative design methodologies
- Publication style guide application
- Document layout using images and text
- Multi page publication design outcomes
Assessment strategy and rationale
This unit allows students to develop their expertise in the graphic design discipline. It provides opportunities to demonstrate skills and knowledge of the practices, materials, technologies and techniques in design practice. Students will be expected to work independently and will have the opportunity to show creativity throughout the process of developing a project brief.
The assessment strategy used allows students to progressively develop their knowledge and skills to the level of sophistication where they are able to produce their own designs for print and digital media. In order to develop this level of design capability, students first understand the design process through design briefs that further develop their understanding of graphic design concepts, techniques and software. The assessments are designed to address the learning outcomes relevant to graphic design in addition to instructional exercises in class to acquire technical design skills. This approach is designed to appeal to students with a preference for learning within a physical social environment and allows for essential skill development with expert support.
Overview of assessments
Publication design proposal: to allow students to...
Publication design proposal: to allow students to understand the design process in establishing a design concept in response to the design brief for a publication.
20%
Publication template presentation: to allow stude...
Publication template presentation: to allow students to develop a design solution with reference to design industry publication protocols.
30%
Publication outcome and reflective process: to al...
Publication outcome and reflective process: to allow students to demonstrate design skills by producing a completed project including evaluation of their design process and outcome.
50%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
This unit uses an experiential learning approach. Students will learn about designing for print and digital publications through the learning activities, group critiques and assessments. This will provide them with the foundation to apply design principles to the creation of their own graphic design projects.
Students undertake this unit in workshop classes that consist of a) an explication of the requirements and practices associated with graphic design projects, b) discussion and reflection on the standards of projects in the Australian creative industries and c) work designed to further the needs of students’ own projects.
The learning and teaching strategy and rationale for this unit is to create experiences through the assessment items that enable engagement with the graduate attributes addressing written and oral analysis and visual communication and presentation. Participation in class critique and discussion allows students to test and express values, knowledge and skills to think critically and reflectively and develop design thinking strategies.