DESN242 - Design for Publication

Year

Credit points

Campus offering

Prerequisites

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.

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.

On successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

LO1 - demonstrate competency in technical skills applicable to graphic design publications (GA4, GA5, GA10)

LO2 - demonstrate the ability to use design thinking strategies in a collaborative and iterative design process (GA4, GA5, GA7)

LO3 - communicate concepts, design solutions, and arguments clearly and concisely through visual, verbal and written means in a print environment (GA4, GA5, GA9)

LO4 - interpret, represent and respond to the socio-economic and cultural contexts of communication design and the ethical responsibilities of the professional designer (GA2, GA4, GA5)

Graduate attributes

GA2 - recognise their responsibility to the common good, the environment and society 

GA4 - think critically and reflectively 

GA5 - demonstrate values, knowledge, skills and attitudes appropriate to the discipline and/or profession 

GA7 - work both autonomously and collaboratively 

GA9 - demonstrate effective communication in oral and written English language and visual media 

GA10 - utilise information and communication and other relevant technologies effectively.

Content

Topics will include:

• Document layout
• Info graphic design
• Multi page design outcome
• Style guide
• Visual research methodologies
• Graphic design historical and contemporary contexts

Learning and teaching strategy and rationale

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. Classes include lectures and workshops that develop written and or oral analysis, and presentation skills, and allow participation in class critique and discussion that express values, knowledge, skills to think critically and reflectively. The assessments are designed to address the learning outcomes relevant to graphic design in addition to instructional exercises in class to acquire experience with acquiring technical design skills.

Assessment strategy and rationale

Assessment strategies for this unit are based on sustainable and authentic assessment projects that reflect graphic design industry practices and engage with principles of responsibility for the social good in line with ACU mission and ethical practices.

Assessment tasks engage students with projects that reinforce and apply skills and knowledge acquired in class exercises and discussion and peer feedback so as to provide an experience of design solution thinking practices and methodologies. There are three assessments each addresses developmental standards required and are also responsive to students individual skill levels, requiring reasonable workloads for students and staff.

Assessment submissions are all moderated with a second lecturer so as to ensure fairness and measuring achievement at an appropriate standard that is inclusive and equitable for all students.

Overview of assessments

Representative texts and references

Required text(s)

http://lynda.acu.edu.au/

Recommended references

Coleman R., (2008). Design for Inclusivity: A Practical Guide to Accessible, Innovative and User-Centred Design. UK: Gower Publishing Limited.

Dabner D., (2010). Graphic design school: the principles and practices of graphic design. Hoboken, N.J. : John Wiley & Sons.

Eccher C., (2011). Professional web design techniques and templates. Boston Mass., U.S.A. : Course Technology PTR.

Meggs P. B., (2006). Meggs' history of graphic design. Hoboke: J. Wiley & Sons.

Morris T., (2011). Web development and design foundations with XHTML. MA: Addison-Wesley.

Roberts L., (2010). Design diaries: creative process in graphic design. London: Laurence King.

Schmitt C., (2009). Professional CSS cascading style sheets for Web design. Indianapolis, IN: Wiley Pub.

Shelly G.B. (2009). Web design: introductory concepts and techniques. MA: Course Technology.

Sklar J., (2009). Principles of web design. Boston, MA: Course Technology PTR.

Vaughan T., (2011). Multimedia making it work. New York: McGraw-Hill Osborne Media.