How do designers use visual language to communicate ideas and information to audiences or users?
In this area of study, students learn how visual language is used to effectively communicate ideas and information to audiences or users. Students analyse the aesthetic decisions made by designers when producing messages, objects, environments or interactive experiences. They compare two or more design examples, considering how the design elements and principles are used in combination with media, methods and materials to address perceived communication needs. Drawing on conceptions of good design, students describe, analyse and evaluate how aesthetic decisions reflect the purposes, contexts and audiences or users of the selected design examples. They also consider the influence of technological, economic, cultural, social or environmental factors on the selected design examples.
Students can use their investigation into the practices of designers in Area of Study 1 and their study of visual language and aesthetic decisions in Area of Study 2 as a case study to support their own application of the VCD design process in Area of Study 3.
On completion of this unit the student should be able to compare and analyse design examples from selected field(s) of design practice, describing how aesthetic considerations contribute to the effective communication of information or ideas.
techniques for analysing and evaluating design examples from selected field(s) of design practice
the role of visual language in communicating ideas and information
aesthetic decisions made by designers, using the design elements and principles
the relationships between aesthetic decisions and the purposes, contexts and audiences or users of design examples
methods, media and materials used to create design examples
the influence of technological, economic, cultural, social or environmental factors on design decisions
conceptions of good design
appropriate design terminology.
compare and analyse design examples from selected field(s) of design practice
describe the role of visual language in communicating ideas and information
analyse influences on aesthetic decisions made by designers
analyse and evaluate applications of methods, media and materials, and design elements and principles in selected design examples
use conceptions of good design to evaluate design examples
use appropriate terminology during analysis and evaluation.