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How do designers apply a design process to reframe problems and develop ideas?
In this area of study, students explore the Discover, Define and Develop phases of the VCD design process, and apply understandings of good design when addressing a selected design problem. Students begin the Discover phase by using divergent thinking strategies and applying ethical research methods to identify a design problem or opportunity. They gather insights about stakeholder perspectives and other influential factors using a range of research methods such as but not limited to interviews and surveys, audience or user personas, competitor analysis and secondary research.
Students employ convergent thinking strategies as they progress to the Define stage of the VCD design process, analysing and synthesising findings in order to clearly articulate design opportunities. From these findings, students prepare a single design brief for a real or fictional client, defining two communication needs that are distinct from one another in purpose and presentation format. Design criteria is specified for each communication need, with consideration given to the audience or user, the purposes of designed outcomes, possible contexts and design constraints.
The Develop phase of the VCD design process follows the formation of the brief, with students once again using divergent thinking as they employ an iterative process of seeking and analysing inspiration, brainstorming and generating design ideas. This phase of the design process is undertaken twice, as students address each communication need identified in the design brief. Students use methods such as but not limited to ideation sketching and prototyping to document potential concepts; they undertake further research if necessary and share ideas-in-progress with peers for critique. This feedback is used in Unit 4 to select and further evolve design concepts through refinement, testing and evaluation.
On completion of this unit the student should be able to identify two communication needs for a client, prepare a brief and develop design ideas, while applying the VCD design process and design thinking strategies.
KEY KNOWLEDGE
KEY KNOWLEDGE
the Discover, Define and Develop phases of the VCD design process
the role of convergent and divergent thinking in the VCD design process
ethical research methods to identify and analyse a design problem
the role of the brief in defining communication needs
methods and techniques used to generate design ideas
key features and functions of the design elements and principles
legal and ethical obligations relevant to the designer’s work
techniques for engaging in critiques to present design ideas and both respond to and deliver constructive feedback
conceptions of good design
appropriate design terminology.
KEY SKILLS
KEY SKILLS
apply the Discover, Define and Develop phases of the VCD design process
use divergent and convergent thinking strategies when defining problems and developing ideas
use design research methods to define communication problems
apply legal and ethical obligations relevant to the designer’s work
document a brief defining two distinct communication needs and presenting design criteria including purposes, contexts, audience or user characteristics and design constraints
generate a range of design ideas drawing on design criteria documented in the brief
annotate design ideas using design terminology to explain and evaluate design decisions
use the design elements and principles to develop design ideas
present design ideas for critique, and both respond to and deliver constructive feedback
use appropriate design terminology.
RUBRICS
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