Unit 1/2 VCD

aka Visual Communication Design

Year Level: 11

Duration: All Year

Periods: 5

Subject Type: VCE

Leads to Tertiary Studies In Architecture, Design, Animation, Engineering

Career Pathways: Architect, Art Director, User Experience Design, Product Designer, Interface Designer, Web and App Designers, Fashion Designer, Game Designer, Animator, Spatial Designer, Advertising, Creative Director

Unit 1: Finding, reframing and resolving design problems.

Students are introduced to the methods used by designers to identify, reframe and resolve human-centred design problems. We learn how design can improve life and living for people, communities and societies, and how understanding of good design has changed over time. We apply human-centred research methods, working collaboratively to define problems and understand the varied perspectives of stakeholders. We use these insights to prepare design criteria and develop a brief.

Students are introduced to the VCD design process and to techniques of divergent and convergent thinking. Students integrate these ways of thinking and working into future design projects.

Practical folios in Unit 1 focus on the design of messages and objects, while introducing visual language in communicating ideas and information. Students learn to apply the VCD design process and use varied methods, media and materials. We explore brand strategy and product development while promoting sustainable and circular design practices. We also consider how design decisions are shaped by economic, technological, cultural, environmental and social factors and the potential for design to instigate change.

Unit 2: Design Contexts & Connections

In Unit 2, students explore conceptions of good design, human-centred research methods and influential design factors as they revisit the VCD design process. Folio tasks focus on the design of environments and interactive experiences. Students work in fields such as architecture and spatial design, while discovering the role of the interactive designer in the realm of user-experience (UX). Methods, media and materials are explored together with the design elements and principles, as students develop spaces and interfaces that respond to both contextual factors and user needs.

We look to historical movements and cultural design traditions as sources of inspiration, and in doing so consider how design from other times and places might influence designing for the future.

We learn about protocols for the creation and commercial use of Indigenous knowledge in design, with a particular focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander design traditions and practices. We also study how issues of ownership and intellectual property impact the work of designers across contexts and specialist fields.

Unit 1 students visited the Melbourne Museum and Exhibition Building to compare the styles of part and present architecture examples in Melbourne.

How will studying VCD benefit me in the future?

Enhances problem-solving skills: Design education emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. You learn to analyze complex challenges and develop creative and innovative solutions.
Fosters creativity: It encourages you to think outside the box, explore new ideas, and approach problems from multiple perspectives. This creative mindset can be valuable in many fields.
Improves communication skills: Design is about effectively conveying ideas, concepts, and messages visually. These skills can be beneficial in presentations, storytelling, marketing, and collaboration with others.
Develops visual literacy: Design education hones your visual literacy skills, enabling you to interpret and understand visual information more effectively. You learn how to analyse and evaluate visual elements such as colour, typography, composition, and imagery, which can be applied in various contexts, including marketing, advertising, and user experience.
Enhances user-centered thinking: Design places great emphasis on understanding and empathizing with the needs and desires of the end-users or target audience. You learn to adopt a user-centered approach, considering usability, functionality, and user experience.
Promotes attention to detail: Design education instils a keen eye for detail and precision. Whether it's creating pixel-perfect digital designs, ensuring accurate measurements in architecture, or perfecting fine art compositions, attention to detail is vital in design. This meticulousness can be transferred to other areas of life and work, contributing to overall quality and craftsmanship.
Provides a versatile skill set: Designers develop proficiency in software tools, visual communication, prototyping, project management, and critical thinking. These skills are valuable and transferable, offering flexibility and adaptability across different roles and industries.
Encourages personal expression: Design is a means of self-expression, allowing individuals to communicate their ideas, values, and emotions through visual mediums providing an avenue to explore and develop your unique artistic voice.

What things will I study in VCD?

Visual Communication Design is a practical subject which examines the way visual language can be used to convey ideas, information and messages in the fields of Communication Design, Environmental Design and Industrial Design.

You will develop a range of skills including drawing, rendering, computer aided design, concept visualisation, development and presentation. You should study Visual Communication and Design if you enjoy experimenting with new ideas and devising creative solutions. Students who are interested in image making, visual messages, architecture, product and industrial design, fashion, and drawing for example, should consider choosing the subject.

Are there any prerequisite subjects?

No, while there are no prerequisite subjects you will be significantly advantaged in year 12 if you complete the year 11 course. In units 1/2 you will develop the skills and understandings necessary for units 3/4. The skills learnt are built upon and examined in units 3/4 SACs and exams also.

What careers will VCD lead me into?

It would be a good idea for anyone who is considering a career in any area of design to study VCD. You will gain a greater understanding of design in industry and how to approach and solve design problems through studying the subject. You will also have the opportunity to develop work, which can contribute to your folio for entrance into university level design courses.

Some typical careers which result from study in this subject include; Architect, Graphic Designer, Industrial Designer, Illustrator, Web Designer, Animator, Gallery/ Museum Curator, Art Teacher, Cartoonist, Costume Designer, Set Designer, Interior Designer, Photographer, Visual Merchandiser, Web Designer.

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