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NEW in 2027
Year Level: 9
Periods: 3
Duration: One Semester
Subject Type: Elective
Leads to Further Studies In Visual Communication Design, Art: Creative Practice
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
Course Description
“Ultimately my job as a designer is to look into the future, my job is about what’s
going to happen not what has happened” Marc Newson
What many people don’t realise is that from the moment they wake up almost everything that fills their world has been designed one way or another. From the spaces we live in, to the objects and products we use and the printed and digital messages we engage with, all of it has been put in place by design. In this elective, we will apply our study of visual language and the principles of good design to communicate ideas, solve user-centred problems and influence behaviours. Students will study the basics from the design fields of graphic design, product design, advertising, branding and interactivity. In each task, we will explore how designers visually communicate concepts when designing messages, objects and interactive experiences as well as how we can apply design thinking strategies and design processes to improve and imagine a better future through design.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you study in Design (VCD)?
Design is a practical creative subject involved with making images and understanding messages that can be expressed using pictures and text. We may study a range of Visual Communication Fields including the design of Objects, Environments (Spaces), Messages and Experiences.
What could I design?
Students in both Year 9 Design electives have made 3D models of buildings, drawn architectural floor plans, designed packaging and illustrated gaming environments. They have learnt to draw and shade more accurately using pencils, paint and digital software, and learnt traditional drawing techniques.
They are always looking to other designers, trends, styles and the world around them to inspire their designs and challenge their creative processes.
Student Work Poster.jpgIs this subject for me?
If you enjoy doing any of the following things, VCD is for you;
You enjoy experimenting with new ideas and devising creative solutions.
You are a beginner to intermediate drawer who wants to develop your drawing and rendering skills to the next level.
You are interested in making images that communicate a message, or have a purpose.
You are interested in 'doing' - building mock-ups of architecture, packages, and products.
You are interested in improving existing designs for shop interiors, gardens, logos, fashion pieces, or advertising.
Year 9 VCD students have used new technologies such as cutters to create foam core models. Learning to operate and adapt to new technologies is something we as designers do best. If you like learning to use new technology and software chances are you will love VCD.
Where will this course lead me at GWSC?
Year 9 Design Future prepares students for the semester-based year 10 Visual Communication Design course which follows a similar project-based format. By undertaking year 9 Design Future students are better equipped with the skills and language needed to pursue the subject in VCE, or other creative subjects such as Digital Art and Art Creative Practice.
How does Visual Communication and Design benefit VCE & beyond?
Visual Communication and Design is offered in VCE as an elective. The practical and creative thinking skills that you learn in year 9 & 10 will contribute to the success in VCE as they provide a simplified scope of the major topics assessed in Units 1-4 . VCD can be a pre-requiste for Graphic design, Product design, Interior Architecture, Architecture, Multimedia and Fashion design at some universities, which may lead directly to professional employment within those industries.
Do I need good marks in Art and Design to do Design Future/VCD?
Not necessarily. Maybe you have an eye for aesthetics and detail, you love working with technology and you’re excited by the thought of changing our world through innovative thinking. The only problem? You’re not exactly an expert drawer. While drawing is a key to the process of problem solving you don't need to be the next DaVinci in order to thrive in VCD. We will actually be learning lots of new methods for drawing and presentation, that's part of the fun!
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