NCEA Level 3 Design & Visual Communication

Aims

Level 3 Design and Visual Communication builds on the skills and concepts introduced in Level 2. This course gives students a foundation of design skills that are applicable to a multitude of tertiary design courses such as architecture and interior, landscape, graphic and industrial design.

Course Content

Design is everywhere, from skyscrapers to sunglasses, magazines to MacBooks. The Level 3 DVC course is broken into four parts. Firstly, students are challenged to undertake an iterative design process. This involves investigating natural, geometric and / or mechanical forms. Students then reinterpret and embed their findings into a product design of their choosing. In the third part of the course, students are challenged to further investigate and apply their understanding of spatial design to an exhibition space context. Within this or the product design context students then develop a presentation of their work for a specific audience. This challenges students to use a range of graphic design techniques to communicate relevant features of their designs.

Assessment

Written reports (external topics), project portfolios (internal topics)

Qualification gained

NCEA Level 3 Technology (Design and Visual Communication) - full course completion 16-22 credits. This can be made up from a range of the achievement standards listed below.

This subject has links with

Digital Technologies, Visual Arts, Science, Mathematics, Social Sciences

Entry Requirements

Recommended study of DVC at Year 12, NCEA L2; an interest in design and problem solving; a creative mind; ability to work independently. Personal qualities: curiosity, perseverance, organisational and communication skills.

Next Steps

This course supports many tertiary courses in specific fields such as architecture, product design, graphic design, digital media design and engineering. DVC gives students a foundation of skills to be successful in both further education and the workplace.