In the beginner level of Year 9/10 Visual Communication Design students focus on sustainable design practices in 3D objects and use of visual language in 2D messages. Following a structured design process they will learn technical drawing & modelling skills with both hands on and digital methods, and investigate complex problems and develop a framework for determining 'Good Design' before developing their own original solutions.
Students will learn a wide range of soft skills used in the design industry such as collaboration, listening, empathising, understanding, communication, time management and adaptability; as well as the hard skills needed to develop their ideas into resolved design solutions.
Through collaboration with other students they will refine their ideas and present finished solutions. Students will also learn design theory for layout and composition, learning to use visual language to influence ideas and how designers can change behaviour through messages.
Technical Design Skills:
Students will learn a range of technical skills used in design, including:
3D drawing (Isometric)
Rapid prototyping & testing ideas
3D Modelling (SketchUp) and 3D Printing
2D drawing (3rd Angle Orthogonal)
Developing concepts from ideas & sketches to resolved digital presentations
Creative Problem Solving:
Through 3D and 2D design tasks students will learn how to think solve complex problems related to sustainability, how designers develop solutions while working within set constraints / limitations, and how designers use visual language to clearly communicate ideas and emotions.
Understanding Design Theory
Students will aquire a foundation in design theory, including understanding the use of visual language, semiotics (signs & symbols) and Gestalt principles of visual perception in order to effectively communicate ideas to an audience. They will also develop personal conceptions of Good Design and use this to evaluate their design solutions.
Design Thinking
Students will learn the core principles of Human Centred Design Practices, working through multiple iterations of an idea to develop the most suitable solution. Human centred design practices include empathising with and understanding the needs of the user/audience; Prototyping and testing to develop the most suitable solutions and uncover issues not thought of; Collaborating with other students to test ideas and solutions before making changes for the next iteration.
1. Sustainability in Design. Investigating complex issues that affect the design of manufactured objects and developing circular design solutions.
2. How Visual Language is used to influence ideas and behaviours of the audience, and how to apply these concepts.
This subject serves as a foundation for students interested in VCE Visual Communication Design Units 1 & 2. In VCE VCD, students deepen their knowledge across 4 different fields of design: Objects, Messages, Environments and Interactive Experiences.
Objects is focused on the the design of manufactured things, and is an introduction to Industrial Design.
Messages is focused on the design of flat media including packaging, posters, booklets, logos, visual identities, and is a primer in Graphic & Communication design
Environments is focused on the practices, techniques and ideas used in Architecture and Environmental Design.
Interactive Experiences is focused on User Interface design, and is an introduction to web & app layout design.
In each of these areas of study students follow part or all of the double diamond design process as a structure for solving design problems, and prepares them for the larger, more complex projects they will undertake in Units 3/4 as well as post school pathways ranging from marketing and advertising; graphic designer; illustrator; web designer; architect; furniture designer; jewellery maker; fashion designer; game developer; concept artist; model maker and beyond.