VCE Visual Communication and Design

UNIT 1

This unit introduces the VCD design process and the power of divergent and convergent thinking, guiding students as they explore the design of messages and objects. Through research, collaboration, and critiques, students uncover stakeholder needs, create briefs, and bring ideas to life using industry-relevant tools and methods. They explore brand strategy, product design, and sustainable practices while considering social, cultural, and environmental impacts. 

UNIT 2

In Unit 2, students expand their skills by designing environments and interactive experiences. They explore fields such as architecture, landscape and interior design, and User Experience (UX), crafting designs that respond to context and user needs. Drawing inspiration from global and historical design movements, students investigate culturally appropriate design, including protocols for working with Indigenous knowledge. Throughout, they refine their ability to think critically, communicate visually, and design with purpose. 

UNIT 3

In Unit 3 of VCD, students step into the shoes of professional designers, exploring how they think, work, and create. By analysing the work of contemporary designers across fields like communication, industrial, environmental, and interactive design, students gain deep insight into how design solves real-world problems. They investigate how visual language, ethics, and evolving industry practices shape modern design, while building their own practical skills. Students then apply this knowledge to a real or fictional brief, using the Discover, Define, and Develop phases of the VCD design process to explore two distinct communication needs. They experiment, generate ideas, and seek feedback through critiques. 

UNIT 4

In this unit, students refine, resolve, and present their design solutions using both manual and digital techniques, models, and prototypes. In the Deliver phase, they pitch their ideas, respond to critique, and select the best methods and materials to bring their vision to life.