Design and Visual Communication 

at Napier Girls' High School

What is DVC ?

the short answer:

"DVC is understanding and applying drawing techniques and design practice to communicate design ideas."

the long answer:

"... design, designing, and design thinking, explored and expressed through visual communication, informed by design heritage ..."

Students learn about three-dimensional design, develop their practice of designing, and expand their design thinking in the context of architectural and product design.

Design is the imagining and creative thinking of novel, new and beneficial ideas, resolving problems to improve the lives of people.

Designing is the activity and practice of design.

Design thinking is the creative and cognitive activities of perception (sensation, observation and awareness), inspiration, imagining, interpretation, generation and synthesis, leading to invention and improvement that informs designing. Design thinking is expressed through visual literacy: the ability to make meaning from images, and to make images that communicate meaning.

Visual communication is the presenting of the action of design thinking, design narratives, and outcomes, using representation and presentation skills and techniques.

Design heritage is the history, culture, and awareness of design. The approaches to and perspectives of design practices, design fields (architecture, interior, product, landscape, fashion, media design, etc.), design eras/movements, designers, design artefacts and the elements of design.

What do you do in DVC ?

Create Architectural and Product designs

Develop freehand sketching skills

Enhance your ability to communicate ideas using a range of visual techniques

Learn to use 3D Computer Aided Design programs

Who is this for ?

People who are interested in Graphic Design,  Architecture, Engineering, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, Advertising, Product Development, Building and Construction, Jewellery Design, Primary Teaching,  Secondary Teaching, Marine Architecture, Furniture Design ...

What do you need ?

All computer programs used in the course are provided free of charge.
Paper, card and drawing wallets are provided.

• Senior Students must have a Windows laptop or Mac laptop. 

• Entry level laptops are suitable (ChromeBooks are suitable for Yr9 and Yr10). 

• Senior students must have a standard Mouse (corded, wireless or bluetooth; with a wheel) - highly recommended for Yr10

• Successful students will need basic drawing tools to complete work at home, however, this is limited to black pen, pencils and coloured pencils

Course Progression