This semester-based subject allows students to investigate the world of design. They will work on projects and develop skills for creative, critical and reflective thinking. Students will follow a brief underpinned by individual interests and personal creativity. 

What will I learn?

Students will respond creatively to a given brief and follow the design process to explore design thinking and techniques that enable designers to resolve, sometimes complexed, problems visually. They will explore a broad range of media, methods and materials which designers use to create their works such as (but not limited to) drawing, painting, printmaking, photography and digital design in the Adobe Creative suite of products.

What will I do?

Students are introduced to research for inspiration, sketching for ideation, rendering to show form, concept development, exploration of art materials, problem solving, colour theory, design language, critical thinking, target audience, digital design using the Adobe creative suite, and presentation for a client and/or exhibition. Students will develop a visual diary of ideas as they create a logo design, surface graphics for packaging, explore concept designs for a new product and create original typography. 

What will this lead to?

A year 9 Design Folio will be kept for recording the development of research, generation of ideas, development of concepts, refinement and resolution of presentations. With an emphasis on problem solving through creative, critical and reflective thinking this subject is an excellent springboard into, Graphic Design Visual communication and design in year 10 and VCE Visual communication and design, VCE Media and VCE Studio Arts.

Assessment Practical project assessment will consist of regular feedback and an end-of-project rubric. A Visual diary (folio) is developed to record and document the student’s process and document their design thinking.

Career paths include; Graphic designer, Architect, Draftsperson, Animator, Computer games developer, Photographer, Interior Designer, Illustrator, Teacher, Website designer. 

The study of photography will assist any student who is considering post-secondary study in the visual arts. 

Why choose this subject?

• I enjoy drawing and exploring art materials

• I like problem solving, creating and developing ideas

• I am interested in learning how to use Adobe creative software to create digital designs

• I want to develop skills and knowledge in a range of drawing systems

• I want to learn how to create design for a target audience

• I want to learn more about design from a cultural and historical context

Duration:  3 periods per week for one semester

Head of Art/Technology: Maree Brennan