Year 11 Spatial & Product Design

Teacher in Charge:  Mrs Megan Eshuis
megan.eshuis@wdsg.school.nz

Course description:
Year 11 Spatial and Product Design (formally known as Design and Visual Communication  or DVC at Years 9-11) develops students into creative, critical thinkers who combine design skills with imagination, practical problem-solving, and an awareness of people, place and the environment. Through authentic design challenges, students learn to investigate ideas, communicate visually, and develop innovative solutions that respond to the needs of users while considering function, aesthetics, sustainability and context. These design thinking skills prepare students to confidently adapt to change and contribute to an evolving world.

Students explore two complementary areas of design: spatial design and product design. In spatial design, they design interior and exterior spaces that consider human interaction, purpose, accessibility and environmental impact. In product design, they create purposeful products by exploring form, function, ergonomics, materials and manufacturing processes. Throughout the course, students research, generate, test and refine ideas, using visual communication and informed design decisions to create thoughtful, meaningful and fit-for-purpose outcomes.

Course of study:

• Ideate, develop and refine a  Spatial and Product Design.

• Explore design practices, influences, elements and principles to inform the progression of ideas, considering both form and function. 

• Use freehand sketches, rendering techniques and digital applications to communicate your own design ideas.