DFB308 Design and Media
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | DFB308 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | 48 credit points of completed study |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2027, Kelvin Grove, Internal
| Unit code: | DFB308 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | Completion of 48 credit points of study |
| Coordinator: | Tim Lindgren | timothy.lindgren@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This unit examines the evolving relationship between design and media across physical and digital contexts. You will explore how design is represented, mediated, and interpreted through a range of traditional and emerging media platforms—including news outlets, social media, influencer content, design reviews, and AI-generated content. The unit adopts an interdisciplinary and critical approach to understanding how media shape public perception, cultural narratives, and the strategic positioning of design ideas. Emphasis is placed on developing critical media literacies and analytical capabilities, enabling you to navigate complex, multi-voiced media environments with discernment. Through case studies and practice-based work, you will learn how to strategically communicate design ideas and evaluate the broader implications of mediated design discourse.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Examine the cultural and commercial relationship between media and design industries.
- Create a design narrative and justify its relevance from a contemporary point of view.
- Collaborate with peers to plan and document the design narrative process.
- Analyse cultural factors in design and how they are represented in digital media.
Content
This unit addresses content such as:
- design and media - their history and their contemporary developments through a study of aesthetics and industry
- the performance of design through diverse perspectives
- new media platforms and their centrality to new ways in which design circulates and is disseminated globally
- the spaces of future design media
Learning Approaches
In this unit, you will learn by engaging in the following:
- lectures
- tutorials
- online learning materials and readings
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will receive formative feedback on your progress in this unit during workshops. You will receive summative individual comments in addition to generic comments to the cohort via Canvas and the online criteria sheet.
Assessment
Overview
There are two assessments in this unit.
1. Design narrative - This task will require critical thinking, effective communication, and teamwork, as well as the ability to create a short design narrative in diverse media and justify your design with an accompanying report. Overall, this assessment will help you hone your design process skills and gain practical experience in working with others to develop a cohesive and compelling collection.
2. Design in New Media Critique - This assessment will require strong research and analytical skills, as well as the ability to think critically and present a coherent and well-supported argument. Through this task, you will gain a deeper understanding of the role of social media in shaping contemporary design trends and the broader cultural landscape.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Design Narrative
You will work in a group to create a design film that showcases a design collection for a brand. Your group will need to identify an opportunity for the brand and develop a fashion collection in response. You will use your research and design skills to create supporting documentation that justifies your role and design decisions.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Design in New Media Critique
For this assignment, you will write a critical report that examines the aesthetic, cultural, and commercial aspects of design as presented on a selected digital social platform. Using an informed and critical lens, you will analyse cultural factors related to design and evaluate how they are represented on the platform.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Requirements to Study
Costs
You will need access to a reliable computer with an internet connection and specialised software such as Adobe Creative Cloud. Costs will vary depending on capability and storage requirements. There will be some costs incurred with the purchase of materials for your project.
Risk Assessment Statement
All students and staff are required to complete Tier 1 of CIESJ Student HSE Inductions for access to campus buildings and facilities. This must be completed online.
Tier 1 Visit and review all sections of the health, safety and environment
Where substantial computer-based work is required, you are recommended to take regular rest breaks when engaging in prolonged computer-based work, and ensure that your workstation is set up for optimal comfort to prevent strain or injury.
Further information can be found on the unit Canvas.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.DE43 Bachelor of Design
- Demonstrate theoretical and technical design knowledge, synthesising methods and theories of design in dynamic and evolving contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, Design Narrative, Design in New Media Critique - Recognise the consequences of design and its impact on the world, with respect to open, ethical and inclusive core design values acknowledging global, cultural and / or indigenous contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Design in New Media Critique - Communicate coherently, independently and/or collaboratively using a range of media to convey and share design knowledge and ideas to diverse audiences in a range of contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Design Narrative - Use transdisciplinary methods to effectively work in diverse teams to address real-world challenges.
Relates to: ULO3
DE45 Bachelor of Design - International
- Demonstrate theoretical and technical design knowledge, synthesising methods and theories of design in dynamic and evolving contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, Design Narrative, Design in New Media Critique - Recognise the consequences of design and its impact on the world, with respect to open, ethical and inclusive core design values acknowledging global, cultural and / or indigenous contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Design in New Media Critique - Communicate coherently, independently and/or collaboratively using a range of media to convey and share design knowledge and ideas to diverse audiences in a range of contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Design Narrative - Use transdisciplinary methods to effectively work in diverse teams to address real-world challenges.
Relates to: ULO3
DV99 Bachelor of Design
- Demonstrate theoretical and technical design knowledge, synthesising methods and theories of design in dynamic and evolving contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, Design Narrative, Design in New Media Critique - Recognise the consequences of design and its impact on the world, with respect to open, ethical and inclusive core design values acknowledging global, cultural and / or indigenous contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Design in New Media Critique - Communicate coherently, independently and/or collaboratively using a range of media to convey and share design knowledge and ideas to diverse audiences in a range of contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Design Narrative - Use transdisciplinary methods to effectively work in diverse teams to address real-world challenges.
Relates to: ULO3
KK43 Bachelor of Creative Industries
- Demonstrate broad and coherent theoretical and practical knowledge required for creative enterprise, career development and interdisciplinary collaborations, supported by depth in at least one creative disciplinary area.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO4, Design Narrative, Design in New Media Critique - Demonstrate well-developed cognitive and ideation skills to identify, analyse and evaluate opportunities to address authentic complex problems.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO4, Design Narrative, Design in New Media Critique - Demonstrate technical expertise to support skills and knowledge within the Creative Industries.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO4, Design Narrative, Design in New Media Critique - Communicate effectively in a range of forms across multiple media modes, for sharing and disseminating knowledge, skills and ideas, and collaborative practice and navigation of social networks.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Design Narrative - Apply and adapt creative disciplinary knowledge and skills with agility in a range of industry, community and intercultural contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Design Narrative, Design in New Media Critique - Practise self-management of career and learning with enterprise and an entrepreneurial outlook, including the building of personal and professional relationships and partnerships.
Relates to: ULO3, Design Narrative
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2027, Online
| Unit code: | DFB308 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | Completion of 48 credit points of study |
Overview
This unit examines the evolving relationship between design and media across physical and digital contexts. You will explore how design is represented, mediated, and interpreted through a range of traditional and emerging media platforms—including news outlets, social media, influencer content, design reviews, and AI-generated content. The unit adopts an interdisciplinary and critical approach to understanding how media shape public perception, cultural narratives, and the strategic positioning of design ideas. Emphasis is placed on developing critical media literacies and analytical capabilities, enabling you to navigate complex, multi-voiced media environments with discernment. Through case studies and practice-based work, you will learn how to strategically communicate design ideas and evaluate the broader implications of mediated design discourse.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Examine the cultural and commercial relationship between media and design industries.
- Create a design narrative and justify its relevance from a contemporary point of view.
- Collaborate with peers to plan and document the design narrative process.
- Analyse cultural factors in design and how they are represented in digital media.
Content
This unit addresses content such as:
- design and media - their history and their contemporary developments through a study of aesthetics and industry
- the performance of design through diverse perspectives
- new media platforms and their centrality to new ways in which design circulates and is disseminated globally
- the spaces of future design media
Learning Approaches
In this unit, you will learn by engaging in the following:
- lectures
- tutorials
- online learning materials and readings
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will receive formative feedback on your progress in this unit during workshops. You will receive summative individual comments in addition to generic comments to the cohort via Canvas and the online criteria sheet.
Assessment
Overview
There are two assessments in this unit.
1. Design narrative - This task will require critical thinking, effective communication, and teamwork, as well as the ability to create a short design narrative in diverse media and justify your design with an accompanying report. Overall, this assessment will help you hone your design process skills and gain practical experience in working with others to develop a cohesive and compelling collection.
2. Design in New Media Critique - This assessment will require strong research and analytical skills, as well as the ability to think critically and present a coherent and well-supported argument. Through this task, you will gain a deeper understanding of the role of social media in shaping contemporary design trends and the broader cultural landscape.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Design Narrative
You will work in a group to create a design film that showcases a design collection for a brand. Your group will need to identify an opportunity for the brand and develop a fashion collection in response. You will use your research and design skills to create supporting documentation that justifies your role and design decisions.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Design in New Media Critique
For this assignment, you will write a critical report that examines the aesthetic, cultural, and commercial aspects of design as presented on a selected digital social platform. Using an informed and critical lens, you will analyse cultural factors related to design and evaluate how they are represented on the platform.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Requirements to Study
Costs
You will need access to a reliable computer with an internet connection and specialised software such as Adobe Creative Cloud. Costs will vary depending on capability and storage requirements. There will be some costs incurred with the purchase of materials for your project.
Risk Assessment Statement
All students and staff are required to complete Tier 1 of CIESJ Student HSE Inductions for access to campus buildings and facilities. This must be completed online.
Tier 1 Visit and review all sections of the health, safety and environment
Where substantial computer-based work is required, you are recommended to take regular rest breaks when engaging in prolonged computer-based work, and ensure that your workstation is set up for optimal comfort to prevent strain or injury.
Further information can be found on the unit Canvas.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.DE43 Bachelor of Design
- Demonstrate theoretical and technical design knowledge, synthesising methods and theories of design in dynamic and evolving contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, Design Narrative, Design in New Media Critique - Recognise the consequences of design and its impact on the world, with respect to open, ethical and inclusive core design values acknowledging global, cultural and / or indigenous contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Design in New Media Critique - Communicate coherently, independently and/or collaboratively using a range of media to convey and share design knowledge and ideas to diverse audiences in a range of contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Design Narrative - Use transdisciplinary methods to effectively work in diverse teams to address real-world challenges.
Relates to: ULO3
DE45 Bachelor of Design - International
- Demonstrate theoretical and technical design knowledge, synthesising methods and theories of design in dynamic and evolving contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, Design Narrative, Design in New Media Critique - Recognise the consequences of design and its impact on the world, with respect to open, ethical and inclusive core design values acknowledging global, cultural and / or indigenous contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Design in New Media Critique - Communicate coherently, independently and/or collaboratively using a range of media to convey and share design knowledge and ideas to diverse audiences in a range of contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Design Narrative - Use transdisciplinary methods to effectively work in diverse teams to address real-world challenges.
Relates to: ULO3
DV99 Bachelor of Design
- Demonstrate theoretical and technical design knowledge, synthesising methods and theories of design in dynamic and evolving contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, Design Narrative, Design in New Media Critique - Recognise the consequences of design and its impact on the world, with respect to open, ethical and inclusive core design values acknowledging global, cultural and / or indigenous contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Design in New Media Critique - Communicate coherently, independently and/or collaboratively using a range of media to convey and share design knowledge and ideas to diverse audiences in a range of contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Design Narrative - Use transdisciplinary methods to effectively work in diverse teams to address real-world challenges.
Relates to: ULO3
KK43 Bachelor of Creative Industries
- Demonstrate broad and coherent theoretical and practical knowledge required for creative enterprise, career development and interdisciplinary collaborations, supported by depth in at least one creative disciplinary area.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO4, Design Narrative, Design in New Media Critique - Demonstrate well-developed cognitive and ideation skills to identify, analyse and evaluate opportunities to address authentic complex problems.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO4, Design Narrative, Design in New Media Critique - Demonstrate technical expertise to support skills and knowledge within the Creative Industries.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO4, Design Narrative, Design in New Media Critique - Communicate effectively in a range of forms across multiple media modes, for sharing and disseminating knowledge, skills and ideas, and collaborative practice and navigation of social networks.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Design Narrative - Apply and adapt creative disciplinary knowledge and skills with agility in a range of industry, community and intercultural contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Design Narrative, Design in New Media Critique - Practise self-management of career and learning with enterprise and an entrepreneurial outlook, including the building of personal and professional relationships and partnerships.
Relates to: ULO3, Design Narrative