DVB201 Typographic Design
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: | DVB201 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | DVB101 or DXB102 |
| Equivalent(s): | DXB302, KIB231, KIB335 |
| Assumed Knowledge: | Basic visual communication skills, basic Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign skills are assumed knowledge |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,164 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,356 |
| International unit fee | $5,172 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2025, Kelvin Grove, Internal
| Unit code: | DVB201 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | DVB101 or DXB102 |
| Equivalent: | DXB302, KIB231, KIB335 |
| Assumed Knowledge: | Basic visual communication skills, basic Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign skills are assumed knowledge |
| Coordinator: | Brett Fyfield | brett.fyfield@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This unit provides knowledge and skills of typographic principles, composition and design strategies. It combines theory and practice, history and experimentation, and designing for print and digital media, all within a vibrant studio environment delivered face-to-face and online. You will engage with dynamic, creative briefs and use type as the main element of visual expression in your work. Typically typography is at the core of any visual communication work, independently of media. ‘Good’ typographic design demands well developed technical skills, constant attention to detail as well as a sharp understanding of the context and content of the message being transmitted. Upon completion of this unit you will be able to understand, apply and manipulate multiple aspects of typography as a powerful visual communication tool and to prepare and publish your work in multiple media contexts, including emerging technologies and environmental spaces.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Display coherent and advanced knowledge of the forms, practices and principles of typographic design and its roles in the contemporary world.
- Apply your typographic design knowledge and skills to frame a design problem, and to conceptualise, design and produce a suitable creative type-based solution.
- Apply technical skills required to create original typographic design and typography-based visual outcomes through all stages of the design process, from ideation and concept development to production and publication, with an in-depth understanding of communication practices and design consequences.
Content
This unit offers a rich combination of theoretical and practical content. Theory explored during semester includes advanced typography principles and methods; type anatomy; type selection and type setting; issues of legibility and readability; the relationship between type and image in visual communication practice; information hierarchy; spatial organisation and visual dynamics in layout design; how typography directs readers to navigate a text; an understanding of design conventions within different publication systems – from print magazines, to book design, to web site design, to wayfinding and production needs for different publication contexts. You will also be presented with a comprehensive overview of the history of type and key practitioners in the field which will serve to develop a further understanding and identify inspiration for future practice.
During studio (face-to-face and online) you will explore the perspectives and knowledge contained in the lecture series through experimental work and industry-based design briefs. You will learn how to manipulate letterforms, create original typefaces, and work with multiple types of text and grid systems in contemporary design scenarios. You will receive creative and technical guidance during the studio sessions. Design discussions, presentations and critiques will assist with developing professional skills.
Learning Approaches
This subject is based on an integrated problem-solving approach where the theoretical knowledge is applied and further built upon through practice. Through lectures you will be exposed to principles, conventions and techniques of typography in multiple contexts, and key historical and contemporary perspectives to its use. Through your design practice, discussions and critiques in studios, you will apply and further develop this knowledge to make effective design decisions.
In the online mode of this unit, you will learn through engaging in a variety of online activities, online self-directed learning, and weekly research and readings that are designed to support your learning experience. The recorded lectures will examine conceptual and theoretical principles and issues across a variety of design areas, with a focus on contemporary case studies. Throughout the online delivery of this unit, you will receive support from your instructors and peers. You will have access to online resources and materials, and you will be able to communicate with your instructors and peers via various online platforms. A variety of support materials will be published on the Canvas website to coordinate the unit.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Feedback in this unit is provided to you in following ways:
- in class formative exercises
- criteria sheets
- Canvas general comments to cohort group
- collaborative peer feedback.
Assessment
Overview
There are two major assessment items in this unit. The first assignment is a type design project where you will create a new original typeface from concept to font generation. For the second assessment item you will engage on a major typographic project to respond to a design brief or self-identified issue. This might involve the production of a book, magazine, digital publication, tri-dimensional typography and/or environment typography. All assignments require the submission of a design statement document where you will describe your creative and production process, as well as your concept, rationale and inspirations.
Faculty Assessment Information
To access complete Faculty's Assessment Information please refer to the Canvas site for this unit.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Experimental Type Design
Assessment: Typographic Composition
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
Requirements
All students and staff who access campus buildings and facilities are required to complete the Tier 1 General Health and Safety Induction. This must be completed online.
Resources
A list of resource materials for this subject will be provided on the subject’s Canvas site.
Resource Materials
Other
To enable your full participation in the virtual learning environment, for example, participating in online activities and engaging with online learning materials, you will need access to a reliable computer with an internet connection, webcam, headset and microphone, as well as a learning environment where you are able to fully participate undisturbed when required.
Risk Assessment Statement
For risks associated with using campus buildings or facilities, refer to the Tier 1 General Health and Safety Induction. This must be completed online.
Where substantial computer-based work is required, particularly in the case of fully online students, 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.
This unit also requires a Tier 2 Health and Safety Induction which is provided by the technician on site in the theatre, workshop or studio. Not all students are required to complete the Tier 2 induction.
This unit also requires a Tier 3 Health and Safety Induction which is a hands on induction on specific machinery. This will be dependent on project direction and identified by staff.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.DE43 Bachelor of Design
- 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: ULO1, Experimental Type Design, Typographic Composition - Evaluate and translate conceptual and critical design methodologies and tools and transfer to new and complex challenges.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Experimental Type Design, Typographic Composition - Demonstrate technical proficiencies to undertake rigorous and iterative design experimentation that considers participatory and co-creation design processes.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Experimental Type Design, Typographic Composition - 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, Experimental Type Design, Typographic Composition - Use transdisciplinary methods to effectively work in diverse teams to address real-world challenges.
Relates to: ULO3, Experimental Type Design, Typographic Composition
DE45 Bachelor of Design - International
- 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: ULO1, Experimental Type Design, Typographic Composition - Evaluate and translate conceptual and critical design methodologies and tools and transfer to new and complex challenges.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Experimental Type Design, Typographic Composition - Demonstrate technical proficiencies to undertake rigorous and iterative design experimentation that considers participatory and co-creation design processes.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Experimental Type Design, Typographic Composition - 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, Experimental Type Design, Typographic Composition - Use transdisciplinary methods to effectively work in diverse teams to address real-world challenges.
Relates to: ULO3, Experimental Type Design, Typographic Composition
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, Experimental Type Design, Typographic Composition - Demonstrate well-developed cognitive and ideation skills to identify, analyse and evaluate opportunities to address authentic complex problems.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Experimental Type Design, Typographic Composition - Demonstrate technical expertise to support skills and knowledge within the Creative Industries.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Experimental Type Design, Typographic Composition - 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, Experimental Type Design, Typographic Composition - Apply and adapt creative disciplinary knowledge and skills with agility in a range of industry, community and intercultural contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Experimental Type Design, Typographic Composition
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2025, Online
| Unit code: | DVB201 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | DVB101 or DXB102 |
| Equivalent: | DXB302, KIB231, KIB335 |
| Assumed Knowledge: | Basic visual communication skills, basic Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign skills are assumed knowledge |
Overview
This unit provides knowledge and skills of typographic principles, composition and design strategies. It combines theory and practice, history and experimentation, and designing for print and digital media, all within a vibrant studio environment delivered face-to-face and online. You will engage with dynamic, creative briefs and use type as the main element of visual expression in your work. Typically typography is at the core of any visual communication work, independently of media. ‘Good’ typographic design demands well developed technical skills, constant attention to detail as well as a sharp understanding of the context and content of the message being transmitted. Upon completion of this unit you will be able to understand, apply and manipulate multiple aspects of typography as a powerful visual communication tool and to prepare and publish your work in multiple media contexts, including emerging technologies and environmental spaces.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Display coherent and advanced knowledge of the forms, practices and principles of typographic design and its roles in the contemporary world.
- Apply your typographic design knowledge and skills to frame a design problem, and to conceptualise, design and produce a suitable creative type-based solution.
- Apply technical skills required to create original typographic design and typography-based visual outcomes through all stages of the design process, from ideation and concept development to production and publication, with an in-depth understanding of communication practices and design consequences.
Content
This unit offers a rich combination of theoretical and practical content. Theory explored during semester includes advanced typography principles and methods; type anatomy; type selection and type setting; issues of legibility and readability; the relationship between type and image in visual communication practice; information hierarchy; spatial organisation and visual dynamics in layout design; how typography directs readers to navigate a text; an understanding of design conventions within different publication systems – from print magazines, to book design, to web site design, to wayfinding and production needs for different publication contexts. You will also be presented with a comprehensive overview of the history of type and key practitioners in the field which will serve to develop a further understanding and identify inspiration for future practice.
During studio (face-to-face and online) you will explore the perspectives and knowledge contained in the lecture series through experimental work and industry-based design briefs. You will learn how to manipulate letterforms, create original typefaces, and work with multiple types of text and grid systems in contemporary design scenarios. You will receive creative and technical guidance during the studio sessions. Design discussions, presentations and critiques will assist with developing professional skills.
Learning Approaches
This subject is based on an integrated problem-solving approach where the theoretical knowledge is applied and further built upon through practice. Through lectures you will be exposed to principles, conventions and techniques of typography in multiple contexts, and key historical and contemporary perspectives to its use. Through your design practice, discussions and critiques in studios, you will apply and further develop this knowledge to make effective design decisions.
In the online mode of this unit, you will learn through engaging in a variety of online activities, online self-directed learning, and weekly research and readings that are designed to support your learning experience. The recorded lectures will examine conceptual and theoretical principles and issues across a variety of design areas, with a focus on contemporary case studies. Throughout the online delivery of this unit, you will receive support from your instructors and peers. You will have access to online resources and materials, and you will be able to communicate with your instructors and peers via various online platforms. A variety of support materials will be published on the Canvas website to coordinate the unit.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Feedback in this unit is provided to you in following ways:
- in class formative exercises
- criteria sheets
- Canvas general comments to cohort group
- collaborative peer feedback.
Assessment
Overview
There are two major assessment items in this unit. The first assignment is a type design project where you will create a new original typeface from concept to font generation. For the second assessment item you will engage on a major typographic project to respond to a design brief or self-identified issue. This might involve the production of a book, magazine, digital publication, tri-dimensional typography and/or environment typography. All assignments require the submission of a design statement document where you will describe your creative and production process, as well as your concept, rationale and inspirations.
Faculty Assessment Information
To access complete Faculty's Assessment Information please refer to the Canvas site for this unit.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Experimental Type Design
Assessment: Typographic Composition
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
Requirements
All students and staff who access campus buildings and facilities are required to complete the Tier 1 General Health and Safety Induction. This must be completed online.
Resources
A list of resource materials for this subject will be provided on the subject’s Canvas site.
Resource Materials
Other
To enable your full participation in the virtual learning environment, for example, participating in online activities and engaging with online learning materials, you will need access to a reliable computer with an internet connection, webcam, headset and microphone, as well as a learning environment where you are able to fully participate undisturbed when required.
Risk Assessment Statement
For risks associated with using campus buildings or facilities, refer to the Tier 1 General Health and Safety Induction. This must be completed online.
Where substantial computer-based work is required, particularly in the case of fully online students, 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.
This unit also requires a Tier 2 Health and Safety Induction which is provided by the technician on site in the theatre, workshop or studio. Not all students are required to complete the Tier 2 induction.
This unit also requires a Tier 3 Health and Safety Induction which is a hands on induction on specific machinery. This will be dependent on project direction and identified by staff.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.DE43 Bachelor of Design
- 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: ULO1, Experimental Type Design, Typographic Composition - Evaluate and translate conceptual and critical design methodologies and tools and transfer to new and complex challenges.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Experimental Type Design, Typographic Composition - Demonstrate technical proficiencies to undertake rigorous and iterative design experimentation that considers participatory and co-creation design processes.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Experimental Type Design, Typographic Composition - 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, Experimental Type Design, Typographic Composition - Use transdisciplinary methods to effectively work in diverse teams to address real-world challenges.
Relates to: ULO3, Experimental Type Design, Typographic Composition
DE45 Bachelor of Design - International
- 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: ULO1, Experimental Type Design, Typographic Composition - Evaluate and translate conceptual and critical design methodologies and tools and transfer to new and complex challenges.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Experimental Type Design, Typographic Composition - Demonstrate technical proficiencies to undertake rigorous and iterative design experimentation that considers participatory and co-creation design processes.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Experimental Type Design, Typographic Composition - 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, Experimental Type Design, Typographic Composition - Use transdisciplinary methods to effectively work in diverse teams to address real-world challenges.
Relates to: ULO3, Experimental Type Design, Typographic Composition
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, Experimental Type Design, Typographic Composition - Demonstrate well-developed cognitive and ideation skills to identify, analyse and evaluate opportunities to address authentic complex problems.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Experimental Type Design, Typographic Composition - Demonstrate technical expertise to support skills and knowledge within the Creative Industries.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Experimental Type Design, Typographic Composition - 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, Experimental Type Design, Typographic Composition - Apply and adapt creative disciplinary knowledge and skills with agility in a range of industry, community and intercultural contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Experimental Type Design, Typographic Composition