DVB101 Visual Communication 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 Outline: Semester 1 2024, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Unit code:DVB101
Credit points:12
Equivalent:DXB102, KIB101
Assumed Knowledge:

It is assumed that you are computer literate - which means you know how to use a typical computer (Mac and/or Windows), and can use standard desktop applications such as a word processor, email and web browser

Coordinator:Nicole Vickery | n1.mcmahon@qut.edu.au
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.

Overview

This unit introduces the principles and conventions associated with the interpretation and production of meaning through visual representation. Visual Communication is based on the creation of meaning through image and text and this plays a critical role in our contemporary world which is visually and media driven. Visual communicators require a deep understanding of conceptual development, design process, typography and image making, and how image-based communication occurs. You will learn how to think and operate as a visual designer through studio-based learning and a series of industry-focused experiences.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

  1. Identify and describe the construction of meaning within visual images and articulate the conventions of visual communication.
  2. Produce visual designs that communicate intention and are targeted to a defined audience, context and purpose.
  3. Use appropriate technologies to design, produce and manipulate various elements of images to produce meaning.
  4. Display and reflect upon your own creative outcomes to situate them within the field of design practice.

Content

This unit will introduce you to the principles, conventions and practices of visual communication in the context of contemporary design in both commercial and social change contexts. It addresses content such as: established approaches to producing meaning within visual representation such as aesthetic, coded, semiotic and rhetorical communication; theories and methods for producing effective visual design and communication; the purposes of visual communication within the creative industries; the orientation of meaning towards the specificities of a given audience, context and purpose; and the practical processes involved in producing visual representation using appropriate technologies. Content also includes providing students with a comprehensive and practically-applied understanding of the iterative design process, which involves the steps of observation, interpretation, representation, presentation and critical reflection.

Learning Approaches

This unit is delivered via lectures, classes and workshops and through online material. Lectures may be presented online or in person.

Lectures will introduce the core concepts and principles, processes and production approaches of visual design, while workshops and tutorials will allow you to develop and apply practical skills in the field. Within the workshops and tutorials supervised support and expertise is provided and there are opportunities for class discussion and peer critique. Authentic assessment briefs will operate as a focal point in the subject to create problem-based learning.

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 the following ways:

  • in-class formative exercises
  • online criteria sheets
  • Canvas general comments to the cohort group
  • collaborative peer feedback.

Assessment

Overview

There are two major assessment items in this foundation unit. The first consists of a design presentation and the submission of a visual communication portfolio which responds to a given theme. The second assessment item consists of a further portfolio submission, which advances the initial project, developing further design collateral.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Design Portfolio

In this assignment, you will create a series of visually compelling designs that revolve around a particular theme. Along with the designs, you will provide an explanation of your design decisions and thought processes that went into creating them. This will demonstrate your ability to articulate your design thinking and communicate your ideas effectively to others.
 
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Weight: 40
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Mid-Semester
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4

Assessment: Visual Communication Design Project

You will produce a design project responding to a given industry-focused brief, accompanied by an articulation of design decisions. This will involve conducting research, ideation, sketching, prototyping, testing, and refinement to arrive at a final design solution that meets the brief's requirements. The design decisions made throughout the project should be clearly explained and justified in the final presentation media.
 
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Weight: 60
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Late Semester
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

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.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties 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 unit 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.

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. 

Course Learning Outcomes

This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.

DE43 Bachelor of Design

  1. Demonstrate theoretical and technical design knowledge, synthesising methods and theories of design in dynamic and evolving contexts.
    Relates to: ULO1, Design Portfolio, Visual Communication Design Project
  2. 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, Design Portfolio, Visual Communication Design Project
  3. Evaluate and translate conceptual and critical design methodologies and tools and transfer to new and complex challenges.
    Relates to: ULO3, ULO4, Design Portfolio, Visual Communication Design Project
  4. Demonstrate technical proficiencies to undertake rigorous and iterative design experimentation that considers participatory and co-creation design processes.
    Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Design Portfolio, Visual Communication Design Project
  5. 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: ULO1, ULO2, ULO4, Design Portfolio, Visual Communication Design Project

DE45 Bachelor of Design - International

  1. Demonstrate theoretical and technical design knowledge, synthesising methods and theories of design in dynamic and evolving contexts.
    Relates to: ULO1, Design Portfolio, Visual Communication Design Project
  2. 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, Design Portfolio, Visual Communication Design Project
  3. Evaluate and translate conceptual and critical design methodologies and tools and transfer to new and complex challenges.
    Relates to: ULO3, ULO4, Design Portfolio, Visual Communication Design Project
  4. Demonstrate technical proficiencies to undertake rigorous and iterative design experimentation that considers participatory and co-creation design processes.
    Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Design Portfolio, Visual Communication Design Project
  5. 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: ULO1, ULO2, ULO4, Design Portfolio, Visual Communication Design Project

KK43 Bachelor of Creative Industries

  1. 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
  2. Demonstrate well-developed cognitive and ideation skills to identify, analyse and evaluate opportunities to address authentic complex problems.
    Relates to: ULO4
  3. Demonstrate technical expertise to support skills and knowledge within the Creative Industries.
    Relates to: ULO2, ULO3
  4. 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: ULO1, ULO3, ULO4
  5. Apply and adapt creative disciplinary knowledge and skills with agility in a range of industry, community and intercultural contexts.
    Relates to: ULO2