Bachelor of Design with a Major in Communication Design

Concepts and Narratives

DCO10001

Unit code: DCO10001
Duration: 1 Teaching Period
Contact hours: Recommended 10 hours of study per week

About this unit

This unit of study introduces students to the fundamentals of design exploration, conceptualisation and layout for 2D and 3D projects. Learn how to apply these concepts when working with image, object and language.

Content

• Elements and principles of layout and design
• Analysis of representation and communication through mark-making and sequence
• Analysis of the work, processes and outcomes of selected professional designers
• Image as interpretation of idea, gesture or information
• Formatting and layout as communication tools with text and image
• Sequential design, visual and written narrative, time and sequence
• Model making, printing and bookbinding techniques
• 2D, 3D and 4D visual narrative representation techniques
• Compilation of outcome folio and process workbook to document project development, application and outcomes

This unit is found in Bachelor of Design with a Major in Communication Design.

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Digital Design

DCO10002

Unit code: DCO10002
Duration: 1 Teaching Period
Contact hours: Recommended 10 hours of study per week

About this unit

Students will explore vector and raster based software as design tools, applying them to specific formats and communication objectives. Students will develop the ability to use digital software for the development of visual communication for print and screen formats.

Content

• Systematic digital processes and software choices
• Vector and raster formats
• Image quality and file formats
• Visual concept development
• Project visualisation, planning and production
• Production management and formats for digital environments

This unit is found in Bachelor of Design with a Major in Communication Design.

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Photography for Design

DCO10004

Unit code: DCO10004
Duration: 1 Teaching Period
Contact hours: Recommended 10 hours of study per week

About this unit

This unit introduces students to the basic principles and application of photography in design through creative camera controls and techniques. Design theory covered includes the exploration of resolution, colour theory, scaling, and editing and image analysis.

Content

• Basic camera controls – depth of field and movement and setting the right exposure
• Resolution, white balance, ASA and other digital requirements
• Lighting conditions and types of lighting and its effect on the photograph
• Colour and contrast plus consideration for monochromatic output
• Image scaling and abstraction for visual impact
• Photographic compositional exploration – ways of seeing, varying viewpoint, angle, perspective
• Research a variety of photographic genres, iconic images and specific photographers
• Digital capture devices and other means of obtaining a photographic image
• Post production of image with regard to final output. i.e. the printed image vs web

This unit is found in Bachelor of Design with a Major in Communication Design.

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Typography

DCO10005

Unit code: DCO10005
Duration: 1 Teaching Period
Contact hours: Recommended 10 hours of study per week

About this unit

This unit aims to introduce students to, and help them develop an understanding of typographic forms, terminology, setting systems and conventions. This will be done using a variety of technologies. Students will develop an awareness of content and meaning through the exploration and application of typographic form in regards to layout and design principles.

Content

• Type history and development, terminology, conventions and technology
• Type form, families and classification
• Type legibility and expression
• Information and typographic hierarchies, composition, spatial manipulation and layout
• Forming and achieving communication objectives

This unit is found in Bachelor of Design with a Major in Communication Design.

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20th Century Design

DDD10001

Unit code: DDD10001
Duration: 1 Teaching Period
Contact hours: Recommended 10 hours of study per week

About this unit

This unit investigates the historical development of 20th century design as a creative, cultural and professional practice, exploring key designers, innovations and movements. Students learn how design has been historically practiced and how this informs today’s designers who utilise modern technology, materials and production techniques.

Content

• Modernism/post-modernism/contemporary design
• Design as political and social action
• Design, technology, progress and change
• Design principles, theories and significant figures
• Design, ideas and cultural production
  Internationalism/Regionalism/Globalism

This unit is found in Bachelor of Design with a Major in Communication Design.

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Brand and Identity Design

DCO20001

Unit code: DCO20001
Duration: 1 Teaching Period
Contact hours: Recommended 10 hours of study per week

About this unit

This unit explores how brand identities are developed for a specific market, and how the different elements of identity work to ‘speak’ to a target market. Students complete a branding project focusing on a selected company or product and its target market.

Content

• Assessing markets and identity through research
• The analysis and creation of branding and identity solutions informed by market research
• The meaning and use of semiotics as a language to facilitate visual communication
• The role of typography in the construction of brand identity
• Presenting branding and identity concepts for professional practice

This unit is found in Bachelor of Design with a Major in Communication Design.

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Web Design

DCO20004

Unit code: DCO20004
Duration: 1 Teaching Period
Contact hours: Recommended 10 hours of study per week

About this unit

This unit introduces students to techniques associated with the design and implementation of web sites and pages.  Students learn about coding and other software based techniques for generating and managing simple web sites. Developing technical literacy will enable students to collaborate with technical specialists on the implementation of more complex web projects.

Content

• Basic coding for HTML & CSS
• Functional implementation of simple HTML & CSS projects
• Hosting and domain management for web sites
• Content management systems
• Diagrammatic planning for web sites
• Prototyping for web sites
• Managing image, colour and type for web sites
• Creating briefing documents for specialists contributing advanced technical functions to web sites.
• This unit is found in Bachelor of Design with a Major in Communication Design

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Contemporary Design Issues

DDD20004

Unit code: DDD20004
Duration: 1 Teaching Period
Contact hours: Recommended 10 hours of study per week

About this unit

This unit develops a strategic knowledge of how design is practised in the world today through the exploration of contemporary design and media practices. Students are challenged to consider the technological, economic, social, political, cultural and environmental impact of their work.

Content

• The role of design, new technologies and new materials in 21st century
• Cross/inter-disciplinary practices in design and new media
• Key contemporary practitioners
• Design philosophies
• Aesthetics in the 21st century
• Design for environmental, global and social sustainability
• Concepts of user-centred design

This unit is found in Bachelor of Design with a Major in Communication Design.

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Packaging Design

DCO10003

Unit code: DCO10003
Duration: 1 Teaching Period
Contact hours: Recommended 10 hours of study per week

About this unit

This unit introduces the principles of packaging design and the skills of research and project implementation. Learn about the importance of an integrated approach to branding and visual communication. The economic, environmental and sustainability components of packaging design is also investigated.

Content

• Research of product and market
• Elements and principles of design
• Packaging systems and materials
• Lateral thinking for concept creation, implementation and communication
• Design processes informed by makers, users and consumers
• Presentation methods for project outcomes and technical information

This unit is found in Bachelor of Design with a Major in Communication Design.

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Visual Communication Studio

DCO10007

Unit code: DCO10007
Duration: 1 Teaching Period
Contact hours: Recommended 10 hours of study per week

About this unit

Students will explore the relationship between type, image and meaning in visual communication. Learn about the design principles, methods and processes needed to create and develop design-based projects.

Content

• Collecting, analysing and interpreting research-based material
• Planning, management and documentation of design projects
• Creative strategies and idea generation methods
• Combining word, image and idea to create effective communication using spatial organisation methods
• Design elements and principles as a basis for developing forms suitable for visual communication
• Critical evaluation, oral and written reflection and review
• This unit is found in Bachelor of Design with a Major in Communication Design

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Typography for Print and Interactive Publication

DCO20009

Unit code: DCO20009
Duration: 1 Teaching Period
Contact hours: Recommended 10 hours of study per week

About this unit

The aim of this unit is to enhance the student’s developing typographic knowledge by exploring typographic conventions, standards, specifications and hierarchy. Students will be equipped to identify visual relationships between typographic forms and communicate typographic concerns.

Content

• Publication design contexts, standards, conventions and innovations
• Type and text legibility, typesetting and editing conventions
• Grids, proportions, page and document structure for print and screen
• Text setting style sheets and master pages and multi-sectioned publications
• Publication conventions, pre-press, printing and for digital media application

This unit is found in Bachelor of Design with a Major in Communication Design.

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Design for Production

DCO30002

Unit code: DCO30002
Duration: 1 Teaching Period
Contact hours: Recommended 10 hours of study per week

About this unit

This unit introduces a range of industry standard production processes, including mass production and one-to-many communication. It explores methods of selection and sourcing of appropriate suppliers and manufacturers in relation to a specific project outcome. Learn about workflow for production and examine communication issues for designers and manufacturers.

Content

• Accessing, analysing and presenting research data
• Developing a creative strategy and communication plan
• Investigating selected media systems
• Developing communication design concept and idea
• Executing designed communication outcomes
• Publishing a design presentation document
• Studio-based exercises and tutorial activities, peer review and critique, online submission and discussion, research and reading. A workbook/reflective journal will be maintained.

This unit is found in Bachelor of Design with a Major in Communication Design.

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Publication Design

DDD30013

Unit code: DDD30013
Duration: 1 Teaching Period
Contact hours: Recommended 10 hours of study per week

About this unit

This unit explores the formal, organisational, and craft aspects of publication design and provide the opportunity to engage in the development of experimental and innovative typographic and publication design. This unit enables students to examine how type communicates as a graphic form and its emotional impact on the audience. There is an emphasis on critical thinking, advanced visualisation and the application of communication intent to a complex document. Through the investigation and analysis of text and image organisation, structure and order, advanced typography, imaging and craft knowledge, students will produce professional quality graphic documents.

This unit is found in Bachelor of Design with a Major in Communication Design.

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Communication Design Capstone Project

DDD30047

Unit code: DDD30047
Duration: 1 Teaching Period
Contact hours: Recommended 10 hours of study per week

About this unit

Students will work on a collaborative project that draws upon the skills developed during the course.

Content

Topics will vary based on the nature of the Capstone project. Communication Design students in Melbourne will undertake an Information Design Capstone where topics for discussion may include:

• Information design principles and techniques, publication architecture, hierarchy, structure and conventions
• Researching, organising and presenting data, information and content
• Interpreting and presenting data, information and content as visual explanations, editorial structures, narratives and sequences
• Information graphic devices and representational conventions
• User-centred design: Graphic user interface (GUI) design principles and techniques.

Students off-campus will undertake an Advertising Design Capstone where topics may include:

• Community, brand and product advertising, brand management
• Advertising industry practices and strategic planning for advertising
• Multiple media campaigns and Communication strategies
• Literal and lateral thinking
• Creative writing and visual coherence.

This unit is found in Bachelor of Design with a Major in Communication Design.

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Communication Design Strategy

DDD30048

Unit code: DDD30048
Duration: 1 Teaching Period
Contact hours: Recommended 10 hours of study per week

About this unit

This unit requires students to develop a strategic communication design project from initiation through to design production and evaluation. The project will examine the strategies underpinning a variety of commercial communication design projects and apply the skills of design research methods to a practical application.

Content

• Accessing, analysing and presenting research data
• Developing a creative strategy and communication plan
• Investigating selected media systems
• Developing communication design concept and idea
• Executing designed communication outcomes
• Publishing a design presentation document
• Studio-based exercises and tutorial activities, peer review and critique, online submission and discussion, research and reading. A workbook/reflective journal will be maintained.

This unit is found in Bachelor of Design with a Major in Communication Design.

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Experimental Image-Making Processes

ART20002

Unit code: ART20002
Duration: 1 Teaching Period
Contact hours: Recommended 10 hours of study per week

About this unit

This unit explores the use of image-making techniques to develop visual concepts and designs. Students investigate and develop an individual approach to processes and practices in the origination and execution of visual ideas. They are encouraged to experiment and explore a range of digital and traditional image-making technologies for the purpose of addressing design problems.

This unit is found in Bachelor of Design with a Major in Communication Design.

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Interaction Design for Web

DDD20015

Unit code: DDD20015
Duration: 1 Teaching Period
Contact hours: Recommended 10 hours of study per week

About the unit

This unit aims to provide skills in interaction design for digital media design practice. Through practical tasks and critical exploration of the relationship between interaction design, design concept and software capabilities, students will extend their understanding of the constraints of particular web technologies and ways in which they drive design. Students will develop an in-depth designed outcome based on this understanding.

Content

After successfully completing this unit, students should be able to:

• Evaluate the efficacy of mainstream and alternative Interaction Design practices by developing design prototypes
• Identify the potential and constraints of specific Interaction Design practices by documenting the ways in which they
  drive design outcomes
• Apply specialised Interaction Design processes and technical experimentation to the development of a Digital
  Media Design project
• Integrate conceptual development, technology, project resolution and stylistic decision making to a professional
  level in a Digital Media Design project
• Evaluate the Digital Media Design outcome based on principles of Interaction Design.

This unit is found in Bachelor of Design with a Major in Communication Design.

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Experience Design and Usability for the Web

DDD20016

Unit code: DDD10016
Duration: 1 Teaching Period
Contact hours: Recommended 10 hours of study per week

About the unit

This unit explores the concept of Experience Design in which attention is given to the quality and effectiveness of the user experience of the product, which must be recognised and improved. The unit aims to provide skills in Experience Design and usability for digital media design practice. Through practical tasks and critical exploration of the relationship between experience design, usability, design concept and software capabilities, students will extend their understanding of the constraints of particular web design practices and ways in which they drive design. Students will develop an in-depth designed outcome based on this understanding.

Content

After successfully completing this unit, students should be able to:

• Analyse a range of Experience Design practices in the development of a user-oriented product
• Create a design specification to identify the potential and constraints of web-design and Usability practices to affect design outcomes
• Develop a Digital Media Design project applying specialised Experience Design and User Testing processes
• Evaluate and apply User Testing data to improve the quality of the user experience
• Evaluate the Digital Media Design process, outcome and effectiveness of the user experience in a project document.

This unit is found in Bachelor of Design with a Major in Communication Design.

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Compositing for Visual Effects

DDD30011

Unit code: DDD20011
Duration: 1 Teaching Period
Contact hours: Recommended 10 hours of study per week

About this unit

This unit delivers advanced software technique for compositing photographic images. Students explore digital image compositing through investigative and experimental frameworks in order to discover, practice and understand technique. Building on technical process, image compositing is then contextualised within design, communication and professional practice.

Content

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

• Apply advanced techniques in photographic image-composition, with an awareness of visual and design fundamentals
• Integrate illustrative technologies, processes, and methodologies to develop professional outcomes
• Apply creative thinking to produce unique imagery, combining software based technology and conventional image making processes
• Produce a body of work, showing stylistic decision-making to a professional level taking into consideration copyright/ethical issues
• Evaluate the effectiveness of photography, design process, and image compositing for applications in contemporary design.