Visual 

Communication 

Design (VCD)

Units 3 & 4

What is the subject about?

In this unit students explore and experience the ways in which designers work, while also analysing the work that they design. Through a study of contemporary designers practising in one or more fields of design practice, students gain deep insights into the processes used to design messages, objects, environments and/or interactive experiences. This exposure to how, why and where designers work, what they make and the integral role of visual language in design practice provides the foundation for students’ own investigation of the VCD design process. 

In unit 4 students continue to explore the VCD design process, resolving design concepts and presenting solutions for two distinct communication needs. Ideas developed in Unit 3, Outcome 3 are evaluated, selected, refined and shared with others for further review. When design concepts are resolved, students devise a pitch to communicate and justify their design decisions, before responding to feedback through a series of final refinements. Students choose how best to present design solutions, considering aesthetic impact and the communication of ideas. They select materials, methods and media appropriate for the presentation of final design solutions that address design criteria specified in their brief. 

Units

Unit 3: Visual communication in design practice

Unit 4: Delivering design solutions. 

Skills you will develop.

• Analyse existing visual communications.

• Select and apply drawing methods and technical drawing conventions.
• Understand and use the design process.

“VCD gives me some freedom to design what I want whilst giving me structure to work with”. Paige Stevenson

Assessment

• A comparative case study of designers in selected design field(s) + Two practical design exercises documenting emerging skills in selected field(s) of practice.
• A comparative analysis of design examples.
• Development and refinement Pitch presentation SAT – Folio.
• Final Presentations and evaluations

Pathways

 Studying VCD can lead to the following careers

• Graphic Designer
• Architect
• Industrial Designer
• Draftsperson
• Web Designer
• Illustrator

There are no prerequisites for entry into Units 1,2,3

 If you are interested in this subject, please see Brett Squire