Section outline

  • Design and visual communication focuses on understanding and applying drawing techniques and design practice to communicate design ideas. It enhances your ability to conceptualise, develop, and communicate design ideas and potential outcomes. It will also strengthen your ability to interpret graphical information.

    The following are the components of Design and Visual Communication.

    Knowledge of Design Practice

    Design practice focuses on developing conceptual designs in response to a brief. Knowledge of design practice includes understanding that designers identify the qualities and potential of design ideas in terms of the broad principles of design (aesthetics and function) and sustainability, and that they are influenced by societal, environmental, historical, and technological factors.


    Visual Communication

    Visual communication refers to the effective communication and presentation of design ideas using modelling and graphic design techniques.

    Initially, students learn to communicate and present their design ideas and information by applying 2D and 3D visual communication techniques such as sketching, rendering, mock-ups, digital drawing and modelling, annotations, instrumental, templates, collage, and overlays.

    After that, students progress to effectively and clearly applying complex and high quality visual techniques and knowledge that communicate a story – the intent of their design ideas –to an audience.


    Graphics Practice

    Graphics practice refers to the creative application of drawing and design knowledge and techniques to develop conceptual outcomes that address either a brief or a technological outcome of a graphical nature.