CDS1002 · Communication design studio 2

Overview

This unit introduces you to design principles and industry-specific tools and practices (e.g., typography, layout and composition, image creation, user experience, and time-based design) as key components of communication design. You will experiment with both industry standard and emerging design tools and technologies to support your design processes. Through hands-on projects, you will gain foundational craft knowledge and explore how these skills can be applied to create visual impact and convey meaning across a range of print and digital media. You will critically analyse historical and contemporary examples, drawing connections between communication design and visual culture, and learn how design choices influence audience perception and engagement. This unit encourages you to consider the ethical dimensions of design, fostering a commitment to responsible and socially aware communication practices. You will begin to develop a critical and reflective design process, empowering you to continuously build and refine your design skills beyond the classroom.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

100% in-semester assessment

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Explain communication design principles and their use and impact within contemporary social settings;
2. Develop technical and craft skills in composition, layout, typesetting, digital, time-based, and emerging design tools and technologies; apply appropriate research methods, iterative design processes, and critical feedback to communicate complex and compelling ideas visually; explore appropriate research and production methods;
3. Connect knowledge and concepts from practice, theory, and social innovation and compare and contrast with personal observation and experience;
4. Discuss the ethical and social impact of design and design decisions and interact with diverse perspectives identifying inclusive and culturally sensitive narratives;
5. Express an attitude of inquiry and open-mindedness for design and design’s role in affecting positive social change, including exploration of the social and environmental responsibilities of designers;
6. Identify useful sources and inquire about social contexts, emerging design tools, and evolving design trends demonstrating curiosity and an ability to identify and adapt to challenges in an informed way and with creativity and resilience.

Workload

24 hours per week including 6 contact hours plus 18 hours of independent study.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.