Course Title: Design and manipulate complex layouts

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2024

Course Code: GRAP5403C

Course Title: Design and manipulate complex layouts

School: 515T Creative Industries

Campus: Brunswick Campus

Program: C5409 - Diploma of Graphic Design

Course Contact: Ruth Wellington

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 9417

Course Contact Email: ruth.wellington@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Ben Mastwyk

ben.mastwyk@rmit.edu.au

 

Nominal Hours: 65

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

This course describes the skills and knowledge required to design complex publication layouts by combining creative design skills with technical software proficiency. It involves the design and manipulation of layouts using graphic design software to meet design objectives.

 


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CUAGRD515 Design and manipulate complex layouts

Element:

1. Analyse design needs

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Confirm communication objectives for publication based on design brief and consultations with required personnel

1.2 Evaluate particular specifications of design brief

1.3 Evaluate legal, ethical and contractual information for implications to design work.

Element:

2. Develop and refine layout ideas

Performance Criteria:


2.1 Conduct research to inform layout ideas

2.2 Analyse different graphic techniques and technologies

2.3 Assess elements required for overall design of layout

2.4 Create and refine ideas and options for layouts

2.5 Evaluate and select design approaches 2.6 Produce and present visual representations of design ideas

Element:

3. Create and manipulate layouts

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Set up the document using the capabilities of appropriate software

3.2 Manipulate and enhance the layout using a range of tools and features

3.3 Support communication objectives with integration of text and visuals according to design brief

3.4 Identify and resolve technical problems as required

3.5 Apply design skills and technical expertise to layouts

Element:

4. Evaluate design work

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Critique the layout from functional and aesthetic perspectives in the context of the design objective

4.2 Seek feedback from others as required

4.3 Assess own work and identify key learnings to inform future work

Element:

5. Finalise technical aspects

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Edit and refine layouts to meet technical requirements

5.2 Follow correct protocols for saving, exporting and storing files

5.3 Establish appropriate file formats for output and appropriate colour management profiles


Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this course you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency in the above elements.


Details of Learning Activities

In session activities may include:

  • class exercises
  • tutorials
  • practical demonstrations
  • workshops
  • excursions
  • group discussion
  • review and revision
  • peer learning
  • peer teaching and class presentations
  • teacher directed group activities/projects
  • workshopping of student projects including peer/lecturer feedback

Out of session activities may include:

  • independent research
  • independent project based work
  • studio practice
  • online tutorials and activities
  • readings
  • review and revision
  • excursions


Teaching Schedule

WeekSession ActivitiesDue Dates
1&2

Part A: Research

  • Engage with the client to define the objectives and specifications of the brief
  • Research similar publications and design styles to inform layout ideas
 
3 Present research  and prepare for submission next week  
4

Part B: Develop design concepts

  • Gather required content (text, images, graphics)
  • Create and evaluate design options in a safe studio environment

Part A Due

5 Develop design concepts

 

6 Develop design concepts

 

7

Present ideas to client and prepare for presentation next week. 

 

8

Part C: Finalise designs

  • Setup document in industry software
  • Import and layout all content according to style guide and objectives outlined in the brief
  • Prepare files for output and archive

Part B Due

9 Finalise designs  
10 Finalise designs  
11 Finalise designs and prepare for client presentation next week  
12

Part D: Feedback and reflection Due

  • Seek feedback from your client
  • Reflect on the effectiveness of your design

Part C Due

13 Prepare final submission

 

14 Prepare final submission

Final Submission due

15 Course reflection and feedback

 

16

 Assessment consultation only

 

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

You are advised to look at the course myRMIT site (Canvas) for ongoing updated information. A range of learning resources and references are provided throughout the year. Additional information relating to this will be provided on an ongoing basis.

You will require a personal storage device and tools as outlined in tool kit list.

Amongst the library’s electronic resources is the ability to access LinkedIn Learning for online tutorials and lessons, which will be useful for extending the in-class learning. You may be given these tutorials (and other resources) to supplement your classroom learning.

The Reading List, also found on Canvas, is designed to inform your understanding and participation in the course.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, oral presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights to your written tasks. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on CANVAS.


Assessment Tasks

You will be assessed on how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes and on your development against the program capabilities. Assessment tasks are:

 

    • AT1 - Produce a multipage layout
           Due week - 4, 8, 12, 14

 

You will receive feedback with verbal and/or written evaluation of your progress within class time. The submitted project will be assessed with written feedback that relates to separate components of the project and the overall outcome.

Competency will be assessed at the completion of the course.
Competency-based assessment is as follows:
CA Competency Achieved
NYC Not Yet Competent
DNS Did Not Submit for Assessment

 

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.

Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions which are available for review online: https://www.rmit.edu.au/about/governance-and-management/governance/policies/assessment-policy


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant unit of competency. These matrices are available through Program Administration.

Other Information

Attendance 
Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises. It is strongly advised that you attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully. 

 Feedback
You will receive verbal and written feedback by teacher on your work. This feedback also includes suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects. 

Information about your studies 
You can access My Studies through the RMIT website for information about timetables, important dates, assessment dates, results and progress, Canvas etc.  

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism 
RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy.  

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/academic-integrity  

Submissions
When submitting work for assessment you are required to complete a declaration of authorship. This must be done for every summative assessment task. This statement acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications. For non-digital submission use the printed form provided. For digital online submission please use e Submission process.

On Time Submission and Impact of Late Submission
On time submission is an important factor in your assessment. Employability skills are embedded in all courses and these include Planning & Organising and Self-management. For this reason, late work impacts on your competency assessment. 
Submissions that are assessed as Not Satisfactory can be re-submitted. This is only permitted during the period that the competency is scheduled.

Assessment
Information on assessment including Special consideration, Adjustments to assessment, (eg. applying for an extension of time):  

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning
Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification).  

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.    

Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer or RPL for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course. 

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/enrolment/apply-for-credit

Course Overview: Access Course Overview