Course Title: Produce graphic designs for 2-D and 3-D applications
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2024
Course Code: GRAP6344C
Course Title: Produce graphic designs for 2-D and 3-D applications
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
Leigh Milward
Nominal Hours: 60
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 required.
Course Description
This course describes the skills and knowledge required to plan and produce a body of two-dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) graphic design work in response to a variety of visual communication challenges. Design work will show a well-developed command of relevant software programs and the creative ability to generate ideas to meet the different needs of design briefs.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
CUAGRD502 Produce graphic designs for 2-D and 3-D applications |
Element: |
1. Interpret briefs for 2-D and 3-D work |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Confirm the objectives of the work based on the design brief 1.2 Evaluate design brief specifications 1.3 Source and evaluate other information and considerations pertinent to design brief |
Element: |
2. Collaborate and liaise with others |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Identify relevant people who contribute to the design process 2.2 Collaborate with others to inform and enhance the design process 2.3 Invite critical analysis of own work by others and act on feedback |
Element: |
3. Develop and present ideas for 2-D and 3-D work |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Explore a range of sources to inform ideas for work, and consider associated intellectual property implications 3.2 Evaluate ideas and options for meeting the brief using critical and creative thinking techniques 3.3 Experiment with techniques, equipment and media to develop ideas 3.4 Consider new and different approaches to format, type and visuals 3.5 Evaluate and review ideas for technical viability and suitability for communicating key messages 3.6 Produce and present visual representations of the design proposal 3.7 Produce clearly written explanatory information to support visual representation |
Element: |
4. Plan and organise the production of work |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Assess specific processes, materials and technologies needed to realise technical and creative aspects of proposed designs 4.2 Determine and organise the financial, physical and other resources required to complete the project 4.3 Develop a realistic timeframe for the production of work 4.4 Assess and respond to possible project constraints and risks 4.5 Monitor the project workflow 4.6 Develop production specifications supported by comprehensive visual and written documentation of the design processes |
Element: |
5. Realise 2-D and 3-D designs |
Performance Criteria: |
5.1 Extend skills with selected processes, materials and technologies to fulfil the objectives of the brief 5.2 Consider the elements and principles of design and manipulate format, type and visual elements to achieve desired effects 5.3 Engage in ongoing evaluation and refinement of creative and technical aspects 5.4 Apply safe work practices during the production process |
Element: |
6. Finalise artwork |
Performance Criteria: |
6.1 Prepare artwork to technical production specifications 6.2 Create documentation to support the final artwork 6.3 Conduct final checks and proofing processes 6.4 Make necessary adjustments and confirm final artwork and documentation with others as required |
Element: |
7. Evaluate own work |
Performance Criteria: |
7.1 Review work in progress and final work against requirements of the brief 7.2 Identify and respond to opportunities for refinement and re-thinking 7.3 Evaluate efficiency and effectiveness of the work process 7.4 Reflect on completed work to recognise own professional practice and skill development needs |
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
Learning activities will take place either online, or in a studio and computer laboratory using industry standard tools and resources. You will complete exercises and industry style projects. You will also be required to undertake independent study.
In session activities may include:
- in session demonstrations and presentations by teacher
- class exercises
- workshops including use of industry based equipment and materials
- knowledge and practical tests
- simulated workplace activities
- design activities or projects
- independent project based work
- teacher directed group activities/projects
- online tutorials and activities
- student presentations
- group discussions
- Blog/Wiki or other online discussion and participation
- review and revision
- group projects
- peer teaching & learning
- workshopping of student projects including peer/teacher feedback
- visits to industry, seminars, events and exhibitions
- guest lectures/presentations
- analysis/critique of relevant reading material
- research
Out of class activities may include:
- independent project based work
- completion of outstanding work
- online tutorials and activities
- independent research
- studio practice
- review and revision
- analysis/critique of relevant reading material
- research
Teaching Schedule
While all course content will be delivered, the order and mode of delivery may change depending on the availability of specialist facilities and equipment. Please check Canvas regularly as any updates will be communicated by your teacher.
There will be a number of prescribed tasks and projects (see Assessment Tasks below).
| 1 | Colour and proofing | Unit requirements, introduction / review of they key concepts in the course; graphic design principles, colour theory/management, and proofing processes. | |
| 2 | Objectives. Resolution. |
This week, we are looking project objectives and research. We'll be looking at resolution in more detail. We'll explore how resampling images can affect their quality. It's a chance to learn some useful stuff and broaden your understanding. |
|
| 3 | IP. Critical thinking. | The session will be spent on researching the IP requirements for the project. Then you will move onto a critical thinking process to extract more useful information to inform your design decisions. | |
| 4 | E&Ps. Mood board. | In this session, we will be looking at how design elements and design principles (E&Ps) might be incorporated into your design, including a typographic analysis. We will then start moving onto the more creative phase of the project by making a mood board and start visualising ideas using a formal creative process. | AT2: Mood board |
| 5 | Presenting Work. Creative Thinking. | Start on ideation by researching creative thinking techniques you will use, explain how the process work and final outcome might be presented. | |
| 6 | Creative Thinking (continued) | In this session, you will continue with visualising a creative thinking process. You are doing this with client presentation in mind. | |
| 7 | Project Management | From this week, we will be looking at project planning for AT2 Project Management Phase. You'll be working in assigned groups – but don't worry, it's not a group project. You'll be assessed on your own contribution, and it won't impact on you if others in your group do not complete the work. This will be running along side AT3 Design Phase. | |
| 8 | Costings | In this session, we will look at how to calculate an hourly rate and begin costing a design job. As part of this process, we will also look at passing on costs to a client in a job estimate. | AT1: Research Phase Due |
| 9 | WHS. Three Design Options | This week, we'll complete Workplace Health and Safety tasks and finalise our design concepts. Attention will be given to adhering to essential health and safety protocols, ensuring a safe working environment for everyone. Following this, we'll share our refined designs in the group discussion for peer review. This process is vital for refining our creative ideas through constructive feedback, moving us closer to polished final concepts. | AT2 due. |
| 10 | Feedback and approval. Specifications. | Finalise and submit the presentation document, followed by engaging in discussions about concepts shared on the team discussion board. You'll collaborate with your teacher and team to select a concept for development into the final design, initiating its refinement. This step marks the beginning of the final design process, necessitating some technical setup to proceed effectively. | AT3 Design Phase: Concept discussion |
| 11 | Spot swatches. Dielines. Label set-up. | Your tasks include participating in the group discussion for Assessment Task 3, refining your project design, and ensuring the technical setup is accurately implemented. This is a continuous process that might require design compromises for manufacturability or simplification. By Week 13, the design should ideally be complete, allowing Weeks 13–15 for assembling the 3D mockup and finalising documentation. | |
| 12 | 2D Production | The focus is on progressing with the label design, starting with the back label. This approach allows for a structured development process, ensuring all necessary information and design elements are thoughtfully incorporated from the outset. | |
| 13 | PDF/X. 3D Mockup | This week, we'll concentrate on exporting 2D labels after a thorough preflight check to ensure they meet all technical requirements. Following this, we'll start creating the 3D mockup using Adobe Substance 3D Stager, transitioning our designs from 2D concepts into 3D representations. | |
| 14 | Finalise Design Phase | This week involves two crucial steps: exporting or printing the 2D labels and finalising the 3D mockup. These tasks mark significant milestones in bringing the design project to fruition, transitioning from digital designs to tangible outputs and polished 3D representations. | |
| 15 | Submit AT3. Start AT4. | This week, our priorities include conducting a final review of Assessment Task 3 (AT3) to ensure everything is in order, completing the AT3 submission sheet, and introducing Assessment Task 4 (AT4). Additionally, remember to check your grades to stay updated on your progress. | AT3: Design Phase Due |
| 16 | Course Wrap-up and Future Directions | In our final class of the semester, the task is to submit Assessment Task 4 (AT4), ensuring that all previous tasks have been completed to a satisfactory standard. | AT4: Review Phase Due |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Barnum, A (2012), Graphic design : Australian style manual, McGraw-Hill Education, North Ryde |
|
Gatter M (2010) Production for Print (1st ed.). Laurence King. |
|
Johansson K, Lundberg P and Ryberg R (2011) A guide to graphic print production (3rd ed.). Wiley. |
Other Resources
You are advised to look at Study Support and the Diploma program shell on Canvas for ongoing updated information. A range of learning resources and references are provided throughout the year.
You will require a personal storage device and tools as outlined in tool kit list.
RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems and access to specialised facilities and relevant software. You will also have access to the library resources.
Amongst the library’s electronic resources is the ability to access LinkedIn Learning for online tutorials and lessons. You may be given these tutorials (and other resources) to supplement your classroom learning. The University Library has extensive resources for Design students.
The Library has produced a subject guide that includes quality online and print resources for your studies rmit.libguides.com/graphic-design
The Library provides guides on academic referencing rmit.edu.au/library/study/referencing and subject specialist help via your Liaison Librarian.
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
Feedback throughout the course may be written, verbal or a combination of both.
Work in class provides the basis for ongoing feedback which should be considered essential for the assessment process.
There are four Assessment Tasks, both of which need to be completed to a satisfactory standard in order to successfully complete the course.
Assessment Tasks
Note there are interim submissions. See the due dates in Canvas.
Assessment Task 1: Research Phase. Due week 8
This is the first of four (4) tasks in which you will apply self-directed technical skills and knowledge to manage the accuracy and consistency of colour in the graphic design production workflow. This assignment has two parts:
- Part 1 – Research and Preparation.
- Part 2 – Idea development processes.
Assessment Task 2: Project Management Phase. Due week 9
With the design project brief (outlined in Task 1) in mind, complete the provided Project Overview template.
- Project Schedule
- Costing outline
- Label artwork specs
- Client presentation format
- Work Health and Safety setup
Have a verbal discussion with your teacher and show them your completed Project Overview.
Assessment Task 3: Design Phase. Due week 15
Produce three (3) design options for the ‘client’ and work in collaboration with others to make a final design selection to move forward with. Includes AT3 Design Phase discussion. Work through the design process to meet the following outcomes for the project. Refer back to your project schedule (created in Task 1) and Project Overview (created in Task 2) in order to monitor and manage your own progress and keep up with milestones. You must manage all aspects of colour for all deliverables and work safely using an ergonomic workstation setup.
Assessment Task 4: Review Phase. Due week 16
Reflect on the outcomes of the project to identify areas for improvement.
Evaluate the outcomes of the project in terms of how it ‘ran’:
- Was the workflow you used effective?
- What would you do differently next time?
Review the colour management processes you used for the project:
- Did your decisions produce satisfactory results?
Reflect on the completed artwork:
- What do you think your skill development needs are? List them and explain each one (minimum of 2)
This course will be assessed for Competency only. Students are required to demonstrate all learning outcomes to a satisfactory standard to achieve Competency. Your course assessment matrix is as follows:
DNS - Did not submit
CA - Competency achieved
NYC - Not yet competent
Assessment Matrix
An assessment matrix demonstrating alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency is available from the course contact person (stated above).
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. Attendance is recorded in this course.
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 once and 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