Unit Outline

In this unit you will be introduced to the essential principles and practices of effective visual communication. Students will develop both theoretical understanding and practical skills across key design areas including typesetting, hierarchy, and storytelling. The unit emphasises hands-on learning through relevant software while exploring the emerging role of AI co-intelligence in visual communication. Through project-based assessments, students will learn to create visually compelling communications that effectively convey messages across various media formats.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1	Identify and describe the foundational elements of visual communication.
2	Implement appropriate design strategies to create effective visual communication using relevant software.
3	Critically assess the effectiveness of visual systems that contribute to cohesive messaging across multiple touchpoints.
4	Develop original visual communication projects that strategically integrate AI co-intelligence tools while maintaining design integrity and ethical considerations.

Alterations as a result of student feedback

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Design Sprints: part 1	Week 6	25 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 2:	Design Sprints: part 2	Week 12	30 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 3:	Style Guide	Week 12	45 %	LO1, LO2, LO3

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Design Sprints: part 1

Task Description:

Culmination of weeks 1-5 sprint exercises.

Task Length:

Due Date:

Week 6

Weight:

25 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Demonstrates the ability to identify and describe key design elements and principles relevant to the sprint topic.	LO1
2	Shows proficiency in using relevant software for sprint.	LO2
3	Engages in critical reflection on the effectiveness of design choices.	LO3
4	Strategically integrates AI tools to enhance design processes and outcomes.	LO4
5	Maintains design integrity and considers ethical implications when using AI in visual communication.	LO4

Assessment Task 2: Design Sprints: part 2

Task Description:

Culmination of weeks 6-11 sprint exercises.

Task Length:

Multi-page PDF

Due Date:

Week 12

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Demonstrates the ability to identify and describe key design elements and principles relevant to the sprint topic.	LO1
2	Shows proficiency in using relevant software for sprint	LO2
3	Engages in critical reflection on the effectiveness of design choices.	LO3
4	Strategically integrates AI tools to enhance design processes and outcomes.	LO4
5	Maintains design integrity and considers ethical implications when using AI in visual communication.	LO4

Assessment Task 3: Style Guide

Task Description:

You are tasked with designing a style guide for yourself, a brand, or project of your choice. The style guide should be visually engaging and effectively communicate the brand's visual identity through thoughtful design. Create a comprehensive style guide that demonstrates mastery of typesetting, hierarchy, identity, storytelling, and proficiency in Adobe InDesign. This style guide should serve as a reference for maintaining a consistent and cohesive visual identity across various media formats.

Task Length:

Multi-page PDF

Due Date:

Week 12

Weight:

45 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Visual appeal and professional presentation of the style guide.	LO2
2	Effective use of design principles and elements.	LO1, LO2
3	Accuracy and attention to detail in the layout and design.	LO2, LO3
4	Originality and creativity in the design and narrative.	LO2, LO3
5	Ability to articulate design decisions and their rationale.	LO1, LO2, LO3

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Academic progress review

The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.