Bachelor of Communication Design

The subject introduces business practices such as costing, time management, value engineering and general models of monetising and valuing output typical of a variety of design industries. Case study analyses’ of a typical design industry business practices, domestic and international, acquaint students with the differences and similarities that exist. Students learn about contractual agreements, and where appropriate become familiar with international shipping and distribution terms as well as an introduction to design copyright laws. Initial overview of time allocation practices and the creation and understanding costing terms such as: Bill Of Material (BOM) /Scope of Work / Deliverables used in typical projects is followed by application. Students plan a project from start to finish through to the development of an appropriate project management plan for their industry such as time management charts with typical dependencies highlighted and costed.

Assessment Tasks: Report, Presentation, Project Plan, Proposal

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online, Intensive

This subject expands the understanding of symbols, signs, and semantic conventions within communication systems and media. Students are introduced to the history and application of semiotics and encouraged to review, relate, and re-evaluate design and communication strategies within the context of deconstructing conventional thinking and design practices. Students explore cultural shifts in messaging and media platforms and the role of meaning in an evolving creative and technological environment.

Assessment Tasks: Case Study, Campaign Execution

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

Problem-based learning (PBL) builds students’ capacity to become increasingly proficient at addressing complex design problems with creative confidence. Students enhance their design thinking skills and mindsets to deal with the natural uncertainty of complex problems in this subject. They acquire the confidence to iteratively reframe these problems and take risks to create novel evidence-based solutions while preserving ambiguity throughout the process. Students acquire the necessary skills by engaging actively, independently and in collaborative multidisciplinary teams with complex social and meaningful problems. Learning happens by living the process, witnessing their peers’ progress and reflecting on their own experience while supported with academic learning resources.

Assessment Tasks: Report, Individual Reflection, Self and Peer Evaluation

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online, Intensive

This subject enables students to analyse and develop effective typographic systems for use in contemporary visual identity contexts. Students experience designing a logotype which forms the conceptual and visual basis of a complex, cohesive and typographically-driven identity. Students investigate methods and techniques that can be used to establish a coherent visual language across a variety of mediums and applications. Students identify the function of typography as a vehicle to communicate in literal and abstract terms, developing their understanding of visual rhetoric, layout, hierarchy structures, material selection and specification, and use of digital technology. Students explore the intrinsic and extrinsic features of typography and use it to develop an appropriate tone of voice intended to complement the logotype design. Students conceptualise and visualise type as three-dimensional form, abstract visual form, pattern, and secondary visual language.

Assessment Tasks: Report, Presentation

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject introduces students to design thinking through the 'Double Diamond’ methodology, a collaborative process that facilitates the investigation of project challenges, synthesises appropriate concepts and delivers proposals that fulfil the needs of people, the possibilities of technology and the requirements for business success. It is a methodology that utilises both divergent and convergent thinking approaches to problem-solving. It is a method that focuses upon meanings instead of features and the quest for disruptive change, instead of incremental improvement. Students are emphatically encouraged to adopt a visionary approach. Divided into four distinct phases –Discover, Define, Develop and Deliver –the Double Diamond is a simple visual roadmap which helps students understand and frame their design-thinking to define problems, develop potential solutions and deliver meaningful outcomes.

Assessment Tasks: Proposal, Presentation, Blog, Report

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online, Intensive

Social Enterprise is an exciting theoretically-based subject that is driven by the desire to create positive change through entrepreneurial activities. These activities harness design thinking and problem-solving processes in the realisation of pragmatic, viable project proposals from initiation to client presentation. By providing students with a framework to understand business model generation and the skills to source, evaluate, and measure opportunities through systematic research and competitor analysis, Social Enterprise empowers students to conceptualise, develop and propose new ventures and products that focus primarily upon social change for good. In addition, this subject will help students understand and address the practical challenges of working within this environment; to analyse different entrepreneurial business strategies, to explore diverse funding strategies, as well as incorporate theoretical discussions on major trends and issues in the social economy. Social Enterprise enables students to appreciate the power of creativity in problem-solving and the importance of the designer’s role in making a difference and precipitating change.

Assessment Tasks: Report, Presentation

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online, Intensive

This subject provides an in-depth understanding of packaging design. Students design and produce a holistic branding and packaging solution for an existing product that delivers a complete visual identity, in-store shelf presence, and user-friendly experience. Students address key sustainability issues whilst identifying contemporary trends and current industry directions, focusing on commercially viable materials, printing, and merchandising.

Assessment Tasks: Presentation, Verbal Pitch

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject is designed to provide students with professional experience in an area related to their field of study or the career they are working towards. The aim of providing industry specific opportunities is to enable students to develop skills that will enhance their prospects of gaining meaningful employment and building their career for the future. Much of the benefit of work integrated learning comes from observation, practicing under supervision and reflection.

Work Integrated Learning is an excellent way to broaden the students learning environment while they are studying. It allows them to see first-hand how what they are learning in their degree translates into practice, as well as how ‘real world’ practice relates to what they are learning at university. This subject will develop work ready skills and boost students’ employability while they are studying. There are two work integrated learning options available to students:

Option 1: WIL302

Internship Students are offered the opportunity to work within a professional design environment for an extended period of time. It encourages students to build long-term relationships with the design industry and exposes them to the rigour of applied design practice while building their confidence in adapting to new environments. It also provides a context in which to enhance their communication skills and work collaboratively in a professional arena. Students will undertake a series of research tasks, conducting interviews and gathering data in order to understand the key concepts in managing a professional design practice with emphasis placed on the operation of the professional design environment.

Option 2: WIL302B Industry Live Brief

This subject requires students to respond to criteria set within the context of an Industry Live Project. An understanding of research methodologies appropriate to professional practice and the documentation of personal creative investigation will be explored. Students will also further investigate and examine entrepreneurial and commercial opportunities through collaborative work practice. The subject is delivered from a cross discipline perspective and draws on both discipline specific and common design practices. Students are required to work both independently or as part of a collaborative team in order to conduct research, analyse and define project parameters and deliver innovative solutions that expand the notion of an industry live brief.

Assessment Tasks: Internship, e-Journal

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject focuses on the value that design strategy brings to business through the exploration of disruptive and systematic problem-solving approaches. Students utilise service design principles to research, analyse, and define opportunities, streamline systems and processes, and formulate strategic responses to user and market needs. Students create an innovative business solution that drives holistic long-term sustainability alongside commercial viability that reimagines conventional business models in the 21st century.

Assessment Tasks: Report, Presentation

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject enables students to investigate and implement emerging processes, practices, and techniques within design and technology. Students identify an area for professional development and personal exploration, then conceptualise and articulate a self-initiated major project brief. Students design, deliver, and document a major design project that acts as a vessel for personal creative output. Students identify an emotional and authentic core to their body of work, reinforcing their unique position as emerging design professionals.

Assessment Tasks: Design Project, Report, Design Artefact

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject focuses on exploring a broader understanding of design portfolios and the presentation of creative works to form a cohesive and authentic personal narrative. Contextualised through the lens of current industry requirements, students define their own design philosophy, then use this to critique their work and compose a cohesive professional identity and portfolio. Supported by self-directed research, students evaluate contemporary styles, methods, and formats of presentation to deliver a portfolio and suite of materials that can be used to initiate dialogue between themselves and the design industry.

Assessment Tasks: Report, Design Artefact, Presentation, Design Portfolio, Resume

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject introduces students to the theory and practice of information design, displaying data with purpose to foster understanding and engagement. Using a variety of sources, students identify and collate quantitative and qualitative data before synthesising and analysing it with applied organisational methods. Using visualisation techniques, students bring the information to life by telling its story in graphic and/or interactive form that represents the data in an effective and compelling way.

Assessment Tasks: Quiz, Design Artefact, Report

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject explores the history, techniques, styles, elements and principles of different mediums within illustration. Students will apply visual problem solving, exploration and conceptual skills to develop their own sense of style while creating illustrations that can be used in a commercial context for print, web and animated content.

Assessment Tasks: Online Test, Design Project, Report

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject develops effective print and digital finished art techniques, including pre-production, output and file management. Students will develop an awareness of paper stocks and finishes, digital delivery formats, and an understanding of the specific requirements for working with different materials and processes. Students will be required to conceptually develop and design a professional piece, considering the best production process, specific materials, and techniques. This subject also explores best-practice protocols and conventions when creating artwork files with multiple end-users.

Pre-requisite: DGDDD100 Digital Design Foundation

Assessment Tasks: Quiz, Design artefact, Report

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject explores the groundwork theory and practice of user experience (UX), user interface (UI) and frontend web development and design. The subject initially covers fundamental concepts in UX and UI design. It then transitions to the fundamentals of front-end development and design by teaching students how to code webpages using HTML and CSS. Students will code their own visual designs using a knowledge base of the fundamentals within these two markup languages. In addition to this, students will learn the basic principles of responsive design, and how web pages need to be designed for a variety of screen based media including phones, tablets, laptops and televisions. This subject gives students a foundation of web based digital skills that are required in a variety of design related career opportunities.

Assessment Tasks: Design Documentation, Webpage Development, Responsive Webpage

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject introduces students to the fundamentals of JavaScript and the application of this knowledge in web development. The subject explores principles of JavaScript to broaden understanding of programming languages. Students apply these fundamentals to navigate and manipulate the document object model (DOM) of a webpage. They subsequently design and develop their own interactive components and interfaces, expanding beyond the capabilities that web design languages such as HTML and CSS afford. This subject culminates in exploring design and coding interactive web animations using various JavaScript libraries, increasing ability and skillsets for modern web design and development.

Assessment Tasks: Design Research Project, Wireframe, Prototype, Interactive Web, Video

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

In this subject, students are introduced to the properties of light and its evaluation, measurement and control in photo capture. Students learn basic techniques of lighting, including how to identify and manipulate the colour, quantity, and quality and direction of light. Insights into the emotive nature of lighting will be gained, giving students the skills to creatively modify and apply light in a range of studio and location settings for both Photography and video.

Assessment Tasks: Workbook, Report

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject aims to introduce students to the foundations of photo imaging and to develop comprehensive technical skills of operating a digital camera and build experience in taking pictures under a range of conditions. A percentage of time is devoted to students receiving feedback on their recently taken images and learning to give constructive criticism to their peers, enabling them to start seeing and thinking like a photographer. Students are also introduced to primary principles of moving image/video creation.

Assessment Tasks: Online Test, Photographic Images and Report

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject focuses on the foundational skills required for video production in a commercial context. The workflow of developing video media for screen is introduced, along with each stage of the video production process. Students are tasked with developing a variety of creative responses to commercial briefs within different genres. The subject explores the necessary skills in camera-based production, the fundamentals of lighting, sound design and video editing. Students are also introduced to fundamental title sequences in the post-production phase.

Assessment Tasks: Video, Production Material

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

3D Asset Creation introduces the fundamental concepts of developing 3D models for use in digital media and allows the students to familiarise with industry standard 3D modelling tools and techniques to communicate complex ideas and emotions. Students will develop a foundational understanding for the principles and techniques required for creating practical digital assets such as props, characters and environments.

Assessment Tasks: Render 3D design project

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject explores the fundamental principles of producing animations within 3D software. Students are first introduced to a range of techniques relating to key frame based animation such as speed, ease and velocity. Students are also introduced to alternative methods of animation including procedural and dynamics based simulations. These skills are designed to expand student awareness of methodologies in creating animation and their application to a wide range of potential outcomes such as game design, broadcast motion design and branded identity.

Assessment Tasks: Video and Process Report

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

Game Design Principles introduces students to game design foundations, techniques and paradigms through a series of lecture-led and student-led activities. Students will explore game design principles through the analysis of existing game artefacts, applying those findings to the development of their own games. Students are introduced to a variety of analysis, development and presentation techniques encouraging discussion, creation and dissemination of their design choices through prototyping and documentation.

Assessment Tasks: Report, Digital Game Artefact and Presentation

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject expands practical and theoretical understanding of Information design and introduces concepts of wayfinding systems. The challenge of navigating three-dimensional spaces, in conjunction with the consideration of time-based issues are also introduced. Screen-based interfaces and environmental contexts form a key part of this unit as students explore the role of the narrative within the sequenced delivery of information. Students will research various non-digital and digital information environments. They will analyse their data and apply knowledge to develop solutions to the navigational problems they have identified.

Assessment Tasks: Online Test, Report, Presentation, Design Project, Progress Report

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject focusses on generating typographic letterforms and systems that are expandable in form and application while addressing issues of legibility, readability, and versatility. Students experiment within the frameworks of technical and typographic innovation. They are encouraged to adopt a mindset of innovation to produce characters that form an original alphabet and then contextualise this within diverse applications.

Assessment Tasks: Online Test, Presentation

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

Form and Insight is a theoretical and practice based subject that encourages consideration to audience, purpose and context. It introduces students to traditional and non-traditional, digital, 2D and 3D design specifically in the area of packaging with a strong emphasis on sustainability and social responsibility.

Students will use persona and narrative creation to inform practical outcomes that fuse commercial reality with design thinking tools to deliver an empathic, holistic solution from point of sale through to consumer use, and finally, disposal.

Assessment Tasks: Online Quiz, Design Pitch, Design Artefact, Progress Report, Presentation, Report

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject introduces web app development, which is a blend of web design, development, and software engineering. The relationship between data, design and logic are explored in modern frameworks to develop complex web-based interfaces that are reactive and real-time. The subject will examine modern backend and frontend technologies that have changed the approach to designing and developing for the modern web. The subject will also include methods for using dynamic application programming interfaces (APIs), decoding and displaying JavaScript object notation (JSON) to develop dynamic web design.

Pre-requisite: JSF100 JavaScript Fundamentals

Assessment Tasks: 3-5 Webpage Site and Video

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject introduces students to the fundamentals of user experience design by introducing research methods to identify and explore user needs in contemporary digital applications. Students will first define the user experience problem and hypothesise on solutions before analysing and addressing audience and content requirements. Students will work through concept development, prototyping, validation and testing phases to create and refine user-centred design solutions for interactive media.

Pre-requisite: DIG103 Interaction Design

Assessment Tasks: Web Based UI Prototype, Report, Video

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject introduces dynamic web development and database driven web design both with and without frameworks. The traditional backend web language PHP is initially introduced to develop custom web templates that pull data via MySQL. From these fundamentals, students develop custom coded templates using modern content management systems (CMS) such as WordPress. Students will be required to code flexible design solutions to visualise and manage complex and variable content. How to develop custom web solutions for clients and the tools to meet specific design and project requirements is also explored.

Pre-requisite: DIG103 Interaction Design

Assessment Tasks: PHP Web Page, Video, Presentation

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject develops idea generation and concept development practices applied to motion graphic sequences. As a means of enriching the design process, the history of motion graphic traditions such as broadcast and film title design are also investigated. Students develop motion graphic animations using a variety of techniques that may include kinetic typography, 2D and 2.5D animation, video compositing, visual effects, and rotoscoping. By exploring new techniques students expand their video, animation and mixed media production abilities.

Assessment Tasks: Video Pitch Presentation, Process Diary, Render

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

In this subject, students are introduced to the main genres of commercial photography. Students consider how to interpret, plan and execute a commercial brief in the context of a client's needs and expectations. Building on DPPILL100 (Light and Lighting) students further develop their lighting skills for a range of commercial applications.

Pre-requisite: ILL100 Light and Lighting

Assessment Tasks: Photographic Works, Report

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject covers the theory and methodology of 3D procedural geometry and animation workflows which enable students to develop 3D models, assets and content non-destructively. The subject explores how retaining the ability to edit 3D assets and animation throughout the 3D production is beneficial for both artist and client. Students are encouraged to solve complex problems in 3D with rapid prototyping to produce reusable assets. This subject is designed to modernise student 3D workflows and problemsolving skills with forward looking methodologies.

Pre-requisite: ANP100 Animation Principles

Assessment Tasks: Video, 3D File, Process Report, Render

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject continues to explore the theory and practice of live action video production. The subject introduces production planning concepts and techniques that enhance production experiences. The subject expands student’s awareness of video production techniques with more detail on the creative and technical aspects of working with cameras, lighting and sound. The investigation of film theory and history is continued with an emphasis on enrichment of idea generation and concept development processes. The subject explores the use of video editing, sound design and post-production techniques to communicate mood, narrative and information.

Pre-requisite: DIG104 Motion Design

Assessment Tasks: Report, presentation, interview transcript, documentary video

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject develops and extends students skills in live action camera based video production with a focus on storytelling. Concept development and pre-production techniques such as scriptwriting and storyboarding are emphasized as crucial components of moving image story development. As part of this skill development, this subject requires students to develop effective filmic storytelling techniques and translate story from audio fictions into screenplay. Students are required to produce narrative driven videos to effectively communicate memorable and impactful stories on screen.

Pre-requisite: DIG104 Motion Design

Assessment Tasks: Pre-production Plan, Video, Client Brief 2

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject builds and expands on foundational 3D asset creation techniques. Students will explore more advanced methodologies used in professional practice and integrate them into their existing workflows. This includes the areas of modeling, sculpting, texturing, shading and other 3D processes. With these principles and techniques, students will be able to achieve even greater artistic results with better efficiency.

Pre-requisite: ACR103 3D Asset Creation

Assessment Tasks: 3D design project

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject provides students with foundational and core skills in rigging and animating characters and 3D elements in industry pipelines. The principles in animation, kinematics, rigging mechanics, animation direction and performance are explored to inform the processes involved. Students will investigate industry techniques and practices and apply these in common scenarios in the field of game development and 3D animation.

Pre-requisite: ACR103 3D Asset Creation

Assessment Tasks: Render 3D animation, portfolio

Delivery Mode: On Campus

Digital Print Design and Print Theory provides students with the opportunity to develop both their textile knowledge and skills in manually and digitally generating original prints and colours for commercial print. Emphasis will be placed on the relationship between textile type, print design and surface, applying knowledge of fabric composition, properties and performance. Students develop their knowledge of colour theory and its relationship to fabric and fabric designs, integrating colour in the development of a range of print designs (placement and repeat). Students will use both analogue and digital processes to produce their work and develop a portfolio that demonstrates their understanding of the theory and application of colour and print design. Students have the opportunity to develop and print a fabric strike-off of their design. The brief will require students to undertake a small research project to forecast colours and patterns. Importantly this work will be carried out with ongoing reflection on issues of copyright and cultural appropriation and its application to commercial print design.

Assessment Tasks: Physical Samples, Report, Sketch Book

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

Fashion and Social Media requires students to collaborate online within a group to design and build a social media strategy for a fashion brand. Employing a problem based learning methodology, students critically review and analyse their understanding of social media and its applications. They identify and build on their understanding of the evolving social media landscape and its many features by demonstrating and applying the usage and benefits for fashion companies. Students develop an appreciation of the range and functionality of social media tools that currently exist and are used in the fashion industry, underpinning the sales, marketing and branding divisions of such businesses. In a simulated boardroom scenario, students identify and present a range of scenarios for the development of a social media strategy for a fashion brand and critically analyse the return on investment for their chosen approach.

Assessment Tasks: Social Media Project, Digital Applications, Report

Delivery Mode: Online

This subject focuses on strategic brand and communication approaches in driving shifts in ingrained cultural perspectives to create societal change. Through research and critical analysis, students work to understand the broader contextual influences, as well as macro and micro drivers of cognition and behavior, in creating societal perspectives. Students expand on their knowledge of design thinking to examine how disruptive ideas can provide the opportunity to culture hack, leveraging the coercive power of design in branded customer experiences to drive a progressive ‘culture of change’.

Assessment Tasks: Video, Presentation, Report

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject introduces students to advanced UX applications and methodologies that reflect professional UX employment opportunities. Through a series of design sprints this subject explores the scoping, planning, designing and delivery of a complex feature of a UX design project following user-centred and agile design processes. A range of UX methodologies such as accessibility, information architecture, functionality, user psychology and behaviour, and project management are examined. Students extend their knowledge of research, design, prototyping, and validation methodologies through the development of a single innovative complex feature of a mobile app or web service.

Pre-requisite: UXF200 UX Fundamentals

Assessment Tasks: Report, Interactive Prototypes, Video, Video Presentation

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject introduces User Interface (UI) methodologies for designing component libraries for scalable projects. Students will design, develop and code their own library of reusable web design components for future client projects. This subject also introduces alternative web design theories such as atomic structure and Git code project management. Students are required to produce a library of web components within a modern framework in response to a client brief. Students will need to employ all web coding and design skillsets learnt throughout their degree to develop their own feature library.

Pre-requisite: WAD200 Web App Development

Assessment Tasks: Webpage, Webpage Components, Web Development Folder

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject investigates advanced video production strategies in the form of mixed media experimental video. Students are required to produce and develop a unique aesthetic and visual style of video through a combination of different moving image mediums such as 2D, 2.5D and 3D. This subject also introduces an array of advanced experimental techniques including visual effects strategies, non-linear narrative, medium and platform specific content, temporal and ephemeral media. Students are required to produce work that breaks conventional video production strategies and embraces new development within and around conventional distribution, consumption and production methodologies.

Pre-requisite: LAP200 Live Action Production

Assessment Tasks: Video Presentation, Report, Rendered Video, Progress Report

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject explores new media platforms and influence that video production has had with the rise of social media platforms and their associated micro-trends. This subject requires students to identify, research, develop and distribute branded outcomes within those micro-trends on a dedicated social media platform. Students are exposed to the psychological hooks that engage audiences and video production trends that have developed alongside the new platforms. Students are required to explore the nuances of audience and platform distribution strategies and analyse case studies surrounding successful and contextual outcomes. The subject dispels the idea that traditional distribution outlets for video production are the dominant forms of consumption.

Pre-requisite: LAP200 Live Action Production

Assessment Tasks: Video Production, Presentation, Report

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject focuses on different lighting and look development approaches of 3D assets and animations. Students explore different stylistic development techniques when using rendering engines. An emphasis is placed on a variety of material, textural, lighting, colour and shadow technical approaches that can change the look and feel of existing 3D assets. Students engage with production workflows to produce different stylistic visual outcomes. A variety of lighting techniques and light methodologies are employed to enhance the visual outcomes of 3D assets.

Pre-requisite: AAC202 Advanced 3D Asset Creation

Assessment Tasks: Render images and video, progress report

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online