DCX101 DESIGN CONTEXTS

Design Context is a foundational subject that introduces students to the designed world and their place within it. Students are encouraged to explore the interconnected nature of design and its capacity to inspire change, drive progress and navigate complex challenges. Through observation, research and iterative approach students will develop a series of creative responses that demonstrate an awareness of the value of design and its ability to create meaningful interactions for people, communities and their environments.

DGDDD100 Digital Design Foundations

This subject introduces a core set of industry-standard specialist design software tools. The emphasis of this subject is on building a comprehensive familiarity with these tools and features so that their application becomes second nature and can be treated as part of the overall creative tool kit. Students will work through a range of small exercises to cement their learning and to build their working knowledge by experimenting with the different tools and techniques. Students will then combine these tools and techniques to explore print and screen-based projects and in doing so, become aware of how to create flexible visual outcomes not wedded to single-use mediums

DGDVL100 Visual Language of Design

In this subject, students will study the history and evolution of art and design acknowledging the major influences and commentators of the industry. The introduction of essential fundamental design principles and elements build to a comprehensive understanding, enabling students to start seeing and thinking like a designer. Students will be challenged to develop visual solutions to design problems and acquire the knowledge, skills and perspective necessary to identify and articulate techniques and concepts exhibited in design work. This is followed by an in-depth look at the design process from receiving the brief up to the client presentation and reflection on success of project.

DDSO102 Design Studio 1

This subject explores the relationship between materials and storytelling. It introduces students to the attributes of materiality and encourages them to re-imagine the possibilities of creating through making. Students will explore the art of paper folding, developing skills and taking creative risks. These results will be captured digitally and altered using the appropriate software. Individual tasks allow students to develop an understanding and appreciation of materials, their many varied uses, properties, and the sustainable manufacturing processes related to them. Students will progress towards determining suitable materials in which to construct their final model with its form and function contextualised and supported by a documented process journal. Their final submission will be a model that reminds us that stories which fill our lives are not only spoken and written but sometimes are best told through craft.

DGDTY100 Typography

This subject explores the history and origins of typographic communication, from Cuneiform through to contemporary digital type. It introduces the fundamental principles and terminology relating to typography, including letterform structure, classifications of faces and styles, and typesetting. Students will work with specialist software to create and manipulate type, and will start to formulate their own set of strategies for effective use of typography as an element of graphic design.

DSO103 DESIGN STUDIO 2

Design Studio 2 offers an introduction to the building blocks of creating and developing brands and is designed to give students a broad understanding of the stages and methodologies adopted in the brand development process. The subject draws on the theory and practice that sits behind brand creation. It covers the broad spectrum of brand development, values, trends and branding techniques, as well as fundamentals such as brand positioning and brand architecture. The subject also explores the relationship between branding and audiences, cross-cultural influences and shifts in consumer behaviour. Students must first understand and apply the fundamentals of branding and then go on to use that knowledge as the basis for developing and progressing a brand. This theoretical and practical subject will equip students with the knowledge and insight with which to build their own branding expertise.

DGDPM100 Publishing and Media

This subject develops students’ understanding of typographic convention in both traditional and contemporary applications. Students will use their understanding of basic typographic formatting, page composition and layout to explore advanced typographic setting, workflow and content editing across print and digital platforms. Students will also explore the role of typographic narrative within the sequenced delivery of information across a variety of environments. They will be challenged to consider the ‘voice of type’ and develop a greater appreciation and understanding of how content is read and viewed in traditional and non-traditional mediums.

CIM100A Developing Visual Vocabulary

This subject seeks to develop conceptual and practical frameworks for the generation of visual images, enabling students to create innovative visual responses in their work. It will encourage students to expand their frame of visual understanding and explore idea generation as well as historical approaches to visual representation, resulting in developing skills in the practical interpretation of ideas. This is achieved through sketching, photography, and experimenting with analogue and digital materials.  

DIG101A Time, Space, Motion

This subject provides an introduction to the fundamental theory and practice of moving image and 3D design and production. Students will be familiarised with a basic set of tools and techniques for creating moving image sequences and 3D visualisations. Fundamental moving image, screen language and spatial design concepts are introduced, and students will use these concepts in conjunction with basic production techniques to communicate and convey narrative. The subject also introduces concept development techniques and materials specific to the development of motion and 3D design outcomes 

DIG103A Interaction Design

This subject explores the groundwork theory and practice of user experience (UX), user interface (UI) and interaction design for digital media. The subject covers the core research phases of UX, before enabling students to create UI and web based solutions to identified problems. Students will focus on interpreting and structuring information architecture and will also focus on the visual aspects of UI design and the ways in which visual design affects end-user experience.  

DIG104A Motion Design

This subject introduces the foundational theory and practice of motion graphic design and live action camera production. The unit introduces basic skills in concept development, asset creation, 2D animation and compositing suitable for motion graphic production. The process of developing a live action video piece is also introduced, from pre-production through to post-production, and including fundamental sound design principles. Students will gain basic skills in camera-based production including basics of lighting, sound recording and editing.  

DIG105A 3D Design and Animation

This subject develops foundational skills in 3D design and animation. Students will undertake character and set design and development exercises, and will generate animated 3D graphic elements. In this way students will develop foundational skills in the principles and techniques of modelling, texturing, lighting and animation required to produce digital 3D characters, environments and props. The subject also explores key concept development stages typical to common 3D design briefs and projects.  

GDP102 Game Design Principles

This subject develops foundational skills in 3D design and animation. Students will undertake character and set design and development exercises, and will generate animated 3D graphic elements. In this way students will develop foundational skills in the principles and techniques of modelling, texturing, lighting and animation required to produce digital 3D characters, environments and props. The subject also explores key concept development stages typical to common 3D design briefs and projects.  

DSO201 DESIGN STUDIO 3

The subject introduces business practices such as costing, time management, value engineering and general models of monetizing 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.

CDC200A MESSAGE, MEANING, MEDIA

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 de-constructing conventional thinking and design practices. There is particular reference to the cultural shift from words to pictures and the role of meaning in an evolving creative and technological environment.

PBL202 PROBLEM BASED LEARNING STUDIO

Problem-based learning (PBL) is a pedagogical approach that enables students to learn while engaging actively with meaningful problems. Students are given the opportunities to problem-solve in a collaborative setting, create mental models for learning, and form self-directed learning habits through practice and reflection. The underpinning philosophy of PBL is that learning can be considered a “constructive, self-directed, collaborative and contextual” activity. The principle of construct positions students as active knowledge seekers and co-creators who organise new relevant experiences into personal mental representations with the help of prior knowledge. This is further reinforced by social theories of learning that advance the merits of social interaction in cognitive development. The aim of this subject is to trigger student learning with a problem which needs resolution. Students make connections to the challenge by activating their individual and collective prior knowledge and finding resources to make sense of the phenomenon; they also engage in peer learning through small-group discussions and consolidate their learning through reflective writing. Beyond enabling students to make sense of the concepts and subject matter, this learning experience will also help students develop an understanding of themselves and their contexts, and the ways and situations in which they learn effectively.

CTY201A TYPOGRAPHIC SYSTEMS

This subject encourages students to analyse and evaluate the effectiveness of contemporary corporate identity and branding systems. Students will develop a deeper understanding of the elements that make a successful brand, challenging the misconception of identity marks as the sole component of a modern brand. Typography and its applications are central features within this subject, providing a level of consistency within a myriad of often, unrelated components. Through lectures, tutorials and practical workshops, students will explore alternative brand touch points and create unique visual expressions within a diverse framework. These strategies and developments will manifest themselves in a variety of environmental and communication pieces, including stationery, advertising communications, signage, way-finding and vehicle livery.

Students will work individually to investigate methods and techniques that can be used to establish a coherent visual language across a variety of mediums. Central to their experience will be the notion of what a brand is and how the designer can add value to business through visual and non-visual components. Students will embrace the function of typography as a vehicle to communicate in literal and abstract terms, developing their understanding of tone of voice, hierarchy structures, and material selection and specification.

DDD203 DISCOVER, DEFINE, DEVELOP, DELIVER

The myth of innovation is that brilliant ideas leap fully resolved from the minds of geniuses. The reality is that most innovation comes from a process of rigorous examination through which great ideas are identified and developed before being realised as new offerings and capabilities. This subject introduces Problem Based Learning (PBL), mapped out as the ‘Double Diamond’, the collaborative process by which the designer’s sensibilities and methods are employed to integrate the needs of people, the possibility of technology and the requirement for business success.

In short, Double Diamond approach converts need into demand. It’s a human-centred approach to problem-solving that focuses thinking about meanings instead of features, searching for radical changes instead of improvements and proposing visions instead of satisfying existing needs.

Today, designers across many disciplines share some similar approaches to the creative process. Every design specialist has a different approach and way of working, but there are some commonalities in their creative process. Divided into four distinct phases – Discover, Define, Develop and Deliver – the Double Diamond is a simple visual map which illustrates the PBL approach.

In this subject, students examine a range of possible ideas – divergent thinking; before refining and narrowing down to the best idea – convergent thinking. To discover which ideas are best, the creative process is iterative. Ideas are developed, tested and refined many times, with weak ideas dropped in the process. This cycle is an essential part of a good design strategy. Students are introduced to practical design methods – like user journeys, empathy mapping, character profiles – and how they can be used to move a project through the four phases of the Double Diamond.

Discover – The first quarter of the Double Diamond model covers the start of the project. Students look at the world from a fresh perspective; notice new things and gather insights.

Define – The second quarter represents the definition stage, in which students analyse and synthesise all of the possibilities identified in the Discover phase. Which matters most? Which should we act upon first? What is feasible? The goal here is to develop a clear creative brief that frames the fundamental design challenge.

Develop – The third quarter marks a period of development where solutions or concepts are created, prototyped, tested and iterated. This process of trial and error helps students to improve and refine their ideas.

Delivery – The final quarter of the Double Diamond model is the delivery stage, where the resulting project (a product, service or environment, for example) is finalised, produced and launched.

Thinking like a designer can transform the way you develop products, services, processes – and even strategy.

CIM200A Life through a Lens

This subject examines ideas and techniques within the practice of narrative photography. Through lectures examining historical milestones in photography and camera and lighting practical tutorials in understanding the accepted rules, students will gain the confidence to make innovative choices in their creative photography production processes. Students will develop creative narrative photography. Through the production of a multi-panel photo sequence, informed creative choices will be demonstrated.  

CIN200A Wayfinding

This subject expands practical and theoretical understanding of Information design and introduces concepts of wayfinding systems. The challenges 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. 

CTY202A Type Generation

This subject is concerned with generating typographic letterforms and systems that are expandable in form and application while addressing issues of legibility, readability and versatility. Students will experiment within the frameworks of technical and typographic innovation. Through the creation of key characters, a systematic approach and the context of a cultural framework, communication through abstract shape and image, while still retaining necessary considerations towards readability and accessibility is established. Students will be encouraged to adopt a mindset of innovation in the production of original alphabets and to consider commercial applications by designing and producing promotional pieces to market their typographic creations.  

DID200A Interface Development 1 (pre-requisite DIG103A)

This subject covers the use and customization of content and technology systems for the delivery of online content. Students learn how to generate flexible design solutions to present and manage complex and variable content. The subject introduces online content management systems and specialist development tools, and students will learn how to use and customize these systems and tools to meet specific design and project requirements. Students will also learn about hosting platforms, performance measurement and metrics systems for online content.  

DID201A Content & Technology Systems (pre-requisite DIG103A)

This subject covers the use and customization of content and technology systems for the delivery of online content. Students learn how to generate flexible design solutions to present and manage complex and variable content. The subject introduces online content management systems and specialist development tools, and students will learn how to use and customize these systems and tools to meet specific design and project requirements. Students will also learn about hosting platforms, performance measurement and metrics systems for online content.

DID203A Experience Design 1 (pre-requisite DIG103A)

This subject develops conceptual and practical knowledge and skills in experience design for interactive and online media. Students will use common experience design research methods to analyse audience and content requirements. Students will work through concept development, prototyping, validation and testing phases to improve and refine a user experience design in relation to the requirements of a specific client brief. Throughout students will develop their knowledge and skillset in terms of creating usable and user-centered interactive design experiences. 

DMD200A Live Action Production (pre-requisite DIG104A)

This subject explores the theory and practice of live action camera-based moving image production. The subject introduces an expanded set of production planning concepts and techniques for video production. Creative and technical aspects of working with cameras, lighting and sound are explored in greater detail. The investigation of film, TV and media theory and history is continued with an emphasis on enrichment of the idea generation and concept development process. Students will also explore the use of video editing and post-production techniques to communicate mood, narrative and information.  

DMD201A Motion Graphic Design 1 (pre-requisite DIG104A)

This subject explores the theory and practice of motion graphic design. Idea generation and concept development techniques for motion graphic sequences are explored and practical and conceptual skills in asset creation, kinetic typography, 2D animation and compositing are developed. The history of motion graphic traditions such as broadcast and film title design are investigated as a means of enriching the design process.  

D3D201A Character Animation 1 (pre-requisite DIG105A)

This subject introduces the core theory and practice of 3D character animation. Students learn the creative and technical skills needed to rig props and characters for keyframe and performance capture animation. Fundamental character animation theory concepts and principles including character design, narrative, weight and timing are explored in order to inform animation design and development. The subject also introduces particle and rigid body dynamics as means of creating and augmenting animated sequences and content.  

D3D202A Modelling & Visualisation (pre-requisite DIG105A)

This subject focuses on the development of modelling and 3D design skills suitable for the creation of photorealistic and animated visualisations. Students will learn 3D design principles and techniques specific to the creation of photorealistic 3D imagery, including texture creation, lighting and photo-real rendering toolsets. In addition to learning about photorealist approaches, students will also have the opportunity to design and develop bespoke stylistic visual approaches as alternatives to photorealism. The subject also explores the creation of animated 3D simulations in order to visualise processes and systems. 

FA204A Fashion and Social Media

This subject requires students to work independently when designing and building a social media strategy for a fashion brand. Students study cases of specific and successful Australian branded fashion and fashion PR companies, their practices and strategies. Situated in traditional Problem Based Learning environment students collaborate online within a group to adapt and negotiate the solutions to a set brief and problem. Students collaborate online with their peers to critically review and analyse their understanding of social media and its application. They identify and build on their knowledge in understanding the Social Media Landscape and its many features by demonstrating its usage and benefits for brand fashion companies. Students develop a coherent body of knowledge of the range of social media tools that currently exist and are used in the branded fashion industry underpinning the marketing and branding division of such businesses. Students need to demonstrate their cognitive and creative skills whilst identifying 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. In addition students will demonstrate their communication skills and present their ideas and knowledge of their chosen social media scenario to their peers and teachers in a simulated boardroom scenario 

CDC300A CULTURE OF CHANGE

This subject examines how new ideas and end-user experiences are translated into marketable products or services and how design driven innovation creates new meaning to deliver competitive advantage. It also looks at the seductive power of design thinking to match necessity to utility, constraint to possibility, and need to demand. Working in small collaborative teams students are required to embrace the multifaceted challenges we encounter every day in society, and describe and define an innovative and sustainable solution to a user experience problem.

SEN301 SOCIAL ENTERPRISE

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.

CDM301A MAJOR PROJECT

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.

CPK301A PACKAGING AND BRANDING

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.

WIL302 WORK INTEGRATED LEARNING

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: 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: 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.

CDM303A PORTFOLIO

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.

CDC301A BUSINESS BY DESIGN

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.

CDT301A Inspiration to Implementation

This subject builds on the skill sets created in User-centered Design, encouraging students to take a holistic approach to the creation of meaningful ‘cradle to grave’ user experiences. This theoretically based subject challenges students to consider audience, purpose and context, while creating personas & stories to help deliver practical, group outcomes that fuse commercial reality with design thinking tools. It emphasises observation, collaboration, fast learning, visualisation of ideas, concept prototyping, and concurrent business analysis, which ultimately influence innovation and business strategy.  

DID301A Experience Design 2 (pre-requisite DIG105A & D3D202A)

This subject covers the scoping, planning, design and delivery of a continuous multi-platform user experience design project. As part of this project, students will develop and integrate promotional and social media strategy. The subject explores agile and iterative design and project management methodologies, and the use of scenario/story-based analysis to inform the design and development of interactive features. The subject also develops and extends students’ skillset in terms of usability testing and validation processes.  

DMD300A Motion Graphic Design 2 (pre-requisite DIG104A & DMD201A)

This subject develops further practical and conceptual skills in motion graphics, reinforcing and extending skills in idea generation, asset creation, kinetic typography, animation, compositing and sound integration for motion graphic design. The subject also focuses on the design and development of 3D assets and animation for motion graphics, and the integration of motion graphics elements with live action footage, as a means of expanding students’ motion design vocabulary.  

D3D300A 3D Visualisation, Compositing and Effects (pre-requisite DIG105A & D3D202A)

This subject develops further practical and conceptual skills in motion graphics, reinforcing and extending skills in idea generation, asset creation, kinetic typography, animation, compositing and sound integration for motion graphic design. The subject also focuses on the design and development of 3D assets and animation for motion graphics, and the integration of motion graphics elements with live action footage, as a means of expanding students’ motion design vocabulary.  

D3D301A Animation Production (pre-requisite DIG105A & D3D201A)

This subject covers the principles, methods and structures required for collaborative team-based 3D animation production. Students will develop nonlinear, team-based pipelines to coordinate the production of projects with multiple characters, sets, props and assets. Pipeline planning and scripting will be introduced as a way to optimize workflow. The subject also covers animation production and production design concepts and techniques in order to equip students with strategies for the consistent direction of visual style, staging, acting and performance across a collaborative team-based production.  

BID301A Creative Thinking Processes

This subject provides students with the opportunity to develop their understanding of relevant design history and theories and their application to change and innovation within contemporary practice. Central to this subject will be the application of contemporary design thinking in the critical reflection of their own, and their peers, creative output. Students will also gain insight into evaluating design outcomes in response to user feedback. The subject is designed and delivered from an interior designer perspective and draws on the student’s knowledge of design history and innovation. This subject also draws on the student’s own experience as a design consumer.  

FA303A Fashion Marketing & Brand Development

Through readings and case studies, students will investigate several occurrences of a fashion in a variety of products with a critical focus on responsible design and sustainability. They will investigate how a design idea moves through the population groups and subcultures of society into mainstream and what other factors govern and influence its outcome, i.e.: how an idea survives and becomes a fashion. They will explore this in the context of trend analysis, fashion marketing and brand development. Students will further expand on their acquired knowledge by developing a marketing strategy for a fashion brand.