Design and Visual Communication Level 1

Design and Visual Communication Level 1

Design and Visual Communication is all about design.  The 2 main areas that can be explored are spatial and product design.  

Spatial design is about spaces, this could include: buildings, houses, landscaping set design and more. 

Product design is all about design products such as the objects we use every day.

Visual communication techniques are used to communicate designs.  This will start with simple sketches, hand or instrument drawings or the use of computer software and then developed into a final outcome.

The way this course will work is that students will have the opportunity to use a design process and design either a spatial or product design.  They will generate drawings using a variety of methods to communicate the design and its details.

All of the work is done in class during the year and some of the work is marked by the teacher internally and some is then put in a portfolio and sent away at the end of the year for external marking.

All of the standards offered and NCEA achievement standards giving the opportunity to gain achieved, Merit or Excellence credits and a Merit or Excellence subject endorsement.  If Design and Visual Communication is taken at Level 3 then this is a university approved subject and can be used a one of the subjects required. Excellence endorsements can mean that automatic entry is achieved to many of the design schools in the country

The use of computer aided design is taught and encouraged as a method of communication

Students will work on a formative design brief in the first term, developing skills in freehand sketching, isometric drawing, orthographic drawing and the use of a computer aided design program: On-shape . This is a cloud based program which can be easily access from home. Sketch-up may also be used

An investigation into a well-known designer will help to influence ideas for the project. 

In terms two and three, another brief will build on the skills acquired in term one. Students will work with more accuracy and precision as well as showing a fuller understanding of the design process. The final term should be tidying up the required drawings for a portfolio which is  externally assessed standards. 

Design briefs used successfully in the past have included ‘Tiny home design’ and ‘design a homework station,  kitchen or BBQ space’