Course 1: Visual Media Design – Course map

Course Alignment Table

Foundation Topics (1–4): Core Design Skills

1. Introduction to Visual Media Design

   • Overview of visual design principles and the role of static media in communication.

   • Introduction to industry software tools (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator).

2. Raster Graphics: Editing and Manipulation

   • Image editing techniques using raster-based tools (e.g., Photoshop, GIMP).

   • Layers, masks, and color adjustments.

3. Vector Graphics: Creation and Refinement

   • Basics of vector graphic design (e.g., Illustrator, Inkscape).

   • Techniques for creating scalable designs: paths, shapes, and gradients.

4. Typography: Principles and Practice

   • Typography fundamentals: readability, visual hierarchy, and font selection.

   • Exploring grids, alignment, and spacing for balanced layouts.

Application and Ideation Topics (5–8): Preparing for Assessment 1

5. Mood Boards and Visual Research

   • How to create a mood board using curated inspirations (e.g., motifs, color palettes).

   • Research methods for understanding cultural and event contexts.

6. Design Briefs and Conceptualization

   • Writing effective design briefs: purpose, audience, objectives, and constraints.

   • Ideation techniques: mind mapping, brainstorming, and thumbnail sketches.

7. Cultural and Ethical Design

   • Incorporating cultural narratives into design.

   • Ethical considerations and aligning with te Tiriti o Waitangi principles.

8. Evaluation of Visual Concepts

   • Methods for evaluating design ideas for inclusivity and alignment with goals.

   • Peer critique and iterative improvement of initial concepts.

Assessment 1: Learners submit the Mood Board, Design Brief, and Evaluation Report after completing this topic.

Advanced Design and Output Topics (9–12): Preparing for Assessment 2

9. Logo Design and Branding

   • Creating a cohesive logo: symbolism, scalability, and visual impact.

   • Principles of visual branding systems.

10. Promotional Materials: Print and Digital Design

    • Designing event posters, flyers, and banners for diverse media.

    • Integrating logos and typography into cohesive layouts.

11. Preparing and Optimizing Outputs

    • Exporting raster and vector files for print and digital use.

    • Optimizing designs for color modes (CMYK for print, RGB for digital) and file formats.

12. Reflection and Professional Presentation

    • Writing reflective reports: process, feedback integration, and last outcomes.

    • Presenting design work to clients or stakeholders.

Assessment 2: Learners submit the Design Outputs and Reflection Report after completing this topic.

Course 1: Visual Media Design – Topics and TLOs

Foundation Topics (1–4): Core Design Skills

Topic 1: Introduction to Visual Media Design

• TLO1.1: Describe key visual design principles and their application in communication. (LO5)

• TLO1.2: Explore the role of static media in conveying messages for both print and digital platforms. (LO5)

• TLO1.3: Use industry-standard software tools (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator). (LO1)

Topic 2: Raster Graphics: Editing and Manipulation

• TLO2.1: Use of raster-based tools (e.g., Photoshop, GIMP) for editing images. (LO1)

• TLO2.2: Apply fundamental software techniques to modify raster graphics. (LO1)

• TLO2.3: Combine multiple raster elements to create a composite design. (LO1)

• TLO2.4: Compare the limitations and strengths of raster graphics for various design outputs. (LO1)

• TLO2.5: Optimize raster images for print and digital use while maintaining quality. (LO1)

Topic 3: Vector Graphics: Creation and Refinement

• TLO3.1: Create vector graphics using software tools. (LO1)

• TLO3.2: Refine and adjust vector graphic designs to enhance scalability and precision. (LO1)

• TLO3.3: Combine vector graphics with raster elements. (LO1)

• TLO3.4: Compare the use of vector and raster graphics in different design contexts. (LO5)

• TLO3.5: Discuss the role of vector graphics in branding and identity design. (LO5)

Topic 4: Typography: Principles and Practice

• TLO4.1: Apply typographic principles in design work. (LO2)

• TLO4.2: Select appropriate typefaces and font pairings to convey specific tones and messages. (LO2)

• TLO4.3: Use grids and alignment tools to create layouts. (LO2)

• TLO4.4: Discuss the impact of typography on visual hierarchy of a design. (LO5)

• TLO4.5: Incorporate typographic elements into composite designs with raster and vector graphics. (LO1, LO2)

Application and Ideation Topics (5–8): Preparing for Assessment 1

Topic 5: Mood Boards and Visual Research

• TLO5.1: Present a mood board that reflects visual themes, motifs, and cultural inspirations. (LO3)

• TLO5.2: Discuss cultural contexts to inform design decisions. (LO3)

• TLO5.3: Select appropriate colour palettes, textures, and imagery for a target audience. (LO3)

• TLO5.4: Synthesize visual references to inspire design concepts. (LO4)

Topic 6: Design Briefs and Conceptualization

• TLO6.1: Develop design briefs, including objectives, audience, and constraints. (LO4)

• TLO6.2: Use ideation techniques to generate creative ideas. (LO4)

• TLO6.3: Create thumbnail sketches and rough drafts of initial design concepts. (LO4)

• TLO6.4: Evaluate and refine initial concepts for feasibility and alignment with project goals. (LO3, LO4)

Topic 7: Cultural and Ethical Design

• TLO7.1: Incorporate cultural narratives and motifs into visual designs in a respectful and authentic manner. (LO3)

• TLO7.2: Align design solutions with te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and ethical frameworks. (LO3)

• TLO7.3: Discuss cultural considerations that may influence the design process and outputs. (LO3)

• TLO7.4: Evaluate the ethical implications of using cultural imagery in design projects. (LO3)

• TLO7.5: Develop inclusive design solutions that honor cultural diversity. (LO3, LO4)

Topic 8: Evaluation of Visual Concepts

• TLO8.1: Assess visual concepts for inclusivity, cultural alignment, and design goals. (LO3)

• TLO8.2: Participate in peer critiques and provide constructive feedback on design work. (LO4)

• TLO8.4: Compare design ideas with industry trends and benchmarks for effectiveness. (LO5)

Advanced Design and Output Topics (9–12): Preparing for Assessment 2

Topic 9: Logo Design and Branding

• TLO9.1: Design logos that reflect branding principles. (LO1)

• TLO9.2: Apply typography and vector graphics to create cohesive branding systems. (LO2)

• TLO9.3: Discuss how branding elements maintain consistency across media. (LO5)

• TLO9.4: Refine logos through iterative feedback and evaluation. (LO4)

• TLO9.5: Present logo designs with a rationale for their alignment with branding goals. (LO5)

Topic 10: Promotional Materials: Print and Digital Design

• TLO10.1: Design promotional materials. (LO1, LO2)

• TLO10.2: Adapt designs for various media while maintaining consistency. (LO1)

• TLO10.3: Reflect on the design process to ensure alignment with project objectives. (LO5)

Topic 11: Preparing and Optimising Outputs

• TLO11.1: Export designs for digital use (e.g., JPEG, PNG, SVG) and print (e.g., PDF, CMYK). (LO1)

• TLO11.2: Apply colour management for digital and print media. (LO1)

• TLO11.3: Organize files for efficient workflow and professional presentation. (LO4)

• TLO11.4: Ensure exported outputs align with industry standards for resolution and format. (LO5)

Topic 12: Reflection and Professional Presentation

• TLO12.1: Present design outputs professionally to stakeholders or peers. (LO5)

• TLO12.2: Incorporate feedback from critiques into future design practices. (LO4)