# Course 1: Visual Media Design – Course map #### **Course Alignment Table**
**Learning Outcome** **Skills and Knowledge** **Evidence**
**LO1: Apply raster and vector graphic skills to create design system components.** \- Image editing and manipulation using software like Photoshop and GIMP. \- Vector graphic creation and refinement using tools like Illustrator and Inkscape. \- Combining raster and vector elements in composite designs. Create a design system component incorporating both raster and vector graphics that demonstrates proficiency in image editing and manipulation.
**LO2: Apply typographic treatments to enhance readability and visual hierarchy in creative work.** \- Typography principles: readability, hierarchy, and spacing. \- Font pairing and typeface selection. \- Applying grids and alignment for balanced layouts. Develop a creative work with varied typographic treatments that showcase enhanced readability and visual hierarchy.
**LO3: Incorporate cultural perspectives and ethical considerations to create inclusive design solutions.** \- Incorporating motifs and design approaches inspired by te ao Māori. \- Aligning design solutions with te Tiriti o Waitangi principles. \- Ethical considerations in the use of cultural imagery. Create a design solution that reflects cultural perspectives and ethical considerations, demonstrating inclusivity in the design approach.
**LO4: Apply a structured design process in response to design challenges.** \- Ideation techniques such as mind mapping and brainstorming. \- Structured design workflows, including waterfall methodologies. \- Concept development and peer review. Present a structured design process document outlining the steps taken to address a specific design challenge, including ideation, development, and review stages.
**LO5: Evaluate design solutions based on industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices.** \- Assessing design work against industry benchmarks. \- Analysing historical and contemporary design trends. \- Best practices in static media design. Prepare a design critique report that evaluates a design solution in relation to current industry trends, emerging technologies, and established best practices.
#### **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)