What is it and why should I do it?
Visual Communication Design focuses on visual language and the role it plays in communicating ideas, solving problems and influencing behaviours. In recognition of the diverse and shifting contexts in which designers work, this study examines how visual communication is used across various fields of practice to design messages, objects, environments and interactive experiences.
The study of VCE Visual Communication Design, therefore, seeks to cultivate future-ready designers who have a critical and reflective eye, a refined aesthetic sensibility, and who are equipped with the skills, knowledge and mindsets necessary to address the problems of life.
Visual Communication Design is a self-directed folio subject in Unit 3&4 that can lead to many different study and career pathways for students that study it. If you are interested in pathways such as: communication or graphic design, art directing, interface and web design, illustration, advertising, animation or visual effects, industrial design, product design, furniture design, jewellery design, textile design, fashion, architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, interior design, set and event design, exhibition design, game design, concept art, visual merchandise, or interaction and user-experience (UX) design, you should consider Visual Communication Design as your folio can assist you to gain entry to these tertiary courses.
Below are links to the best VCD work from across the state:
How much homework/study will I have?
All Unit 3 and 4 subjects require 3-5 hours of study per week. In VCD your homework will involve completing design and research related activities that are not finished in class. It will also involve a significant amount of school assessed coursework (SAC) and school assessed task work (SAT) related work where you respond to a design brief utilising the structure of the design process. Design analyses and reports are also included in your homework.
What contributes to my study score?
How do I satisfactorily complete the unit?
To gain an S for any VCE subject you need to demonstrate that you have met the unit outcomes. In Visual Communication Design you will meet the unit outcomes through the completion of coursework and assessment tasks.
Unit 3
- Outcome 1: On completion of this unit the student should be able to compare the ways in which visual communication practices are used by contemporary designers, using research methods and practical exploration.
- Outcome 2: On completion of this unit the student should be able to compare and analyse design examples from selected field(s) of design practice, describing how aesthetic considerations contribute to the effective communication of information or ideas.
- Outcome 3: On completion of this unit the student should be able to identify two communication needs for a client, prepare a brief and develop design ideas, while applying the VCD design process and design thinking strategies.
Unit 4
- Outcome 1: On completion of this unit the student should be able to refine and resolve distinct design concepts for each communication need, and devise and deliver a pitch to communicate concepts to an audience or users, evaluating the extent to which these meet the requirements of the brief.
- Outcome 2: On completion of this unit the student should be able to produce a design solution for each communication need defined in the brief, satisfying the specified design criteria.