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Communication Design Strategy

Unit Code: HDCOM311




Duration

Contact Hours

Campus

Prerequisite

Corequisite

1 Semester

36 Hours per Semester

Prahran

 Competence in the following software packages is expected: MS Word, Acrobat, Macromedia Flash, Adobe CS.

Credit Points: 12.5 Credit Points

Related Course/s:

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Aims & Objectives:

The aim of this unit is to engage students in the development of a strategic communication design project from its initiation to evaluation. The unit will consolidate understanding of design research methods and conceptual development through design practice.           
At the completion of this unit students should be able to:
  • Engage with research methods relevant to design enquiry;
  • Write a research instigated communication plan and design brief;
  • Develop designed communications for a selection of media systems;
  • Record and organise design research, concept development and execution;
  • Execute strategically targeted designed communications; 
  • Publish design outcomes as an authored proposal document.    

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Teaching Methods:

Project work will be briefed, developed, presented, critiqued and peer reviewed in the studio. Discussions, consultations, feedback and direction to research and reading will occur online. Lectures will provide project context and management.

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Assessment:

Note: Percentage weightings are indicative. See Unit Briefs for full assessment details.
 
Task 1 - Data Analysis - 10%
 
Task 2 - Communication Plan - 20%
 
Task 3 - Communication Design - 70%

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Generic Skills Outcomes:

Swinburne University works to produce higher education graduates who are capable in their chosen profession. Learners bring to Swinburne a diverse wealth of experiences and graduate with individual understandings, abilities and attitudes.  
 
Within this context, HDCOM 311 Communication Design Strategy aims to provide students with the following attributes:
  • Are capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas;
  • Are entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community;
  • Are adaptable and manage change;
  • Are aware of local and international environment in which they will be contributing;
  • Operate effectively and ethically in work and community situations.  

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Content:

  • Accessing, analysing and presenting research data;
  • Developing a creative strategy and communication plan;
  • Investigating selected media systems;
  • Developing communication design concept and idea;
  • Executing designed communication outcomes;
  • Publishing a design presentation document.

Studio-based exercises and tutorial activities, peer review and critique, online submission and discussion, research and reading. A workbook/reflective journal will be maintained.

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References:

Frascara, J 2004, Communication Design: Principles, Methods and Practice, New York, Allworth Press.
Laurel, B 2003, Design Research Methods and Perspectives, Cambridge, Mass., MIT Press.
Noble, I & Bestley, R 2005, Visual Research, Lausanne, AVA Academia.
A detailed list of references and online reserve articles and books is posted on this unit’s Blackboard site.

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