Useful links
Unit of study_
DECO1015: Visual Communication
2026 unit information
This unit of study introduces students to the principles of visual communication, the basics of graphic design, as well as the role of visual communication in industry and society. Students will learn how to successfully utilise visual elements to effectively communicate ideas and concepts, in response to design briefs. Students will learn how to interpret design briefs, understand stakeholder requirements, and navigate design constraints. They will use their creativity to turn concepts into visual communication materials, regardless as to the software tools they choose to use. Using critical reflection, students will also learn to interpret and engage with a variety of visual design elements, so as to better understand the role of visual communication in a broader industry and societal context, as well as to better prepare for future design challenges.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning
| Study level | Undergraduate |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | Design Lab |
| Credit points | 6 |
|
Prerequisites:
?
|
None |
|---|---|
|
Corequisites:
?
|
None |
| Prohibitions:
?
|
DECO2101 |
| Assumed knowledge:
?
|
None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. have gained experience in using digital software to create visual communication materials
- LO2. demonstrate basic proficiency in core graphic design concepts, including layout, information hierarchy, typography, and use of graphics as visual communication devices
- LO3. have a conceptual and practical understanding of the role of the design brief for generating basic visual designs for communicating ideas, projects, or concepts
- LO4. demonstrate skills in designing a range of visual communication content through a series of tutorial exercises and design projects
- LO5. have foundational understanding and practical experience of communicating messages through visual design
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Semester 1 2026
|
Normal day | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
|
Find your current year census dates
Modes of attendance (MoA)
This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.
Important enrolment information
Additional advice
This unit is for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Design Computing only. Students from other programs should enrol in DECO2101.