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Unit of study_
DECO2101: Fundamentals of Visual Design
2025 unit information
This unit of study introduces students to the principles of visual design, including graphic design, composition, colour theory and typography. Students will develop an understanding of how to communicate ideas in context and to successfully combine visual elements to create a visual argument and to communicate transition over time. Using digital image manipulation tools, such as Adobe Illustrator and InDesign, students will learn how to develop design concepts and how to turn concepts into an effective call-to-action.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning
| Study level | Undergraduate |
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| Academic unit | Design Lab |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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None |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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DECO1015 |
| Assumed knowledge:
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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.
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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 who are not enrolled in the Bachelor of Design Computing. Students from the Bachelor of Design Computing should enrol in DECO1015.
