87441 VC Project: Contexts of Visual Communication

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Design, Architecture and Building: Design
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level:

Undergraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

Requisite(s): 87632 VC Design Studio: The Ethics of Image and Text AND 87222 VC Design Project: Symbols, Systems and Visual Play

Description

In this subject, students explore diverse theoretical approaches that shape present-day practices in visual communication design. The subject encompasses a range of perspectives, such as community-led design (design justice), designing with Indigenous knowledges and cultures (decolonising design), data feminism, inclusive design, multi-species design, technology-driven design (AI), and transition design. Students investigate the origins of these approaches and evaluate their impact on current practices through case studies and targeted research tasks. By completing these tasks, students gain valuable insights into best practices and play an active role in fostering the development of fair, inclusive, and equitable societies through the perspective of visual communication design.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1.	Demonstrate a critical understanding of diverse theoretical approaches and how they apply to visual communication design
2.	Analyse and synthesise research generated through secondary and visual research
3.	Effectively communicate research insights using both written language and visual representations
4.	Demonstrate an understanding of how to use culturally appropriate principles and protocols when working with Indigenous cultures, knowledges and contexts
5.	Use appropriate academic referencing (APA) protocols including the referencing of Indigenous materials

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject also contributes to the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes:

Communicate an informed well-researched viewpoint. (C.2)
Students will have knowledge of Indigenous Australian contexts to apply professional capabilities when working with and for Indigenous peoples across Design in Visual Communication projects and industry. (P.5)
Source, evaluate and utilise appropriate academic and professional references. (R.1)
Analyse, synthesise and formulate complex ideas, arguments and rationales and use initiative to explore. (R.3)
Demonstrate knowledge of design history and theory and to place creative practice within a historical and theoretical framework. (R.4)
Reflect and engage in self-critique and critical thinking. (R.5)

Contribution to the development of graduate attributes

The term CAPRI is used for the five Design, Architecture and Building faculty graduate attribute categories where:

C = communication and groupwork

A = attitudes and values

P = practical and professional

R = research and critique

I = innovation and creativity.

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs) are linked to these categories using codes (e.g. C-1, A-3, P-4, etc.).

Teaching and learning strategies

Students engage in discussions, present ideas, and collaborate in small learning groups to critically analyse and synthesise their research. During studio sessions, students explore weekly topics and work with peers to enhance their critical reading and writing skills. Students are encouraged to use the library to familiarise themselves with the catalogue, conduct database searches, and use appropriate referencing tools to support self-directed secondary and visual research.

Content (topics)

Community-led design, design justice, decolonising design, designing with Indigenous knowledges and cultures, feminist design, data feminism, inclusive design, multi-species design, technology-driven design (AI) and transition design.

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Analysis and Intrepretation

Intent:

Analyse a set of precedents to develop a critical understanding of how meaning is encoded in visual communication design. Please refer to task brief in Canvas for details.

Objective(s):

This task addresses the following subject learning objectives:

1, 2, 3 and 5

This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.):

C.2, R.1, R.3 and R.4

Type:

Report

Groupwork:

Individual

Weight:

40%

Criteria linkages:

Criteria	Weight (%)	SLOs	CILOs
Capacity to identify, analyse, and express encoded ideologies from chosen precedents	35	1	R.4
Capacity to compare and reflect on insights derived from chosen precedents	25	2	R.3
Clarity of written communication supported by evidence	25	3	C.2
Correct academic referencing using the APA style guide	15	5	R.1

SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 2: Interpretation and Engagement

Intent:

Write an annotated bibliography of provided texts to develop an understanding of the appropriate ways of working with Indigenous cultures and knowledges. Please refer to task brief in Canvas for details.

Objective(s):

This task addresses the following subject learning objectives:

2, 3, 4 and 5

This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.):

C.2, P.5, R.1 and R.3

Type:

Annotated bibliography

Groupwork:

Individual

Weight:

25%

Criteria linkages:

Criteria	Weight (%)	SLOs	CILOs
Capacity to critically engage with and draw out insights from selected texts	30	2	R.3
Demonstrate how to appropriately work with Indigenous cultures and knowledges by referencing selected works	30	4	P.5
Clarity of written communication	25	3	C.2
Correct academic referencing of text and/or images, employing culturally appropriate visual and written language when citing Indigenous works	15	5	R.1

SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 3: Synthesis and Communication

Intent:

Produce a visual story informed by research from Task 1 or 2 that communicates your key findings. Please refer to task brief in Canvas for details.

Objective(s):

This task addresses the following subject learning objectives:

1, 2, 3 and 5

This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.):

C.2, R.1, R.3 and R.5

Type:

Project

Groupwork:

Individual

Weight:

35%

Criteria linkages:

Criteria	Weight (%)	SLOs	CILOs
Capacity to create a compelling visual story/viewpoint based on selected precedents	30	1	C.2
Ability to analyse and synthesise findings from selected precedents	30	2	R.3
Demonstrate capacity to respond to feedback and critique	25	3	R.5
Correct referencing of text and images, and employing culturally appropriate visual and/or written language if citing Indigenous works	15	5	R.1

SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Minimum requirements

The DAB attendance policy requires students to attend no less than 80% of formal teaching sessions (lectures and tutorials) for each class they are enrolled in to remain eligible for assessment.