VCE Studio Arts + VCD

In this area of study, we will:

• examine the role of visual communication in shaping positive interactive experiences, and in catering for the diverse needs of users when interacting with devices, systems or services.

• explore how interaction designers contribute to larger user-experience (UX) projects, focusing on the design of visual interfaces rather than their underlying functionality.

• adopt inclusive practices and principles during the design of a user interface for a digital site or device, prioritising accessibility and usability.

In doing so, we will:

• synthesise key understandings from previous outcomes:

  • good design,

  • human-centred research methods,

  • design’s influence and the influences on design,

  • and the significance of place and time.

You will:

• engage with the VCD design process to determine an interaction design problem or opportunity.

• begin by applying human-centred research methods to understand user objectives and synthesise insights in the form of a brief.

• then use divergent thinking strategies and ideation sketching as they consider ways to address the defined communication need, and approach the design of their chosen user interface.

• generate wireframes to explore relationships between the visual components of the interface, and experiment with typographic conventions, visual grids, icons, symbols, pictorial representations, design elements and principles, and Gestalt principles of visual perception. 

• annotate design decisions using appropriate terminology to explain and evaluate the strengths and limitations of potential concepts.

• employ convergent thinking strategies to synthesise ideas, and mock-ups are generated for testing and critique.

• respond to feedback and make refinements to selected concepts before presenting a resolved interaction design solution.

• present concepts as static visual representations of content and intended interactions and/or experiences.

You are not required to produce functioning prototypes.

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Outcome 1

On completion of this unit the student should be able to apply the VCD design process to design an interface for a digital product, environment or service.
To achieve this outcome the student will draw on key knowledge and key skills outlined in Area of Study 1.

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Key Knowledge

• the collaborative practices of designers working in the fields of user-experience and interaction design 

• aesthetic considerations and conceptions of good design relevant to the design of interactive experiences

• the diverse needs of users when interacting with devices, systems and services

• the role of the brief in guiding the development of design solutions

• applications of the VCD design process relevant to user-experience and interaction design projects

• human-centred research methods used to identify interaction design problems and understand stakeholders

• methods, media and materials used to visualise, test and present interaction design solutions

• appropriate design terminology.

 

Key skills

• identify and research interaction design problems or opportunities 

• document an interaction design need in the form of a brief

• apply the stages of the VCD design process to resolve an interaction design problem

• select and use manual and digital methods, media, materials and design elements and principles appropriate for the design of inclusive interactive experiences suitable for diverse user needs

• present design concepts for critique, and both deliver and respond to feedback

• annotate design ideas and concepts using appropriate design terminology to explain and evaluate design decisions

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VCD Study Design, p35-36 https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/Documents/vce/visualcomm/2024VisualCommunicationDesignSD.docx)

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