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MHS Library | Visual Communication Design

Social/Political

Future Friendly is a human centered design consultancy
IDEO works with nonprofits, social enterprises and foundations. Through human-centered

design projects, they aim to bring stability, hope and dignity to communities around the globe

that are wrestling with poverty.

The belief at Infoxchange is that everywhere people should have equal access to information

communication technologies. SocialDesign is part of the broader Infoxchange team that delivers

technology for social justice.

Components of the production of Visual Communication Designs (VCAA)

VCE Visual Communication Design 2013-2017

VCE Visual Communication Design Study Guide

Scope of study

The Visual Communication Design study examines the way visual language can be used to convey ideas, information and messages in the fields of communication, environmental and industrial design. Designers create and communicate through visual means to shape the everyday quality of life for individuals, communities and societies. Visual communication design relies on drawing as the primary component of visual language to support the conception and visualisation of ideas. Consequently, the study emphasises the importance of developing a variety of drawing skills to visualise thinking.

Media are the digital and non-digital applications used to make visual communications. Examples of digital applications include vector-based and raster-based programs. Examples of non-digital applications include pencils, ink, markers, pastels, acrylic paint, gouache, dye and film. 

Materials are the surfaces or substrates that visual communications are applied to or constructed from. Examples include paper, screen, card, textile, metal and plastic. 

Design elements are components of visual communications. For this study they include point, line, shape, form, tone, texture, colour and type.

Design principles are accepted coventions associated with arranging or organising design elements. For this study they include figure-ground, balance, contrast, cropping, hierarchy, scale, proportion and pattern (repetition and alternation).

Design Fields and Components of Visual Communication 

Communication Design – presents visual information for communication purposes

Includes Graphic Design, Information Design, Digital and Web Design, Advertising, Print Publication/Book Illustration and Typographic Design, Package/surface Design and Logo Design and Brand Identity.

Environmental Design – presents visual information to communicate information about built/constructed environments

Includes Architectural Design, Interior Design, Landscape Design, Set Design and Exhibition/Display Design.

Industrial Design – presents visual information to communicate information about objects and products

Includes Engineering Design, Product Design, Furniture and Fashion Design.

Intellectual Property and Copyright

Australian Copyright Council

Australian Government Intellectual Property

Subject guide created by

contact Tania Sheko