Course coordinator
Mrs Agnieszka Nowak
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Architecture, Design and Planning School
Digital visual communication skills are highly sought after in a variety of professional fields including creative industries, the built environment, business, and education. This course will teach you to effectively communicate ideas visually through the creation of digital images and assets. You will learn to apply fundamental principles and techniques of graphic design in the digital context, gaining proficiency in leading industry software Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, including the latest generative AI features. You will apply creative thinking to tackle real-world design briefs, expressing design propositions through the creation of raster and vector images, visualising data with compelling infographics, designing impactful posters, and building interactive portfolios.
Course requirements
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
ARCH1160
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Mrs Agnieszka Nowak
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to equip students with visual communication skills necessary to articulate creative ideas effectively in the digital context.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Apply visual communication principles in a digital context.
LO2.
Identify and use appropriate digital software to communicate design outputs.
LO3.
Create vector and raster images and assets to articulate ideas visually.
LO4.
Develop and document creative concepts digitally in response to design briefs.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portfolio | Assignment 1: Vector Graphics Portfolio | 30% |
24/03/2025 4:00 pm |
| Presentation, Poster | Assignment 2: Raster Graphics Portfolio | 30% |
14/04/2025 4:00 pm |
| Creative Production/ Exhibition, Poster |
Assessment 3: Wayfinding Design and Exhibition
|
40% |
Submission 26/05/2025 9:00 am Presentations 26/05/2025 11:00 am |
Assessment details
Assignment 1: Vector Graphics Portfolio
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Portfolio
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
24/03/2025 4:00 pm
Task description
Assessment Rationale:
This assignment challenges you to create a portfolio of vector-based designs that showcase your understanding of visual communication principles, your ability to use digital tools, and your creativity in responding to design briefs. Your portfolio will include three distinct items, each requiring multiple variations to demonstrate technical proficiency and versatility.
Submission items:
- Visual Instruction Sheet (PDF): Design a step-by-step visual instruction sheet for preparing a favourite dish. The sheet needs to include a minimum of six distinct steps captured as visual elements (such as icons or illustrations) and can include written components to accompany these. 10% weighting.
- Data Visualisation Infographic (PDF): Create an infographic to present UQ’s Student Load in, and changes between, 2023 to 2024. 10% weighting.
- TED Talk Visual Summary (PDF): Summarise the key ideas of a TED Talk in a one-page visual format. The visual summary should focus on typographic elements emphasising hierarchy and typography to communicate the message effectively along with the use icons to visually represent key concepts. 10% weighting.
You will need to submit three variations of each item using the same object outlines.
Complex / authentic assessment using AI and/or MT to support learning: This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
The School of Architecture, Design and Planning uses Blackboard and Turnitin for assessment submission. Turnitin is accessed through the course Blackboard site. Turnitin also checks for plagiarism or instances where the original work of others is not appropriately acknowledged. Uploaded files must contain readable text and not be rasterised. Students are advised to commence assignment uploads with sufficient amount of time (consider possible technical problems with computers, internet speed, etc). After successfully submitting an assignment through Turnitin, a ‘Submission Complete!’ screen will be displayed. It is the student’s responsibility to check assignment preview and confirm successful submission. If the ‘Submission Complete!’ screen isn’t displayed, the student should regard the submission as unsuccessful. Students should download a copy of the digital receipt as proof they have submitted the assignment. Students who are experiencing upload issues must advise the Course Coordinator immediately by email and should include screenshots and a copy of the assessment for submission. To meet professional accreditation, public engagement and quality assurance obligations, digital copies of all course assessment items must be submitted in addition to any hard copy submission requirements specified in individual Course / Studio Outlines. Any physical models should be photographed and a minimum of two photographs describing the complete and full model must be included in the digital submission.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
If a student wishes to apply for an extension, they must apply online on or before the assignment due date. When possible, it is suggested that requests are submitted 2 business days prior to the submission due date for the assignment to allow processing time. Students with outstanding applications for extensions are advised to submit their assessment by the original due date, irrespective of whether the work is complete, so that what has been done can be graded.
Late submission
The late penalty for this assessment item will be calculated as follows:
First 1-hour block - initial 1 hour grace period no penalty.
Second 1-hour block - An penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark allocated for the assessment item will be deducted
Third 1-hour block - An additional penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark allocated for the assessment item will be deducted. (adding up to a total penalty of 20% of the maximum possible mark)
Any submissions received after three hours will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each one-hour block is recorded from the time the submission is due.
Assignment 2: Raster Graphics Portfolio
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Presentation, Poster
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
14/04/2025 4:00 pm
Task description
Assessment Rationale:
This assignment challenges you to create a portfolio of raster-based designs that demonstrate advanced editing skills and creative problem-solving. Your submission will include three tasks, each showcasing technical proficiency and stylistic decisions. The portfolio will be presented as a series of tutorials, explaining your process and techniques in detail to teach others how to achieve similar results.
Submission Items:
- Architectural Photobomb (JPG): Take a photograph of a UQ location and integrate a humorous or unexpected building or structure into the scene (e.g., a skyscraper in the Great Court or a historic castle beside the Forgan Smith building). Your final image must blend seamlessly, with accurate lighting, shadows, and perspective. 15% weighting.
- Change of Context (JPG): Take a daytime photograph of a UQ location (different from the first task) and transform it into three different distinct scenes: 15% weighting.
Complex / authentic assessment using AI and/or MT to support learning: This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
The School of Architecture, Design and Planning uses Blackboard and Turnitin for assessment submission. Turnitin is accessed through the course Blackboard site. Turnitin also checks for plagiarism or instances where the original work of others is not appropriately acknowledged. Uploaded files must contain readable text and not be rasterised. Students are advised to commence assignment uploads with sufficient amount of time (consider possible technical problems with computers, internet speed, etc). After successfully submitting an assignment through Turnitin, a ‘Submission Complete!’ screen will be displayed. It is the student’s responsibility to check assignment preview and confirm successful submission. If the ‘Submission Complete!’ screen isn’t displayed, the student should regard the submission as unsuccessful. Students should download a copy of the digital receipt as proof they have submitted the assignment. Students who are experiencing upload issues must advise the Course Coordinator immediately by email and should include screenshots and a copy of the assessment for submission. To meet professional accreditation, public engagement and quality assurance obligations, digital copies of all course assessment items must be submitted in addition to any hard copy submission requirements specified in individual Course / Studio Outlines. Any physical models should be photographed and a minimum of two photographs describing the complete and full model must be included in the digital submission.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
If a student wishes to apply for an extension, they must apply online on or before the assignment due date. When possible, it is suggested that requests are submitted 2 business days prior to the submission due date for the assignment to allow processing time. Students with outstanding applications for extensions are advised to submit their assessment by the original due date, irrespective of whether the work is complete, so that what has been done can be graded.
Late submission
The late penalty for this assessment item will be calculated as follows:
First 1-hour block - initial 1 hour grace period no penalty.
Second 1-hour block - An penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark allocated for the assessment item will be deducted
Third 1-hour block - An additional penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark allocated for the assessment item will be deducted. (adding up to a total penalty of 20% of the maximum possible mark)
Any submissions received after three hours will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each one-hour block is recorded from the time the submission is due.
Assessment 3: Wayfinding Design and Exhibition
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Creative Production/ Exhibition, Poster
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
Submission 26/05/2025 9:00 am
Presentations 26/05/2025 11:00 am
Task description
Assessment Rationale:
- This assignment challenges you to create a comprehensive wayfinding system for a fictional fair. Your submission will consist of a multi-page wayfinding document and an A1 exhibition poster, showcasing technical proficiency, creative decision-making, and professional presentation. The fictional fair will take place at the University of Queensland St Lucia Campus. You may pick between the following for the fair’s theme: (1) Technology and Innovation, (2) Local Arts and Culture or (3) Food and Beverage.
Submission Items:
1: Multi-Page Wayfinding Process Document (PDF): Compile a professional, cohesive document showcasing your wayfinding system for the fair. 20% weighting. Include:
2: Poster for Exhibition (PDF): Produce an A1-sized poster summarising your wayfinding system for the exhibition. Ensure clarity, professionalism, and engagement for exhibition viewers. 20% weighting.
Complex / authentic assessment using AI and/or MT to support learning: This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
The School of Architecture, Design and Planning uses Blackboard and Turnitin for assessment submission. Turnitin is accessed through the course Blackboard site. Turnitin also checks for plagiarism or instances where the original work of others is not appropriately acknowledged. Uploaded files must contain readable text and not be rasterised. Students are advised to commence assignment uploads with sufficient amount of time (consider possible technical problems with computers, internet speed, etc). After successfully submitting an assignment through Turnitin, a ‘Submission Complete!’ screen will be displayed. It is the student’s responsibility to check assignment preview and confirm successful submission. If the ‘Submission Complete!’ screen isn’t displayed, the student should regard the submission as unsuccessful. Students should download a copy of the digital receipt as proof they have submitted the assignment. Students who are experiencing upload issues must advise the Course Coordinator immediately by email and should include screenshots and a copy of the assessment for submission. To meet professional accreditation, public engagement and quality assurance obligations, digital copies of all course assessment items must be submitted in addition to any hard copy submission requirements specified in individual Course / Studio Outlines. Any physical models should be photographed and a minimum of two photographs describing the complete and full model must be included in the digital submission.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
If a student wishes to apply for an extension, they must apply online on or before the assignment due date. When possible, it is suggested that requests are submitted 2 business days prior to the submission due date for the assignment to allow processing time. Students with outstanding applications for extensions are advised to submit their assessment by the original due date, irrespective of whether the work is complete, so that what has been done can be graded.
Late submission
The late penalty for this assessment item will be calculated as follows:
First 1-hour block - initial 1 hour grace period no penalty.
Second 1-hour block - An penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark allocated for the assessment item will be deducted
Third 1-hour block - An additional penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark allocated for the assessment item will be deducted. (adding up to a total penalty of 20% of the maximum possible mark)
Any submissions received after three hours will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each one-hour block is recorded from the time the submission is due.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 24 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
Identity verified assessment (IVA) - Design Courses
Design courses require the cumulative integration of critical reflection and feedback on original creative ideas in an iterative process of project work developed over time in the studio context. To meet assessment validity and integrity obligations in Design courses, students must regularly present and discuss their work with staff over the course of scheduled studio learning activities including lectures, structured studio activities, workshops, individual and group consultations, presentations and critiques. Students are expected to participate in at least 80% of scheduled studio activities in which the progress of their work is intended to be monitored and reviewed. If participation in such activities falls below 80% students may be requested to submit process work (such as drawings, models and design exegesis). If a student is not able to provide evidence of authorship to the satisfaction of the course coordinator, or if their participation falls below 50%, a maximum grade of 3 will be awarded.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
LAPTOPS
It is highly recommended students use personal laptops. Students will be required to complete exercises and/or present their work in studio/tutorials/reviews using computers. The school recommends the use of laptop computers capable of software applications such as: Adobe Creative Suite, Revit, ArchiCad, AutoCad, Rhino/Grasshopper, SketchUp, or similar. Students must also consider backup storage solutions such as an external hard drive or a cloud service.
SOFTWARE
Design students will use a wide range of software throughout their education and future careers. If intending to purchase your own computer it would be wise to consider the software used specifically for the DSGN1300 course. The School will provide educational licenses for Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator which we will be primarily using. Further information and links to software providers will be provided in the DSGN1300 Outline available on the DSGN1300 Blackboard site.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Not scheduled |
Studio |
Studio Week 1 Studio - Getting to know you Week 2 Studio - Applied design principles Week 3 Studio - Vectorisation and Logo Generation Week 4 Studio - Infographics: Universal Language Week 5 Studio - Photoshop introduction and overview Week 6 Studio - Photo editing Week 7 Studio - Multi-page document creation and organisation Week 8 Studio - Brand Yourself Mid Semester break Week 9 Studio - Image tracing and manual editing Week 10 - no studio Week 11 Studio - Assignment work Week 12 Studio - Student critique and assignment work Week 13 Studio - Design Week presentations |
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Lecture |
Lecture Week 1 Lecture - Scope & Importance of digital visual communication, foundation and understanding Week 2 Lecture - Introduction to core principles of design and effective visual communication Week 3 Lecture - Introduction to Vector Graphics Week 4 Lecture - Advanced concepts and design strategies in Vector Graphics Week 5 Lecture - Essentials of Raster Graphics and AI tools Week 6 Lecture - Advanced concepts of Raster Graphics Week 7 Lecture - Multi-page layouts, principles and techniques Week 8 Lecture - Visual Branding Mid Semester break Week 9 Lecture - Vectorisation and Image Tracing Week 10 - no lecture Week 11 Lecture - Visual Communication Inspiration in professional contexts Week 12 Lecture - Visual Design Critique Week 13 Design Week presentations |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.