Design Studio

This unit of study aims to introduce students to the fundamentals of the design exploration: visual and tactile
conceptualisation and basic design representation appropriate to different design disciplines in the context of
creative problem solutions.

Learning Objectives
At the completion of this unit students should be able to:
• Research, Record and Reflect - organise and document visual research and concept development
• Explore breadth and depth in concepts, ideas and development, using experimentation to develop creative
solutions
• Explore the mark as a medium of ideation, visual problem solving and design representation
• Engage with 3D model making as mediation in the development of ideas in form and space
• Investigate sequential design and the communication of idea, information and narrative
• Use the workbook/folio as a method of exploration and documentation of ideas, using appropriate formatting
for text and images
• Reflect on and evaluate visual and tactile research documentation, mapping, model-making and visualisation
techniques.

The teaching approach will focus on digital studio-based activities where students will develop software
knowledge and skills through experiential and project-based learning. Some learning materials will be provided
online via Blackboard.

 

Learning and Teaching Activities
Practical studios will involve class pin ups, peer review, folio and/or visual journaling. Project-based based
activities may include model making, photography, mapping, drawing, and other methods of visual representation.

 

 

Note: Percentage weightings are indicative. See Unit Briefs for full assessment details.

Project 1a (25%)
Research Recording and Reflection

Project 1b (25%)
Exploration of the mark as a medium of ideation and design representation

 

Project 2 (25%)
Engagement with model making as mediation in the development of ideas in form and space

Project 3 (25%)
Investigation of sequential design and the communication of idea, information and narrative

Swinburne University works to produce higher education graduates who are capable in their chosen profession.
Learners bring to Swinburne a diverse wealth of experiences and graduate with individual understandings, abilities
and attitudes.
Within this context, HDC003 Design Studio aims to provide students with the following attributes:
• Are capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas.

Students will explore the design process using visualisation methods that may include:
• Mark-making as analysis, representation, communication
• Imaging as idea, gesture, information
• Basic model making techniques
• 2d, 3d and 4d design representation techniques
• Compilation of Workbook/folio as a way of documenting design process and ideas
• Formatting for text and image
• Sequential design and narrative exploration.

 

Preparation requirements
It is desirable for students to organise access to the following resources;
• Digital resources – computer/internet/software/printing/digital camera
• Analogue resources – personal workspace/materials/graphic toolbox
• Documentation – presentation/storage/collation systems, workbook – folio.