Individual Research Project
Unit code: HDMMD321
| Credit points | 12.5 Credit Points |
| Duration | 1 Semester |
| Contact hours | 36 Hours per Semester |
| Campus | Prahran |
| Prerequisites | Advanced knowledge of Multimedia Design software, such as Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects, Flash, Maya, Final Cut Pro, etc. |
Related course(s)
A unit of study in the Bachelor of Design (Multimedia Design).
Aims and objectives
This unit aims to encourage independent learning and research through a self-initiated project incorporating identity system design. The unit emphasises individual development and the use of peer collaboration to articulate and discuss ideas, technology, production issues and implications. Students are encouraged to explore their own specialist areas of interest within multimedia design, whilst working across a range of media formats in order to produce an individual project that encompasses research, documentation and the resolution of a sophisticated practical outcome.
At the completion of this unit students should be able to:
- Conduct and document a thorough investigation into the professional multimedia industry that underpins specialist areas of concern and identifies intended strategy;
- Identify and articulate individual strengths and weaknesses that inform project direction;
- Write a clear and concise brief that defines the aims and intentions of the individual brief within a specific area;
- Challenge current styles and trends within specific areas of study in order to generate, articulate and debate concept and design development;
- Develop a significant individual project that incorporates a resolved identity system and demonstrates coherence and capability across a variety of media formats;
- Use the principles of design responsibility and identify copyright/ethical issues related to professional design practice;
- Articulate and evaluate project outcomes through documentation, reports and presentations.
Teaching methods
This unit employs a project-based learning and teaching method that may include class lectures, demonstrations, consultations and work-in-progress reviews.
Assessment
Research Documentation and Project Proposal (30%); Final Project and project documentation (50%); Formal Presentation and evaluation (20%)
Generic skills outcomes
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, HDMMD321 Individual Research Project aims to provide students with the following attributes:
- Are capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas;
- Are entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community;
- Operate effectively and ethically in work and community situations;
- Are adaptable and manage change;
- Are aware of local and international environment in which they will be contributing.
Content
This unit explores a wide range of topics related to the design and development of individual projects. Topics discussed may include:
- Concept generation;
- Visual development;
- Translating concepts across various media formats;
- Time management;
- Research and strategy;
- Technical development;
- Production;
- Identity system design;
- Information design;
- Typographic details;
- Project documentation.
Reading materials
Foster, H (ed.) 1988 Vision and Visuality, Bay Press, Seattle.
Helfand, J 2001 Screen: Essays on Graphic Design, New Media, and Visual Culture, Princeton Architectural Press, New York.
Heller, S 2004 Design literacy: Understanding Graphic design, Allworth Press, New York.
Jacobson, R (ed.) 1999 Information Design, MIT Press.
Pite, S 2002 The Digital Designer: 101 Graphic Design Projects for Print, the Web, Multimedia and Motion Graphics, OnWord Press.
Helfand, J 2001 Screen: Essays on Graphic Design, New Media, and Visual Culture, Princeton Architectural Press, New York.
Heller, S 2004 Design literacy: Understanding Graphic design, Allworth Press, New York.
Jacobson, R (ed.) 1999 Information Design, MIT Press.
Pite, S 2002 The Digital Designer: 101 Graphic Design Projects for Print, the Web, Multimedia and Motion Graphics, OnWord Press.
Tufte, ER 1990 Envisioning Information, Graphics Press, Cheshire, Conn.
