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Unit of study_

DECO2101: Fundamentals of Visual Design

2025 unit information

This unit of study introduces students to the principles of visual design, including graphic design, composition, colour theory and typography. Students will develop an understanding of how to communicate ideas in context and to successfully combine visual elements to create a visual argument and to communicate transition over time. Using digital image manipulation tools, such as Adobe Illustrator and InDesign, students will learn how to develop design concepts and how to turn concepts into an effective call-to-action.

Unit details and rules

Managing faculty or University school:

Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning

Study level Undergraduate
Academic unit Design Lab
Credit points 6
Prerequisites:
? 
None
Corequisites:
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None
Prohibitions:
? 
DECO1015
Assumed knowledge:
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None

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. develop skills in digital imaging software
  • LO2. demonstrate proficiency in basic graphic design, including layout and typography
  • LO3. develop an understanding of basic visual design concepts as a form for communicating an idea, project or concept
  • LO4. demonstrate skills in sourcing, developing, and designing a range of digital content through a series of tutorial exercises and design projects
  • LO5. develop an in-depth understanding and practical experience of communicating messages through visual designs

Unit availability

This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.

The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.

Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2024
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2025
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Outline unavailable
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2020
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2021
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2021
Normal day Remote
Semester 1 2022
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2022
Normal day Remote
Semester 1 2023
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2023
Normal day Remote

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Modes of attendance (MoA)

This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.

Important enrolment information

Additional advice

This unit is for students who are not enrolled in the Bachelor of Design Computing. Students from the Bachelor of Design Computing should enrol in DECO1015.