Design Perspectives is a 12-week course that explores the past, present and future of design from practical and theoretical perspectives. Students examine design theories and concepts; explore the language of design and a range of design applications and techniques drawn from historical and contemporary design practice. Students develop an understanding of design processes and have the opportunity to apply their knowledge in design-related activities.
Key learning objectives include:
- Identify and describe major historical and contemporary developments in design, visual arts and multimedia.
- Identify, describe and effectively apply the elements and principles of design.
- Identify, describe and effectively apply design concepts and techniques (including typography design, colour theory and application, etc).
- Understand and critically evaluate design output from contextual, historical and theoretical perspectives.
Weekly topics include:
- Introduction to Design Perspectives
- Design Theory (Elements of design)
- Design Theory (Principles of design)
- The Application of Design (Historical and contemporary design perspectives 1)
- The Application of Design (Historical and contemporary design perspectives 2)
- Typography design
- Logo design and Branding
- Colour theory and application
- Colour combination techniques
- Industrial Design
- Managing Effective Design / Visual Communications Design
- Ethical, moral and legal issues in creative practice
I developed this 12-week course, 3 hours per week as a TEQSA-compliant university elective for a private college in Sydney and delivered it from 2012 onwards. The course has parallels with two courses I tutored at the Faculty of Art & Design, University of New South Wales: ‘Design History, Theory & Aesthetics I’ and ‘Design History, Theory & Aesthetics II’ from 2008 to 2012.
Image: Marc Newson, QANTAS Lounge, 2007. Marc Newson studied design at Sydney College of the Arts and went on to become a renowned industrial and interior designer. Newson’s studio is in London.
