‘Design is the human power to conceive, plan, and realise products that serve human beings in the
accomplishment of any individual or collective purpose.’ (Richard Buchanan, Carnegie Mellon University)

Design involves the strategic development, planning and production of visual and tactile communication. It
deals with the effective and efficient communication of ideas, values, beliefs, attitudes, messages and
information to specific audiences for specific purposes and with specific intentions.

Design has its own set of theories and practices and incorporates a wide range of principles, methods and
techniques drawn from a variety of different disciplines such as psychology, communication studies, digital
design, technical graphics, art, engineering, architecture, sociology, cultural studies, marketing and
economics. The disciplined application of these elements forms a design process that guides the
development of creative and functionally effective solutions to identified possibilities or problems.

We live in a diverse and constantly changing information-rich society and culture, constantly immersed in
design communication. Sometimes the intention of design is to inform, express, educate or entertain. Often
the intention is also to influence or persuade. An understanding of design and how it works can enhance an
individual’s ability to interact with their environment, to learn from it and to grow within it. It also empowers
the individual by making them more discerning of, and therefore less susceptible to, manipulation and
influence via design.

The goals of the Design (General) course are to facilitate a deeper understanding of how design works; and
how ideas, beliefs, values, attitudes, messages and information are effectively communicated to specific
audiences with specific intentions or purposes via visual media forms. This course aims to achieve these
goals by exposing students to a variety of communication forms and a thorough exploration of design.

Design projects allow students to demonstrate their skills, techniques and application of design principles
and processes; to analyse problems and possibilities; and to devise innovative strategies within design
contexts. There is potential for students to develop transferable skills and vocational competencies while
devising innovative designs.

In this course, students develop a competitive edge for current and future industry and employment
markets. This course also emphasises the scope of design in professional and trade based industries allowing
students to maximise vocational and/or university pathways.