Assessment 1: One industry brief, initiated by you, designed to enhance your own identified progression skills needs (80%) [Learning Outcomes 2, 3]

Assessment 2: An evaluation of the industry brief, with findings expressed through a range of communication methods (20%) [Learning Outcomes 1, 2]

Formative assessment: A presentation to peers describing the project you have designed

This module works partly in parallel and partly in response to your work in other modules, such as Creative Influences, where you will have proposed a project and consulted with your tutors about what you would like to do. The work you carry out for the project will be selected to fulfil needs identified by you. You can plan your work so that it is suitable for either an academic pathway or for industry and entrepreneurial progression in graphics and digital design. If your project is to support your progression to further study you should include guidance from a university tutor and other academic contacts, such as students or recent graduates.

Having proposed the project you will be expected to implement it and then evaluate the outcome. The project should be of an achievable scale, covering all aspects from research and planning through to an evaluation of how it worked out.

A wide range of communication experiences should form part of the module, such as meetings, presentations, writing for different purposes (e.g. bids for funding, extended essays, reports, letters, emails, minutes etc) interviews, promotion, advertising, negotiating techniques etc.

Examples of work you might carry out are: identifying a local market or target audience and creating a graphics/digital design product such as a website or print based product for educational or entertainment purposes, leading to an evaluation of the success of the project. Alternatively you might identify a place/person/subject that needs promoting or documenting and carry out appropriate research, again leading to the design and creation of a graphics/digital design product to fulfil the identified need, and afterwards evaluate its success or otherwise.

Creativity should always be at the forefront. If the chosen project is small-scale this shouldn't restrict you to small-scale thinking. Many small companies and organisations have succeeded in raising awareness through campaigns or style refinements that embraces true creative thinking. For example Tango Orange soft drinks, Orange mobile phones and Honda cars.

Introduction to module
Project management workshops
Written, visual & oral communication methods
Funding sources and financial planning
Research workshops
Practical studio workshops
Student presentations and evaluation
Individual tutorials


Work practice activities, which should include where appropriate visits to external venues, should comprise a minimum 110 hours, and include:
Identification and initiation of a brief
Involvement in meetings
Pitching of proposed responses
Creation of a range of associated written documents (proposals, reports etc)
Management of the design process
Evaluation of the outcome to an audience

Baines, P. & Haslam, A. (2005) Type and Typography. Laurence King Publishing
British Design and Art Direction. Editor Austin J. (2002) The Graphics Book and Inspirational World Tour of Current Graphic Design, Thought & Practise Presented through Profiles of 58 Designers. Rotovision
Chen Design Associates (2004) One Colour Graphics: The Power of Contrast. Rockport
Klenten R. Bourquin N. & Geiger T. (2006) Tres Logos. Die Gestalten Verlag
Loewy, (2009) Print and Production Finishes for CD and DVD Packaging. Rotovision
Rivers, C. (2011) Poster-art: Innovation in Poster Design. Rotovision
Rivers, C. (2005) DVD Art: Innovation in DVD Packaging Design. Rotovision
Stoklossa U. (edited by Rempen T) (2010) Advertising ? New Techniques for Visual Seduction. Thames & Hudson
Sutherland R. & Karg B. (2004 ) Graphic Designers Colour Handbook: Choosing and Using Colour from Concept to Final Output. Quayside Pub Group

Creative Review, Centaur Communications
Design Week, Centaur Publications
Computer Arts, Future Publishing

You will have access to a range of studios and studio resources, including digital technology, photographic studios, cameras and software packages.

University learning resources are available on campus at Stafford and Stoke-on-Trent, and online via the partner Need to Know pages of the university website.
http://www.staffs.ac.uk/courses_and_study/partnerships/current_students/email/index.jsp