All elements are required. Coursework will consist of
- Written reports, 500-600 words (LO 1 & 2) 10%

Visual work 90% including:
- Developmental Sketches (LO 1 & 2)
- Presentation Board (LO 1 & 2)
- Visual (LO 1 & 2)
- Model making (LO 1 & 2)

This module investigates those visual communication and merchandising strategies associated with retail design. The first impressions that the customer has of the store are via the shop window, signage, window display and lighting. These are essential elements which attract customers into the store interior and the module begins with an overview of these elements. The interior shell will then be looked at, particularly in relation to the placement of product and their adjacencies. This area of design requires the precise location of display devices; wall, mid-floor, tables and tabletop and gondolas all of which will be discussed within the module. Merchandising methods such as colour and product blocking, horizontal and vertical merchandising and symmetrical merchandising will also be examined as will promotional methods such as graphics, props and furniture. The module concludes with an overview of the use of lighting, colour and materials within a retail merchandising context.

Using plans and designs from the previous Module, students will plan the design of the product display area in order to meet client expectations. Students will be expected to research and explore a range of ideas presenting these as developmental sketches and providing a rationale for the selection of the chosen design. A model of this preferred option will be constructed and photographed and students will produce a visual by hand or by CAD. Research shown in the rationale and sketches will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of visual merchandising and the model and final designs will indicate conclusions derived from analysis of the information.

Delivery is by distance learning with a comprehensive resource handbook on the VLE and available to download, examples of best practice, project templates and email and telephone support being available through our online VLE, individual tutorials and student forum. Specialist knowledge will be delivered by a diverse team of staff and visiting guest lecturers with a variety of relevant backgrounds and experience.

Barreneche, P. (2008). New Retail. London: Phaidon
Din, R. (2000). New Retail. London: Conran Octopus
Dowdy, C. (2008). One-Off: Independent retail design. London: Lawrence King
Manuelli, Sara. (2006). Design for Shopping: New retail interiors. New York: Abbeville Press
Morgan, T. (2011). Visual Merchandising: Window and in-store displays for retail. 2nd ed. London: Lawrence King

Range of resources located on the VLS
Tutorial staff
Library Services
CAD Software