L1 Design & Visual Communication

NCEA Level 1 Design & Visual Communication (1DVC)

Design and Visual Communication focuses on product and spatial design using student-centred design briefs to enhance students’ ability to conceptualise, develop, and communicate design ideas and potential outcomes.

Students will learn to use both traditional sketching and computer-based tools to bring their ideas to life. This includes working with software such as SketchUp, Twinmotion, Photoshop, and Illustrator to create 3D models, render realistic scenes, and develop professional presentation graphics. Students will also learn to use digital drawing tablets and presentation software to showcase their design concepts effectively.

Visual communication refers to the effective communication and presentation of design ideas using modelling, digital media, and graphic design techniques. By integrating computers, students can explore more advanced design possibilities, produce high-quality presentations, and gain experience with tools commonly used in the design industry.

Students will demonstrate understanding of, and skills in, complex visual communication techniques by combining CAD, 3D modelling, rendering, digital illustration, and presentation design with sketching and physical model-making.

This is a great course to take if you are interested in becoming an Architect, Industrial Designer, Illustrator, Graphic Designer, Film or Gaming Designer, or pursuing any other creative endeavour where digital and computer-based design skills are essential.

Curriculum Skills and Key Competencies

Thinking

Students of Design and Visual Communication will:

• Use design thinking to explore, experiment, and solve problems.
• Consider multiple perspectives and cultural influences.
• Draw on design heritage and diverse voices for inspiration.
• Think independently and build confidence in generating ideas.
• Apply divergent thinking to take risks and innovate.
• Apply convergent thinking to refine and resolve design ideas.
• Value their own unique voice and background.
• Use design thinking for self-reflection.

Using language, symbol and text

Students of Design and Visual Communication will:

• Develop visual communication skills to express ideas and narratives.
• Explore, generate, critique, and refine design ideas to strengthen visual literacy.
• Understand how design uses universal symbols and visual languages recognised worldwide.
• Apply visual communication systems such as drawing conventions.
• Gain fluency in design language, balancing aesthetics and function.
• Select techniques that best support improvement and progression of their design ideas.

Managing Self

Students of Design and Visual Communication will:

• Build skills in time management, resource use, and adaptability.
• Develop confidence to reflect on and commit to their ideas.
• Balance risk-taking with established procedures to achieve strong results.
• Take ownership of their processes, including curating design portfolios.
• Engage with diverse contexts and perspectives to refine awareness and challenge bias.
• Think on their feet, making decisions under pressure and using their strengths effectively.
• Integrate wellbeing and stress-management practices into their design process.
• Recognise how resilience and focus support innovative ideas and quality outcomes.

Relating to others

Students of Design and Visual Communication will:

• Learn visual communication techniques to confidently present ideas to peers, whānau, communities, and potential users.
• Develop audience and user connections, translating solutions into valuable industry skills.
• Use critical inquiry and empathy to better understand and meet user needs.
• Connect with place and the whakapapa of the people they design for.
• Practise collaboration and critique, respecting and building on each other’s strengths.
• Engage with communities to form relationships and respectfully understand the places they design for.

Participating and Contributing

Students of Design and Visual Communication will:

• Use visual communication skills to connect ideas with people and place.
• Develop solutions that respond to others’ needs while considering social, cultural, and environmental impacts.
• Understand design as a cumulative process requiring sustained engagement.
• Value collaboration and teamwork as a source of new ideas.
• Recognise feedback and critique as tools for shared growth in a supportive learning environment.
• Build resilience and confidence by reframing mistakes as opportunities for reflection and improvement.

Careers and Pathways

This is a great course to take if you are interested in becoming an Architect, Industrial Designer, Illustrator, Graphic Designer, Film or Gaming Designer, or pursuing any other creative endeavour where digital and computer-based design skills are essential.

There are benefits regarding the use of Instrumental Drawing and CAD software and Problem solving that would be beneficial in any vocational career.