Visualising Design unit (KDA144)

Hobart, Launceston

Introduction

In this unit you will be introduced to the essential principles and practices of effective visual communication. Students will develop both theoretical understanding and practical skills across key design areas including typesetting, hierarchy, and storytelling. The unit emphasises hands-on learning through relevant software while exploring the emerging role of AI co-intelligence in visual communication. Through project-based assessments, students will learn to create visually compelling communications that effectively convey messages across various media formats.

Summary

Unit name	Visualising Design
Unit code	KDA144
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering School of Architecture and Design
Discipline	Architecture & Design
Coordinator	Doctor Jose Vicente Garcia Cesar
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Introductory

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 2
Launceston	Semester 2

Note

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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.

Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 2	5/7/2026	27/7/2026	30/8/2026	24/10/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Identify and describe the foundational elements of visual communication.
• Implement appropriate design strategies to create effective visual communication using relevant software.
• Critically assess the effectiveness of visual systems that contribute to cohesive messaging across multiple touchpoints.
• Develop original visual communication projects that strategically integrate AI co-intelligence tools while maintaining design integrity and ethical considerations.

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
100501	$1,192.00	$1,020.00	not applicable	$2,972.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Teaching

Assessment	Design Sprints: part 1 (25%)|Design Sprints: part 2 (30%)|Style Guide (45%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.