Evaluation (2020 version)

What

Evaluation is set to accommodate for the disruption of the curriculum at schools in 2020 due to the coronavirus.

VCAA has updated the study design and authentication form for 2020 only on their website so please have a read of what’s different compared to the original study design if you haven’t done so.

Please follow what your teacher instructs you to do, as your teacher knows what will happen with VCD at your school better than anyone else.

Disclaimer: this page explores general changes based on the updated study design, and it doesn’t necessarily reflect how your VCD SAT will be run.

‘Refine’ -> ‘Resolve’

From reading the study design, it’s clear that the main changes have been made to Unit 3 & 4.

The words “refine” “refinement” are replaced by “resolve” “resolution”. The FAQ says:

‘Refine’ or ‘refinement’ has been changed to ‘resolve’ or ‘resolution’ in Units 3 and 4 of the Visual Communication Design Study Design, as the terms provide students with the opportunity to resolve the concepts for two communication needs in their individual learning context, and with the access to materials, methods and media available to them.

… The change has been put in place to accommodate any change that may occur in the student’s learning context that would prevent them from producing two final presentations. Students apply skills to resolve their two final presentations and annotations can be included to support any further limitations that may occur.

(page 2, VCE Visual Communication Design Adjusted Study Design – Frequently asked questions (FAQs))

So in summary,

  • Complete the brief (mention if there’s any changes to it due to disruption)
  • Complete research
    • appropriate research (different sources if possible, e.g. online, books, magazines, etc.)
    • observational drawing linked to research (at least 1 per presentation)
    • appropriate referencing
  • Complete Generation of ideas
    • design thinking methods
    • visualisation drawings linking to research
    • appropriate referencing
    • annotations
    • Referencing design elements & design principles
    • select 3 concepts per presentation
  • Complete Development of concepts
    • using a wide range of materials, methods (techniques) and media
    • design thinking methods
    • annotations
    • Referencing design elements & design principles
    • 2D & 3D
    • Select one concept per presentation

– – – – (no refinement, no pitch)

  • Complete Resolution (replacing Refinement)
    • evaluation (bridging Development of concepts – Resolution)
    • resolving the mock up presentations
    • produce final presentations (responding to the brief)

*This is just a simplified outline so please check with your teacher to confirm all the aspects of the updated folio process.

Potentially useful resources

The disruption has made the folio process very challenging due to the lack of or limited access to the equipment, materials and in-person engagement with your teacher and peers.

Although there isn’t much I can do (we’re all in quarantine!) but here are some of the resources that might help you a bit with your folio:

Inspirations (curatorial sites)

Archives

Museums / galleries (many with virtual tours):

Software

  • Rhino: 3D modelling software (free for 90 days)
  • autoCAD: 2D drawing software (can do 3D too but not as intuitive as Rhino) (student licence available for all Autodesk softwares)