PROD386-26S2 (C) Semester Two 2026

Special Topic

15 points

Details:
Start Date: Monday, 13 July 2026
End Date: Sunday, 8 November 2026
Withdrawal Dates
Last Day to withdraw from this course:
  • Without financial penalty (full fee refund): Sunday, 26 July 2026
  • Without academic penalty (including no fee refund): Sunday, 27 September 2026

Description

Special Topic

PROD386 Special Topic - Graphic Design: Brand and Visual Identity

This course aims to introduce students to foundational knowledge, skills and experience in graphic design.   In this particular course students will learn how to develop complex and meaningful graphic identity systems that work across multiple communication platforms. Drawing on a critical understanding of ‘branding’ in the 21st century, this course will introduce students to logotype design and development, typography and colour specification, grid systems, and style guides for the consistent deployment of a visual language across 2D and 3D platforms.

Content for this core project will be directed by the supervising lecturer but may be tailored by each student towards their own interests in-line with the given brief(s).

This course will be delivered predominantly through the supervision and critique of project work. It will also involve technical workshops led by the supervising lecturer.

Learning Outcomes

1. Define key concepts such as brand, brand identity, and brand strategy.
2. Understand the role of graphic design in shaping and communicating a brand.
3. Create logotypes that reflect appropriate traits of a given identity.
4. Apply typography and composition principles to develop a consistent visual identity.
5. Build a complete visual brand system including logo, colour palette, type system,
iconography and supporting graphics.
6. Design for both print and digital applications.
7. Present ideas and design work clearly and confidently.
8. Receive and incorporate feedback constructively.

Prerequisites

Subject to the approval of the Head of School.

Timetable 2026

Students must attend one activity from each section.

Workshop A
Activity Day Time Location Weeks
01 Monday 12:00 - 15:00 West 214 (13/7-17/8, 7/9-12/10)
Len Lye 201 Computer Lab 2 (13/7-17/8, 7/9-12/10)
 13 Jul - 23 Aug
7 Sep - 18 Oct
Workshop B
Activity Day Time Location Weeks
01 Thursday 15:00 - 18:00 West 214 (16/7-20/8, 10/9-15/10)
Len Lye 201 Computer Lab 2 (16/7-20/8, 10/9-15/10)
 13 Jul - 23 Aug
7 Sep - 18 Oct

Course Coordinator

Luke Wood

Course Administrator

Alison Lowery

Lecturer

Claudia Long

Notes

This is a special optional course for students in their 2nd or 3rd year of the Bachelor of Product Design degree (and associated conjoint degrees). This course will meet the credit requirement for either of the technical electives (200- or 300- level plus) required for the degree.

Indicative Fees

Domestic fee $948.00

International fee $4,263.00

* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.

For further information see School of Product Design on the departments and faculties page .

All PROD386 Occurrences

  • PROD386-26S2 (C) Semester Two 2026
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