CCEA Draft Specification for
Graphic Design Unit
November 2011
Graphic Design
Description of unit
Learners will develop skills in planning, producing and presenting a graphic design project
(based on a client brief) using industry standard procedures.
Structure of unit
This unit is divided into three sections:
Section 1: Planning for a graphic design project.
Section 2: Producing a graphic design project, based on a client brief.
Section 3: Presenting the final graphic design project - showing workflow.
What you need to learn:
Section 1: Planning for a graphic design project
At the end of this section the learner should be able to:

Understand the principles of graphic design.

Understand the application of graphic design.

Identity jobs related to the graphic design industry.

Understand bitmap and vector graphics.

Understand appropriate formats for print and on-screen.

Understand and apply the principles of typography.

Understand and apply the principles of layout.

Understand and apply the principles of colour theory & harmony.

Understand and apply the principles of images/graphics.
Section 2: Producing a graphic design project, based on a client brief
At the end of the section the learner should be able to:

Generate ideas, via mind-maps for a graphic design project/brief.

Generate research, via mood boards for a graphic design project/brief.

Generate sketches/thumbnails based on ideas for a graphic design project/brief,
showing layout, colour, typography and images/graphics.

Produce
a
final
design
sketch,
showing
images/graphics.
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layout,
colour,
typography
and

Use industry standard digital imaging software to create their final graphic design
project/brief.

Work to a client brief and meet deadlines.
Section 3: Presenting the final graphic design project - showing workflow.
At the end of this section the learner should be able to:

Save file(s) in the appropriate formats for print and on-screen.

Prepare file(s) for print - e.g. registration/crop marks, fonts, colour bleeds, colour
output (pantone colours, spot colours, RGB, CYMK).

Present paper based output of final design(s).

Present on-screen output of final design(s).

Show an understanding of how to plan a graphic design project.
Assessment strategies
A range of software packages can be used for the delivery of this unit providing they meet
the assessment criteria.
Evidence of learning will be collected from a series of well-prepared practical sessions that
cover the range of skills and knowledge described in the unit content.
Presentation of completed work with additional supporting materials is the preferred
means of assessment. The unit will be project-based and learners will be required to
produce a final image(s) printed on hard copy or saved on CD/memory stick/hard drive.
It is recommended that the assessment of underpinning knowledge, practical
application/product evidence and the learner’s evaluation may be in the form of a variety of
oral questioning, class test, video, saved files etc.
This unit provides a clear learning path to other units, e.g. Digital Imaging.
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Assessment criteria
Band C
To be awarded marks in Band C, the learner will be able to:

Understand health and safety issues when working with computers.

Understand energy efficiency & waste reduction when working with computers.

Identify employment opportunities related to graphic design.

Appreciate the relevance of copyright regulations in graphic design.

Understand basic differences between Bitmap and Vector.

Understanding of when to use bitmap and vector.

Understand appropriate formats for print and on-screen.

Understand and apply the usage of typography.

Understand and apply the usage of layout.

Understand and apply the usage of colour theory & harmony.

Understand and apply the usage of images/graphics.
Band B
To be awarded marks in Band B, the learner will be able to:

Show how they have brainstormed their ideas via mind-maps.

Show research collected via mood boards, based on their mind-maps ideas.

Show how they have developed their ideas via sketches/thumbnails.

Show how they have prepared for the final design, via a final sketch/sketches.

Show how they have used software to professionally complete their design.

Show how they have worked to a client brief.
Band A
To be awarded marks in Band A, the learner will be able to:

Save file(s) in the appropriate formats for print and on-screen.

Prepare file(s) for print - e.g. registration/crop marks, fonts, colour bleeds, colour
output (pantone colours, spot colours, RGB, CYMK).

Present paper based output of final design(s).

Present on-screen output of final design(s).

Show an understanding of how to plan a graphic design project.
Guidance and exemplar assessments.
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Portfolios of evidence should include:

Cover Sheet, with learner name, signatures, mark, centre number etc.

IV Documentation and signatures.

Mark Sheet, showing total marks and how the learner scored.

Tasks and/or assignments.

My Diary and signatures.

My Records and signatures.

AO1 Underpinning knowledge (and signatures if required).

AO2 Practical (and signatures if required).

AO3 Evaluations and signatures.

Final image(s).
Portfolios can be printed out or saved on CD/memory stick/hard drive/server.
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