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Week 10 - Completing the loop

INTRODUCTION

In Communications 2, we have explored a number of tools that are fundamental to communicating effectively as designers. As a practical application, you have employed these to design your own versions of your vessel.

Our process began with some two dimensional profile generation, utilising a combination of hand and digital sketching. This technique enabled us to quickly explore a broad range of conceptual possibilities and establish some design directions to pursue.

We used perspective drawing to visualise our most promising ideas pictorially. The underlying construction methods ensured proportional fidelity was maintained, enabling us to further define and articulate our ideas in a meaningful way.

The hand making of a physical model opened up further possibilities still, helping us to examine aspects such as scale, ergonomics, and the aesthetics of form. The hand making process itself offered a new way of thinking and exposed us to the insights that can emerge from a different perspective.

We used orthographic views to accurately reference to our physical models, and fed these into powerful 3d modelling software. In doing so we translated our increasingly resolved designs into the digital arena, where we used polygonal mesh modelling to sketch model further iterations of our design.

This week, we conclude our journey with the production of a 3d print ready file; another bridge between the digital and physical. The output of which may feed back into further iterative cycles.

A central theme in this sketch modelling course has been the importance of using the right tools for the job. That is, the ones that most effectively help us to find answers to the design questions that arise. Integral to this is the ability to go from one medium to another as seamlessly as possible - to establish pathways that connect the elements of our design processes. As we have developed our vessel concepts, each step along the way has helped us to learn something and to push the design forward.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of this week you should be able to:

1. Prepare a 3d scanned file for digital iteration

2. Prepare a 3d model for printing

3. Consolidate your understanding of how the various tools we have looked at can be integrated effectively in a design process.

PRE-CLASS ACTIVITES

These are to be completed prior to the class time on Friday:

1. UNSW Making 3d Printing Learning Module

Complete the 3d Printing Overview and Module 1.1 (Cura Fundamentals Learning Page). Click here

In the Cura Fundamentals Learning page, you will download Cura to your computer and perform a trial set-up of a sample file. Be sure to scroll down the page to review all of the content.

Note: You do not need to complete Module 1.2 or 1.3.

2. Prototyping case study - Rapid Prototyping for a “Barra farmer in Humpty Do”

In last week’s lecture, it was mentioned that rapid prototyping can be used as part of a design development process or to create a finished product. In this recent episode of the ABC’s Movin’ to the country, you’ll see how cutting edge 3d printing technology is being used to make one-off components in remote Australia. Click here and fast forward to the 10 minute, 10 second mark where the story starts.

IN-CLASS ACTIVITIES

Below is the schedule of activities we will be completing during our virtual class time. In order to complete these activities you will need to have engaged with the Pre-Class Activities.

1. Week 9 review / questions and answer session

Please come prepared with your  questions!

2. Lecture: Sketch modelling module (cont.)

3. Activity: Preparing for 3d printing

For this activity you will need to have Cura installed on your computer. We will also be using 3ds Max once more to help prepare the files.

4. Wrap up session

POST-CLASS ACTIVITES

These activities are to be completed by the Wednesday evening evening following our class:

1. Finish the class activity to the best of your ability

2. Make your (final!) weekly blog post

Please post your documentation images from the week 10 activity. You do not need to write a reflection on this week’s activities unless you want to. Instead, we would like to hear your reflection on the course overall.

You might ask yourself:

Have I achieved the learning objectives set for this course?

What went well / what did I have difficulty with?

What did I enjoy / dislike?

What would I do differently if I had my time again?

What were some of the key things I learnt, or insights which I developed?

What led to those experiences or insights?

Try to write 400-500 words.

The Final Submission Deadline is 6pm, Wednesday 10 August.

3. Complete the myExperience feedback survey

Finally, please complete the myExperience feedback survey. We really value your feedback and would appreciate you taking the time to contribute to the ongoing improvement of the course.

A link to the survey can be found at the top of the course page in Moodle.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

1. UNSW Making - Painting and Finishing Learning Module

Although we didn’t get to do any 3d printing this term, we are hopeful of returning to campus soon. When you do, you might like to submit your models for printing via the online system.

You may also want to finish off those models to take them to a presentation standard. Modules 1.2 and 1.3 from the 3d Printing Learning Module will guide you.

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Week 9 - Prototyping

INTRODUCTION

This week you will be building upon the mesh modelling skills you developed last week, and using them to make some digital design iterations of either your scanned perfume bottle or the scanned Olay moisturiser bottle provided. For next week you will prepare a version for 3d printing. If you are an online student you can complete this process and you can have your design printed remotely here at the Design Futures Lab and pick it up when you arrive on campus in T3 or next year. You could also have it printed on your own printer or a local 3D printing service near you. 

3D printing is a form of rapid prototyping. Although it is sometimes used to produce final products for market, it is more commonly used as a prototyping tool for outputting a digital model to enable designers and others to test and evaluate parts and products prior to full scale manufacturing. In our Week 9 examination of prototyping, we will explore some of the rapid prototyping methods available, the related idea of digital prototyping, as well as the use of prototyping more broadly.

Our intent this week is to once again adopt a ‘sketch modelling’ approach where we will be looking to explore possibilities and answer design questions as quickly and effectively as possible.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of this week you should be able to:

1. Describe and distinguish between digital and rapid prototyping

2. Understand some of the methods used in prototyping, and how these can inform a design process

3. Optimise a scanned model for digital iteration

4. Utilise this model to generate iterative design concepts

PRE-CLASS ACTIVITES

These are to be completed prior to the class time on Friday:

1. Model making case study - Cup

Watch the following video with Andrew Simpson from Vert design as he discusses the use of models in the development of a cup. Click here.

In your Week 9 blog post, discuss any similarities or differences that you identify between the use of models in his cup project and your experiences with physical and digital models used to design your moisturiser bottle.

2. Get some more modelling practice in!

We will be doing some more modelling in 3ds Max this week, so take the opportunity to review the Week 8 Autodesk tutorials (videos 1-14), as well as seeking out some further self directed learning prior to class. Focus your attention on basic polygon modelling and brush up on anything you identified as something you struggled with. In line with our learning strategy of 'testing', try to create the objects from memory, rather than simply following along with the tutorials. Only go back to the resources when you get stuck...

IN-CLASS ACTIVITIES

Below is the schedule of activities we will be completing during our virtual class time. In order to complete these activities you will need to have engaged with the Pre-Class Activities.

1. Week 8 review / questions and answer session

Please come prepared with your questions!

2. Lecture: Prototyping

3. Activity: Digital Iteration & 3d Printing

For this activity you will need the physical model that you created or the Olay Bottle we will provide.

POST-CLASS ACTIVITES

These activities are to be completed by the Monday evening evening following our virtual class:

1. Finish the class activity to the best of your ability

2. Make your weekly blog post

Write a reflection on your learning experiences within Communications this week. You might ask yourself:

What led to those experiences or insights?

You can consider some or all of these, or any other questions which you believe are relevant. Try to write at least 250 words.

Include a series of images and screen shots that help show the process you used to create the items you produced in the tutorial exercise.

***Don’t forget to include your response to Pre-Class Activity 1 (Andrew Simpson video)!!

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

1. Food for Thought - Are you getting enough sleep?

Is this you?

As the deadline for our final assessment approaches, now is a good time to examine what is an extremely important topic for all of us, but particularly for students: sleep.

Sleep is one of the things that typically gets compromised when workload builds up. Many students are poor at time management. I was no exception and put in my fair share of all nighters as a result. I have long since learnt that this is a terrible strategy and do not want you to make the same mistake! To view a short video by Productivity Game: Why we sleep, Click here

It is actually a summary of a book by Professor Matthew Walker that I have found to be a game changer in my attitudes to sleep. The length and quality of sleep you are getting has a substantial effect on virtually all aspects of your wellbeing and personal effectiveness - particularly your ability to to learn, remember and access your brain’s amazing ability for creativity.

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Week 8 - Digital Models

INTRODUCTION

This week we transition from physical models to digital ones. Just as new workflows and creative possibilities opened up when we transitioned from hand to digital sketching, the jump from physical to digital models also presents new opportunities. Each method has particular strengths that we can take advantage of, and limitations that we need to be aware of.

The tools and processes you use as designers serve as conduits for your ideas; they support your ability get them out into the world. One of themes central to this course has been selecting the right tools and processes for the task at hand. To be able to choose well, you need awareness of the tools and processes available to you, and then to have the ability to use them. It is often the ability to fluidly jump between or even combine methods that opens up the most effective and creative pathways for the exploration, refinement and communication of our ideas. We continue to build on these themes this week.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of this week you should be able to:

1. Have a conceptual understanding of the process for transferring a physical model into a digital environment.

2. Rapidly generate simple form iterations of a digital model

3. Output your digital model for use in other formats.

4. Identify some of the benefits and limitations of this process.

PRE-CLASS ACTIVITES

These are to be completed prior to the class time on Friday

1. Model making case study - Razor

Watch this video with Andrew Simpson from Vert design as he discusses the use of models in the development of a razor. Click here

In your Week 8 blog post, identify the important ways in which models informed this design process in ways that sketches and drawings alone could not. Give examples from Andrew's own explanation. What do you think Andrew means by "low-fidelity" and "hi-fidelity"?

2. Install 3ds Max on your computer / access via UNSW MyAccess

3ds Max is the software we will be using for our digital iteration exercise on Friday. You will need to install it locally on your computer (PC users) or access it virtually via the UNSW MyAccess site (Mac users). In both instances this needs to be done well ahead of the class so that you can gain some familiarity with it in activity 3 below.

If you have any installation issues, try to resolve them prior to class using your own online research, or by seeking help using the “Student Question & Answers” forum.

PC users:

As a student, you can access a free educational license for Autodesk products. If you don’t already have one, you will need to first create an Autodesk student account. Click here

Please follow the 3ds Max installation instructions on the Autodesk website. So that we can follow along together in class, please install the English version.

Mac users:

You will need to access 3ds Max via the UNSW MyAccess platform. Click here and follow the instructions provided.

3. Get familiar with 3ds Max

We will be using 3ds Max to produce digital model iterations in the class activity on Friday so it is important to have some familiarity with the interface and basic features. To help with that, go to Autodesk’s “Getting Started in 3ds Max" page and watch the first 10 videos. These are short and shouldn’t take you too long. Make sure you download the Getting Started Scene Files (link on tutorial pages) so that you can work along. Click here

IN-CLASS ACTIVITIES

Below is the schedule of activities we will be completing during our virtual class time. In order to complete these activities you will need to have engaged with the Pre-Class Activities.

1. Week 7 review / questions and answer session

Please come prepared with your  questions!

2. Lecture: Digital Models

3. Activity: Digital model making

POST-CLASS ACTIVITIES

These activities are to be completed by the Monday evening evening following our virtual class:

1. Finish the class activity to the best of your ability

2. Make your weekly blog post

Write a reflection on your learning experiences within Communications this week. You might ask yourself:

Have I achieved the learning objectives set for this week?

What went well / what did I have difficulty with?

What did I enjoy / dislike?

What would I do differently if I had my time again?

What were some of the key things I learnt, or insights which I developed?

What led to those experiences or insights?

You can consider some or all of these, or any other questions which you believe are relevant. Try to write at least 200 words.

Include a series of images and screen shots that help show the process you used to create the items you produced in the studio tutorial exercise.

***Don’t forget to include your response to Pre-Class Activity 1 (Andrew Simpson video)!!

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

1. Autodesk 3ds Max Learning support

There are many support resources available to help you learn 3ds Max. The Pre-Class Activities introduced you to one site. Here are a couple of others that you might investigate:

Autodesk 3ds Max Support and Learning page

Forum, tutorials, documentation and self-guided courses.

LinkedIn Learning

Login through the UNSW LinkedIn Learning Portal and then search Autodesk 3ds Max.

2. Clay model making - automotive

Here is some inspiration from Mazda to take it to the next level. Click here

Here is another video from Jaguar. Notice the constant back and forth between the hand made and digital as they refine their designs.  Notice how they are selecting whichever method best answers the design questions they need answered in order to push the design process forward to its resolution. Click here

...and at the risk of going down an automotive rabbit hole, here's one from Audi. Click here

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Week 7 - Model Making

INTRODUCTION

This week we will be getting our hands dirty as we dive into some physical model making.

So far this term we have done some simple paper and card model making - largely as an aid to visualising what we have been drawing, but also to build up hand making skills. This week marks the point where we embark on some more substantial model making activities. Some of us will be working from home so it will require you to set up a ‘home making space’, and to purchase a few supplies. Those of you on campus can use the facilities in the Design Futures Lab

We use models to explore, define and communicate function, performance and appearance. Models always have a purpose - they are built to answer specific design questions. As you’ll see in this week’s lecture, there are many types of models and the type of model created depends on the questions being asked.

There is a fair bit of work to be done prior to the live class this week, so please manage your time accordingly.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of this week you should be able to:

1. Understand some of the design questions that a physical model can help answer.

2. See how this differs from sketching.

3. Use templates and jigs to assist with the accuracy of your model making.

4. Have familiarity with a range of tools useful for the construction of foam models.

PRE-CLASS ACTIVITES

These are to be completed prior to the class time on Friday.

1. Video: Model Making in the Design Process

To provide some initial context, watch the following video interview with Andrew Simpson from Vert Design. In it, he explains how they use model making as an integral part of their design process. Click here

2. Source your materials and tools

Please refer to message on the Staff Announcements Forum on Moodle for instructions, and have what you need prior to our live virtual class session on Friday.

3. Online Students  - Set up your own making space at home

Over the next few weeks we will be doing some cutting, sanding, and spray painting. You probably won’t want to do any of these things on your dining room table! To give you some ideas for setting up a space of your own, have a look at the following videos:

Design Futures Lab Making from Home video series Click here

Students of Product Design Prototyping and Making video Click here

In particular, you should give some thought about how you will contain the dust from your sanding. A large cardboard box with a vacuum attached may come in handy! Make a few sanding blocks in various grades of sandpaper so that you are ready for action on Friday.

Please share a photo of your home making space set-up in your blog post, together with any ‘home making’ tips that you have!

4. Foam Model Making: Videos form UNSW

The following video shows some of the basic technique involved in shaping a foam model. Because we are working from home, we will be using alternative tools but the same principles apply. Click here

5. Orthographic drawing of preferred concept

Make a simple 1:1 orthographic drawing (front, top, side view) of your preferred bottle concept from the digital sketching exercises in Weeks 5 and 6. You do not need to dimension it. We will be using this to construct a template for foam model making.

IN-CLASS ACTIVITES

Below is the schedule of activities we will be completing during our virtual class time. In order to complete these activities you will need to have engaged with the Pre-Class Activities.

1. Week 5 & 6 review / questions and answer session

Please come prepared with your  questions!

2. Lecture: Sketch modelling

3. 3d scanning presentation

4. Activity: Model making

POST-CLASS ACTIVITES

1. Prototyping and Model Making: Video from Product Tank

Following on from the Pre-Class Activities, here is another video from the Product Tank Students of Product Design series with some more useful tips on model making and prototyping. Can you notice some similarities with the Andrew Simpson video from the Pre-Class Activities? Click here

2. Make your weekly blog post

Write a reflection on your learning experiences within Communications this week. You might ask yourself:

Have I achieved the learning objectives set for this week?

What went well / what did I have difficulty with?

What did I enjoy / dislike?

What would I do differently if I had my time again?

What were some of the key things I learnt, or insights which I developed?

What led to those experiences or insights?

You can consider some or all of these, or any other questions which you believe are relevant. Try to write at least 200 words.

Following this, post a series of images that help show the process you used to create the items you produced in the studio tutorial exercise.

Please don’t forget to add a photo of your home maker space and any tips that you have.

3. Reply with a note on to two of your classmates’ blogs. You might make a comment that includes:

Identifying some aspect of their work you think they did particularly well at

Identifying something in common that you struggled with

Let them know how you have tried to overcome that struggle – maybe you found a resource, method or technique that was helpful?

Ask them if they have found a way to overcome something you struggled with.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

1. UNSW Making - Working with XPS Foam

To visit the learning resource set up by UNSW Making, Click here

2. Food for thought - Flow States

I love sanding. Not because I actually love the act of sanding, but because it is one of the activities I can almost guarantee will transport me into a ‘flow state’. The flow state concept was first named by Mihaly Csikzentmihalyi in the 1970s. It essentially means 'being in the zone'; feeling completely absorbed by what you are doing at a given moment, working at the edge of your capabilities and free from all distraction. It is a highly productive, creative and enjoyable state to be in and worth striving for as often as possible.

As you work on shaping and finishing your models this week, be aware of your state of mind. Can you achieve a state of flow? Below is a video link to give you a bit more background on flow states, and some strategies you can implement to successfully achieving them more often. Click here

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Week 6 - Digital Sketching (non teaching week)

INTRODUCTION

Whilst it's hard to beat the accessibility and immediacy of sketching on paper, digital sketching has emerged as a great alternative for designers in recent years. Devices such as tablets, styluses and digital pencils now do a great job of replicating the look and feel of analogue sketching, whilst offer some useful additional benefits.  

It is important to note that digital sketching does not replace analogue sketching. Rather, it is an extension of it. The same skills of visualisation and hand / eye coordination apply. The same construction methods (e.g. perspective) underpin both approaches.

One of the most useful aspects of digital sketching applications is that they enable the designer a means to combine both approaches. For example, you might start a sketch on paper, scan it in and add colour, shading, text and graphics in a digital environment in order to create a presentation layout to show your client.

The goal is to be able to jump between or combine both mediums as the situation demands, and to have both in your arsenal of visual communication skills.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of this week you should be able to:

1. Employ some of the basic tools that a digital workflow offers in order to add line-work, colour, shade, text, graphics and layout.

2. Combine analogue and digital sketching to produce a hybrid image.

SELF DIRECTED ACTIVITIES

As there is no class this week, you can complete these activities in your own time. Please make sure you make your post by 6pm Monday evening as usual. This is the deadline for our Assessment 2 submission (35%).

1. Explore Pinterest, Behance and Instagram for inspirational images of industrial design concept rendering.

Save your favourite images to a Pinterest board (create an account at www.pinterest.com.au if you don't have one already). In addition to admiring the overall effect of the images, it is useful to deconstruct the various techniques used; find examples of good line-work, marker work, use of reflection, highlight, shadow, text, notes, composition and anything else that you think might inform your own work.

Once you have collected your images, take a screen shot(s) of your Pinterest board(s) and post it in your blog reflection this week. Include links to your three favourite artists / designers in your bog post so that others can share in your discoveries.

2. Complete part three of the sketching exercise from last week

Part three of the sketching exercise (you began parts 1 and 2 in class) is to create some digital sketches of your Olay moisturiser bottle. In Week 7 we will begin tuning our ideas into a physical model, so you'll want to make sure you have plenty of ideas to work with.

To help you, a series of short demo videos will be available this week on the Week 6 Resources tab on Moodle. Work through them using your own Olay moisturiser bottle designs.

If you like, you can also search for videos online to help you find a method that works for you.

3. Digital sketching apps (optional)

If you're interested in exploring a dedicated digital drawing app, you might like to download and try out Adobe Fresco. It is free with your Adobe subscription. Click here

Procreate is another popular choice. Although not free, it is very affordable and does not require an ongoing subscription. Click here

4. Make your weekly blog post

Write a reflection on your learning experiences within Communications this week. You might ask yourself:

What went well / what did I have difficulty with?

What did I enjoy / dislike?

What would I do differently if I had my time again?

What were some of the key things I learnt, or insights which I developed?

What led to those experiences or insights?

You can consider some or all of these, or any other questions which you believe are relevant. Try to write at least 200 words.

Following this, post a series of images that help show the process you used to create your digital sketches. Don't forget to include the screenshot and designer links from the inspiration activity!

5. Reply with a note on to two of your classmates’ blogs. You might make a comment that includes:

Identifying some aspect of their work you think they did particularly well at

Identifying something in common that you struggled with

Let them know how you have tried to overcome that struggle – maybe you found a resource, method or technique that was helpful?

Ask them if they have found a way to overcome something you struggled with

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

1. Food for thought - Building Habits & Deliberate Practice

You may be wondering how much practice it takes in order to build up the necessary skills to be good at sketching. You may also be wondering what type of practice is most beneficial. For example, would tracing the work of other artists be useful. Great questions because they bring up two important considerations when developing skills: habit building and deliberate practise.

Sketching is a complex skill. No one is born with this ability and becoming good at it tends to take people many years of practice. If you want to be good at it, you need to make sketching an ongoing and regular part of your life. In other words, you need to make sketching a habit. Take a listen to James Clear talk about the power of building effective habits. Click here

Mindlessly repeating simple exercises (e.g. tracing), will not extend your ability in the way that is necessary to gain improvement. Your practice needs to be challenging, purposeful and highly focused in order to continue to develop your skills. This is known as “deliberate practise” and James Clear has written a good introduction. Click here

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Week 5 - Sketching

INTRODUCTION

Over the past few weeks we have been developing our visualisation skills and learning some of the tools used to communicate form as designers. First, we took three dimensional objects, and translated them to two dimensional representations (third angle orthographic projection, sectional views and auxiliary views). Last week we went the other way - we took the two dimensional orthographic views of the chamfered box and used two point perspective methods to construct a three dimensional view - one that simulated how the object would appear when viewed from a particular distance and orientation in space.

This week we will reinforce the illusion of three dimensions through the addition of outline, contour and shade. Think of perspective construction as the underlying skeleton that helps us get our sketches anatomically correct, enabling us to maintain correct proportions and spacial relationships. Outline, contour and shade describe the skin - they are how we define and communicate the surface.

In previous weeks, we have been using simple paper model making as a visualisation aid. This week, we will be engaging our imagination - trying to picture in our mind’s eye how something will look first and then translating that to paper.

Sketching is a skill that must be built with consistent, deliberate practice over many months (even years). However, adopting good habits and effective techniques can help speed up the process greatly. Try to make this a priority as you engage with the learning activities this week.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of this week you should be able to:

1. Add the illusion of three dimensions to your sketches through the application of outline, contour and shade.

2. Combine accurately constructed perspective underlays with quick sketching overlays in order to rapidly communicate concepts and ideas.

3. Gain an insight into some of the methods and techniques available to you as you begin your journey towards establishing a personal style.

PRE-CLASS ACTIVITES

These are to be completed prior to the class time on Friday. This week we have a series of videos from some excellent online sketching resources. We hope that you will find the resources useful in the context of what we are learning this week, but also that you will continue to explore their extensive video libraries as part of your self directed learning efforts in the weeks and months ahead.

1. Explore the Additional Steps & Resources from the online Perspective Drawing Module (page 11)

To complete last week's reading. Click here

Note: There will be no access to the workshop this week so skip the ellipse template activity.

2. Video by Proko (Stan Prokopenko)

Shading Light and Form - Basics. Click here

3. Video by The Design Sketchbook

How to sketch with contour lines. Click here

4. Prepare your drawing equipment

For our class session this week you will need:

Your engineering drawing equipment

A range of pens, pencils and markers to experiment with in the sketching exercise

A2 & A3 paper

Your computer, with Adobe Photoshop installed

A computer mouse if you have one

Please make sure you have everything sharpened, cleaned, charged, and ready for use on the day!

IN-CLASS ACTIVITIES

Below is the schedule of activities we will be completing during our class time. In order to complete these activities you will need to have engaged with the Pre-Class Activities.

1. Week 4 review / questions and answer session

Please come prepared with your  questions!

2. Assessment 1 feedback

3. Lecture: Hand and Digital Sketching

4. Activity: Hand and digital sketching

POST-CLASS ACTIVITIES

These activities are to be completed by the Monday evening evening following our class:

1. Finish the class activity to the best of your ability

2. Make your weekly blog post

Write a reflection on your learning experiences within Communications this week. You might ask yourself:

What went well / what did I have difficulty with?

What did I enjoy / dislike?

What would I do differently if I had my time again?

What were some of the key things I learnt, or insights which I developed?

What led to those experiences or insights?

You can consider some or all of these, or any other questions which you believe are relevant. Try to write at least 200 words.

Following this, post a series of images that help show the process you used to create the items you produced in the studio tutorial exercise.

3. Reply with a note on to two of your classmates’ blogs. You might make a comment that includes:

Identifying some aspect of their work you think they did particularly well at

Identifying something in common that you struggled with

Let them know how you have tried to overcome that struggle – maybe you found a resource, method or technique that was helpful?

Ask them if they have found a way to overcome something you struggled with

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

1. More great sketching videos from Spencer Nugent: Sketch-A-Day:

How to Sketch Complex Organic Shapes. Click here

How to Draw Rounded Corners. Click here and here

How to Draw a Tape Measure. Click here

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Week 4 - Perspective Drawing

INTRODUCTION

So far we have been describing various objects using third angle orthographic projection. It should be familiar to you now that this is a system of multiple, two dimensional views (front, top, side etc) each showing what an object looks like when viewed ‘square-on’ to one of the primary viewing planes. Used in conjunction with the conventions of AS1100 engineering drawing standards, and supplementary views such as sections and auxiliary views, we are able to accurately describe an object such that it may be manufactured.

This week we begin the jump to three dimensional or ‘pictorial’ views. In contrast with the orthographic views that you are familiar with so far, pictorial views are designed to give someone an idea of what an object looks like so that they can readily understand its form, rather than provide all the information they need to precisely manufacture it.

There are three categories of pictorial drawings, namely:

Axonometric (including isometric)

Oblique

Perspective

For now, we will focus on perspective drawing and see how we can implement it effectively into our workflows.

Perspective drawing attempts to produce an impression that closely matches what the eye or a camera would see in real life. There are three types: 1 point, 2 point and 3 point. Each has its advantages and these will become clear as we explore them.

In last week’s class, we mentioned ‘visualisation’ as being an often overlooked but crucial skill for a designer to develop. Through your exploration of third angle orthographic projection, simple model making and most recently, section and primary auxiliary views, you have been building your ability to imagine what an object looks like when viewed in various ways. We will continue those efforts this week, firstly with the optional pre-class activity which requires a secondary auxiliary projection to be constructed and then with our work in perspective drawing.

As with many things of a visual nature, ‘learning by doing’ is one of the most effective ways to learn about perspective drawing. As you will see, the construction methods and technical aspects can quickly become confusing when first encountering them!

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of this week you should be able to:

1. Be familiar with the three different methods of perspective projection.

2. Understand and apply the construction methods for each.

3. Construct circles in perspective.

4. Develop an awareness of how perspective construction methods can be used in your workflow.

PRE-CLASS ACTIVITIES

These are to be completed prior to the face-to-face sessions on Friday.

1. Slide Show by Shelly Mulholland from LinkedIn SlideShare

Auxiliary Views: What are they and why should we care? Click here

This slide show should help you to consolidate what you have learnt about auxiliary views so far, and extend this to include how secondary auxiliary views are created.

2. Make the chamfered box model

Please download and construct the Chamfered Cube Development (see Week 4 Resources tab on Moodle). It is required for class on Friday. It is also helpful reference for the exercise below...

3. Secondary Auxiliary Projection Exercise - Optional

This is an optional exercise to give you the opportunity to attempt a secondary auxiliary projection (see Week 4 Resources tab on Moodle). It is a great way to test both your visualisation skills and your understanding of how auxiliary projections works. Give it a go if you're up for the challenge!

4. Complete the Week 4 reading

Please complete the assigned reading on Perspective Drawing (see Week 4 Resources tab on Moodle). This is a multi-page interactive document. Be sure to click / mouse over all the interactive elements (shown in blue) to reveal all of the content.

Note: You do not need to complete the 'Additional Steps & Resources' page.

5. Prepare your drawing equipment for class

You will need to bring all of the following items to class this week:

The chamfered box model

Your engineering drawing equipment

A2 paper

Please make sure you have everything ready to use on the day.

IN-CLASS ACTIVITIES

Below is the schedule of activities we will be completing during our virtual class time. In order to complete these activities you will need to have engaged with the Pre-Class Activities.

1. Week 3 review / questions and answer session

Please come prepared with your questions!

2. Lecture: Perspective Drawing

3. Activity: Perspective Drawing

POST-CLASS ACTIVITIES

These activities are to be completed by the Monday evening evening following our virtual class:

1. Finish the class activity to the best of your ability

2. Make your weekly blog post (including Part 2 of the Week 3 exercise)

Write a reflection on your learning experiences within Communications this week. You might ask yourself:

What went well / what did I have difficulty with?

What did I enjoy / dislike?

What would I do differently if I had my time again?

What were some of the key things I learnt, or insights which I developed?

What led to those experiences or insights?

You can consider some or all of these, or any other questions which you believe are relevant. Try to write at least 200 words.

Following this, post a series of images that help show the process you used to create the items you produced in the studio tutorial exercise.

3. Reply with a note on to two of your classmates’ blogs. You might make a comment that includes:

Identifying some aspect of their work you think they did particularly well at

Identifying something in common that you struggled with

Let them know how you have tried to overcome that struggle – maybe you found a resource, method or technique that was helpful?

Ask them if they have found a way to overcome something you struggled with

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

1. Food for thought - Conversations in design

During our class last week, we discussed the importance of visualisation skills for designers. No doubt you have, and will continue to wrestle with your own ability to visualise as you complete this week’s activities.

Below are two highly recommended  podcasts that take a deep dive into design through the personal lenses of some very successful and influential designers working across multiple creative professions. See if you can take some inspiration from their experience as you embark upon your own journeys in design…

Clever

Design Matters

2. Food for thought - Do you own an instant gratification monkey?

Were you struggling to finish your post on time this week? Is leaving it to the last minute something you do often? You might relate to this humorous Ted talk on the topic of procrastination...

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Week 3 - Engineering Drawing

INTRODUCTION

During last week’s learning activities, you were introduced to some of the methods used to describe three dimensional form on two dimensional paper. In particular, we looked at AS110 engineering drawing standards and orthogonal projection and applied them in order to describe the simple object you brought to class.

Sometimes, the primary orthogonal views (front, top, side) are not enough to fully describe an object. For example:

There may be complex internal detail that we wish to convey.

The orientation of certain elements may be at an angle that does not align with the primary views, resulting in distortion of the size and shape of those elements.

Sometimes, details may be too small to be shown clearly when viewed at the scale of the rest of the drawing.

This week, we will be learning how to overcome these difficulties by exploring the use of hidden lines, sectional views, auxiliary views and detail views.

We will also look at what constitutes a set of 'working drawings'. That is, the set of drawings used to describe how to manufacture and assemble an object.

In addition to the new content covered, Week 3 is an opportunity to consolidate and build on your familiarity with drawing standards and third angle orthogonal projection. Whenever you need to refresh your understanding, revisit the resources that have been provided thus far. But first, challenge yourself to recall the answers from memory. Each time you struggle to remember something, it builds stronger, more durable connections in your memory.

An important mental skill to be paying attention to this week is visualisation. The ability to picture in your mind how an object appears as it is rotated in space, and how it translates between two and three dimensional representations, can be a bit tricky until you get the hang of it. It will take some practice so be patient and keep trying.

When building skills, deliberate practice is the key, so use this week to start imagining how you would draw orthographic views of some of the everyday objects you come across. Even better, practise some quick sketches.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of this week you should be able to:

1. Develop awareness of AS1100 methods for describing detail that is hidden, small and or oblique to the primary orthographic projection planes.

2. Understand when and how to incorporate them into your drawings.

3. Distinguish between the different types of drawings in a set of working drawings and what their purposes are.  

4. Develop your ability to visualise and translate form mentally between two and three dimension.

This week also presents you with the opportunity to consolidate some of the concepts we have already touched on, such as:

Arranging your drawing layouts in a thoughtful, well composed manner in accordance with the conventions of third angle orthographic projection.

Gaining further familiarity with the standards used in engineering drawing such as dimensioning, line types and abbreviations etc.

Further develop your hand drawing and making skills.

PRE-CLASS ACTIVITIES

These are to be completed prior to the face-to-face sessions on Friday. There is another textbook reading and then four videos to get through this week, so crack out the popcorn and get comfortable! You might want to make a few notes as you go. Against your notes, write down page numbers in the readings or the video times when certain concepts are mentioned, so you can refer back to them as needed.

Once you’re done with the resources, it’s time to get uncomfortable (remember our learning strategies from Week 1 of introducing ‘desirable difficulty’ and regular testing?). Test yourself against the Learning Objectives: Can you express in writing what each of the main concepts are? How should they be indicated on an engineering drawing? Where should the be positioned? What line types / thicknesses should be used?

1. Complete the Week 3 reading

Please complete the assigned reading on Engineering Drawing (see Week 3 Resources tab on Moodle). Note: You may skip sections 5.4 to 5.8 inclusive.

2. Sections: Video by McGraw-Hill

Mechanical Drawing Tutorial - Sections  Click here

To start with, we’ve dug up an old classic! No fancy computer graphics on this one, just a great introduction to the various types of section views. They don’t make ’em like this anymore...

3. Sections: Video by Engineering Technology Simulation Videos

Section Views - What they are and how to create them Click here

And in case you prefer fancy graphics, the second video on section views is for you... Which version do you prefer / find more helpful? Did you find any inconsistencies or omissions?

3. Auxiliary views: Videos by Ken Floyd

Part 1 Click here and Part 2 Click here

In addition to introducing us to auxiliary view, these two videos are particularly helpful because they talk in terms of projection planes and concepts such as true size and shape. These should help extend your understanding of how orthographic projection works, and also prepare you for some of the concepts covered in perspective drawing, to which we will be introducing you to next week.

4. Prepare your drawing equipment

You will need all of the same drawing equipment as last week, including paper. Please make sure you have everything ready to use on the day.

IN-CLASS ACTIVITIES

Below is the schedule of activities we will be completing during our virtual class time:

1. Week 2 review / questions and answer session. Please come prepared with your  questions!

2. Lecture: Engineering Drawing (part 3)

3. Exercise: Section and Auxiliary Views

In order to complete these activities you will need to have engaged with the Pre-Class Activities.

POST-CLASS ACTIVITIES

These activities are to be completed by the Monday evening evening following our virtual class:

1. Finish the class activity to the best of your ability

2. Make your weekly blog post

Write a reflection on your learning experiences within Communications this week. You might ask yourself:

What went well / what did I have difficulty with?

What did I enjoy / dislike?

What would I do differently if I had my time again?

What were some of the key things I learnt, or insights which I developed?

What led to those experiences or insights?

You can consider some or all of these, or any other questions which you believe are relevant. Try to write about 200 words.

Following this, post a series of images that help show the process you used to create the items you produced in the studio tutorial exercise.

3. Reply with a note on to two of your classmates’ blogs

You might make a comment that includes:

Identifying some aspect of their work you think they did particularly well at

Identifying something in common that you struggled with

Let them know how you have tried to overcome that struggle – maybe you found a resource, method or technique that was helpful?

Ask them if they have found a way to overcome something you struggled with

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

1. Moodle Weekly Resources tabs & Virtual Classroom Recordings

Don’t forget to visit the weekly resources tabs in Moodle every week to make sure you are familiar with all of the resources there. They will include a copy of the lecture slides, and various other material we think might be useful to you. You can also view the lecture recording. Access it in the same way you enter the Virtual Classroom. Once you are in the Blackboard Collaborate environment, the recordings are found through the pull out menu on the top left hand side.

2. Food for thought - Focus!

One of the things you are no doubt discovering about learning at university is that there is far greater autonomy in terms of how you go about it compared to high school. Freedom to find your own way is a liberating thing, but if used poorly it can lead to distraction - the enemy of deep, focussed work. What is distracting you? Can you remove distractions from your environment, home, social life, …phone?

Hear what researcher and author Dr Cal Newport has to say about social media, the value of deep work and his version of digital minimalism. Do any of his ideas resonate with you?

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Week 2 - Engineering Drawing

INTRODUCTION

Engineering drawing is a formal method of design communication that enables us to describe our ideas and understand the ideas of others, in an accurate and consistent manner. It relies on a standardised system of conventions (lines, symbols, abbreviations and other elements) to convey information about form, scale, material, finish, manufacturing process and tolerance. To be able to use this language effectively, we need to be familiar with it, just as we need to know a verbal language in order to have a meaningful conversation.

The International Standards Organisation (ISO) is the source of these conventions. Each country further adapts and develops these to suit their own needs. In Australia, the body responsible for this is the Standards Association of Australia and the relevant standard for all Technical Drawing is AS1100. This week we will begin to look at these standard representations.

The ability to work with our hands is fundamental to the communication and design development skills we need as designers. Hand making has an immediacy that digital methods do not. Building on the skills we began to develop in our tutorial exercise last week, we will again utilise hand drawing methods. When it comes to learning engineering drawing standards, a useful advantage of hand drawing over CAD (computer aided drawing), is that it forces us to slow down and carefully consider every aspect of what we are doing. Nothing happens automatically. Any gaps in our ability to interpret and apply the engineering drawing standards we have read in the textbook readings, or seen in the lecture, will be made very clear.

The hand skills we are developing will soon be extended across to other skills such as model making and sketching.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of this week you should:

1. Have a basic familiarity with some of the standards used in engineering drawing, including:

line types

line weights

scales

drawing sheet layout

dimensioning

symbols

projection methods

2. Know where to go to look up relevant standards to ensure that you are interpreting and using them correctly

3. Begin to memorise some of the more frequently used standards

4. Begin to understand how to describe 3 dimensional form on 2 dimensional paper using orthogonal projection

PRE-CLASS ACTIVITIES

These activities are to be completed prior to the commencement of our virtual class session on Friday:

1. Complete the Week 2 reading

Please complete the assigned reading on Engineering Drawing (see Week 2 Resources tab on Moodle). It covers dimensioning and orthographic projection. The tutorial exercise this week will combine the content covered in the Week 1 and Week 2 readings, so think of it an opportunity to test your knowledge of what you have read and prepare accordingly.

2. View the following video by Clan McCAD

A short visual explanation of Third Angle Projection versus First Angle Projection. Click here

3. Bring a small, simple object with you to class

The object should be about the size of a coffee mug. We will be constructing an orthographic projection of this object in the tutorial.

Suitable examples include:

stapler

calculator

tape dispenser

hole punch

phone charger / transformer

USB memory stick

Highlighter Pen

Face/hand cream tube

NOTE: A mobile phone is not a suitable choice of object!

4. Prepare your drawing equipment

You will need all of the same drawing equipment as last week. Please make sure you have everything with you and ready to use on the day. If you missed the opportunity to purchase any of the required equipment last week, you can still purchase individual items from the Design Futures Lab (DFL) prior to class day.

IN-CLASS ACTIVITIES

Below is the schedule of activities we will be completing during our virtual class time:

1. Week 1 review / question and answer session

Whether you are an online or face to face student, please come to class prepared with your questions!

2. Lecture: Engineering Drawing

3. Exercise: Orthogonal projection and AS1100 standards

In order to complete these activities you will need to have engaged with the Pre-Class Activities.

POST-CLASS ACTIVITIES

These activities are to be completed by the Monday evening evening following our virtual class:

1. Finish the class activity to the best of your ability

2. Make your weekly blog post

Write a reflection on your learning experiences within Communications this week. You might ask yourself:

What went well / what did I have difficulty with?

What did I enjoy / dislike?

What would I do differently if I had my time again?

What were some of the key things I learnt, or insights which I developed?

What led to those experiences or insights?

You can consider some or all of these, or any other questions which you believe are relevant. Try to write about 200 words.

Following this, post a series of images that help show the process you used to create the items you produced in the tutorial exercise.

3. Reply with a note on to two of your classmates’ blogs

You might make a comment that includes:

Identifying some aspect of their work you think they did particularly well at

Identifying something in common that you struggled with

Let them know how you have tried to overcome that struggle – maybe you found a resource, method or technique that was helpful?

Ask them if they have found a way to overcome something you struggled with

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

1. Each other

Here’s a reminder that your most important “additional resource” is each other. Hopefully the 'student help desk' activity during the week 1 lecture helped to kick-start that process. You are encouraged to reach out to your fellow 'help deskers' and to respond promptly and generously if they need help.

Your Peer Engagement mark is worth 25% of this subject. It will be based on the feedback comments you leave on each others’ blog posts each week. As shown on the Assessment Rubric, we are looking for substantial, meaningful interaction with your peers, and evidence that you are applying what you learn from others to your own work.

Not sure how to access the comments tab on Tumblr? Visit the Moodle resources tabs for Week 1 and Week 2. There you will find a Tumblr Interface Tour (video) and an infographic showing the comment icons.

Not sure how to give feedback? Revisit this link from last week: Click here

2. Having trouble with Tumblr?

If you’re struggling with anything Tumblr related and you've already tried contacting members of your 'student help desk', you might try opening it up to the whole class using the Student Questions and Answers forum on Moodle. You could also try to find answers at the Tumblr help centre. Click here

3. Revision from Communications 1 - What is orthographic projection?

This resource is a Linked In Learning video is from chapter 3 of the series by Kevin Henry called “Sketching for Product Design and AEC”. It can be found using the UNSW LinkedIn Learning gateway, then searching for “what is orthographic projection”.

For those of you who completed Communications 1 in term 1 you will have already seen this video, however it is included here as a useful bit of revision. For students who didn't do Communications 1 or haven't seen it yet, it is a helpful explanation that goes into more detail than the Clan McCAD video (see Pre-Class Activities).

3. Food for thought - Embracing Failure as part of the design process

During the Introduction to Sketch Modelling lecture, the importance of embracing failure as a normal part of the design process was mentioned. Identifying failures quickly makes it possible to learn from what didn’t work, and divert our efforts towards alternative, better approaches. We can make the likelihood of costly failures, caused by going too far down the wrong path, less likely.

This is the goal of a sketch modelling approach. By not getting bogged down in detail or being worried about getting it perfect, we are able to explore a wide range of creative possibilities rapidly. We save time and money by not investing resources unnecessarily at the front end of a project. We are simply interested in finding out what we need to know to progress a design idea to its next iteration, or whether to drop it all together and move onto something else.

In this TED talk, the head of X (Google X) describes how he has embraced the idea of failure in his team. Click here

...and for some great quotes on failure that might inspire you Click here

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Week 1 - Getting Started

INTRODUCTION

This week is all about getting started in Communications 2. There is quite a bit of set-up required so please make sure you follow the instructions given and ask for help early should you need it.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of this week you should:

1. Gain an awareness of how the course is structured, the approach we will be taking and why.

2. Begin to develop and understanding of what sketch modelling is, and how you can use it in your design workflow.

3. Start to build familiarity with the tools of engineering drawing and how to use them to draw accurately.

PRE-CLASS ACTIVITIES

These activities are to be completed prior to the commencement of our live tutorial session on Friday:

1. Make friends with Moodle

Moodle will be your ‘go to’ for all things administrative, including general course information, information relating to assessments, weekly resources, announcements, virtual classroom access and lecture recordings.

If you haven’t already, login to Moodle and review the IDES1262 Course. Expand each of the tabs and take a good look around. Explore the active links (shown in blue). In particular, make sure you have read the Course Outline which is accessible through the Course Information tab.

2. Prepare your drawing equipment

You will be using your drawing equipment in the very first class so it is important that you have it ready to go on the day. You will need:

Tee square

Set squares

Sticky tape (removable tape is preferable)

Compass

Circle template

Mechanical drafting pencil

Eraser

Eraser shield

Fine-line ink pens

Scalpel / snap blade

Steel rule

Cutting mat

A3 bond paper

3. Complete the Week 1 reading

Please complete the assigned reading on Engineering Drawing (see Week 1 Resources tab on Moodle). It covers an introduction to engineering drawing equipment and standards.

4. Install required software

The software listed below are to be installed on your computers /devices. These are important resources to help you fully engage with the learning activities of the course. Next to each item of software is the week we will start using it. Make sure that you have installed and tested the software before class in the week indicated.

Adobe: Available through your Adobe CC subscription (free access with this subject)

Adobe Scan (phone): week 1

Adobe Photoshop: week 1

Adobe Camera RAW: week 1

McNeel & Associates (Rhino): You can access Rhino as a free subscription on a trial basis. If your trial has run out because you used it in Term 1, you will need to create another account using a different email address. Alternatively you can access it over the UNSW MyAccess virtual software portal. You can also purchase a student licence at a heavily discounted price from the developer if you like.

Rhino: Week 4

Autodesk: Sign up for a student account for free access to Autodesk software. If you are a Mac user, you may need to use 3ds Max over the UNSW MyAccess virtual software portal.

Fusion 360: week 8

3ds Max: week 8

IN-CLASS ACTIVITIES

Below is the schedule of activities we will be completing during our virtual class time:

1. Lecture: Course introduction & Methods of Communication

2. Activity: Student discussion

3. Lecture: Engineering drawing (part 1)

4. Exercise: Drawing instruments & geometric construction

In order to complete these activities you will need to have engaged with the Pre-Class Activities. Don't forget to have your drawing equipment set up and ready to use!

POST-CLASS ACTIVITIES

These activities are to be completed by the Monday evening evening following our virtual class:

1. Make sure that you can access the class blog

If you are having trouble, seek help immediately!

2. Make your first blog post

For your first blog post, write a brief introduction about who you are and tell the class something we might not know about you. Maybe it’s why you’ve chosen to study Industrial design, a new hobby you’ve taken up recently, or just something else you love doing in your spare time. Don’t over think it or spend too long – just a sentence or two is fine!

Say “hi” to a couple of your colleagues by adding a comment to their posts.

Note: Whenever you make a comment on another student’s post, hit the like button (heart icon). This is how we can track your comments and award you marks towards the peer engagement component of your assessment for this subject. Please do not like any posts that you do not write a comment on.

3. Make your second blog post

For your second blog post, follow the Typical Blog Post Format example on the O Week Resources tab on Moodle. This is the format we will be using each week. It should include the week and topic name as the tile, a short reflection and some images documenting your process creating the items in the class activity.

Base your reflection around on your learning experiences within Communications 2 this week. You might ask yourself:

What went well / what did I have difficulty with?

What did I enjoy / dislike?

What would I do differently if I had my time again?

What were some of the key things I learnt, or insights which I developed?

What led to those experiences or insights?

You can consider some or all of these, or any other questions which you believe are relevant. Try to write about 200 words.

Following this, post a series of images that help show the process you used to create the items you produced in the studio tutorial exercise.

NOTE: Please make sure you always make your blog posts to your own account, not the IDES1262 class feed.

4. Reply with a note on to two of your classmates’ blogs

You might make a comment that includes:

Identifying some aspect of their work you think they did particularly well at

Identifying something in common that you struggled with

Let them know how you have tried to overcome that struggle – maybe you found a resource, method or technique that was helpful?

Ask them if they have found a way to overcome something you struggled with

Note: Hit the like button on posts that you comment on so that we can track and award you marks for your feedback contributions.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

1. e-Portfolios

Our Tumblr blog is essentially what’s known as an e-portfolio. The following link gives some background on what they are and why they are useful in a learning and teaching context. Click here

2. Giving & receiving feedback

The ability to give and receive feedback is incredibly valuable and an integral part of learning. Like other complex skills, giving and receiving feedback requires knowledge and practice. Click here

3. An introductory video series on drafting tools - Drafting 101

The Drafting 101 video series gives a basic introduction into many of the most common drafting tools. Click here

4. Food for thought - The Power of Vulnerability, Brene Brown

Design (and creativity more generally) involves risk taking. It requires a willingness to put yourself ‘out there’ and to try things that may not work. You will get the most out of our blog if you allow yourself to be open and honest, whilst at the same time creating an environment where those around you feel comfortable to do the same. In this talk, vulnerability expert Brene Bown gives some insights from her research which you might find relevant and interesting. Click here

Feel free to connect these with any of your own experiences this week in your written reflection.

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0 Week - Welcome!

Welcome to the UNSW IDES1262 Communication 2 blog! Here you’ll find a range of valuable information relating to the course. It is designed to be a key element in your learning and it is essential that you get in the habit of checking it regularly.

BLOG STRUCTURE

Each week on Monday evening you will see a new post that contains information relating to that week’s topic. It will include:

Part 1: Subject Introduction

This will provide you with big picture context for the topic we are covering that week, including definition and scope – an explanation of what it is, what it isn’t and why it is important for us as designers. It will also explain context within the subject and degree, linking it to past and future knowledge and explaining how it will be assessed both directly and indirectly.

Part 2: Learning Objectives

The learning objectives (what we want you to know) will be explicitly stated, enabling you to assess your own learning and identify gaps in your knowledge. By knowing where you need to be, you are empowered to find your own way there. Our job as the teaching staff is to act as the guides in your journey.

Part 3: Learning Activities

Listing the learning activities is designed to give structure and context to the week’s activities. Typically, the activities will be divided into (i) pre-class (ii) in-class (iii) post-class

i. Pre-Class Activities

These are designed to prepare you for active participation during the tutorial sessions. Class time is valuable and the better prepared you come, the more you will get out of it. The activities will include engagement with videos (e.g. short lectures, skill / technique demonstrations, real world applications), images (e.g. exemplary images, reference drawings) and readings (e.g. text book chapters, background information etc). Upon viewing the content, you will be asked to perform a simple preparatory task.

ii. In-Class Activities

These will build on the above to give greater depth of content knowledge, whilst identifying and clarifying initial misunderstandings. Class time will not be a place where you sit quietly and have content dumped upon you. You are expected to come prepared to ask questions, participate in discussions and complete activities. You will be given the opportunity to then try out your understanding of the subject matter in a thorough way, whilst taking maximum advantage of the feedback opportunities presented by the presence of teachers and fellow students.

iii. Post-Class Activities

In the post class activities, you will be required to take the next steps to consolidate and further progress the work you have done during class time. The first thing you will need to do is complete that week's class activity to the best of your ability. Next, you will be required to make a Tumblr post on your own blog feed (not the main class one). This post should include a title indicating the week and topic, a short reflection on your learning experiences that week, and a series of images which help tell the story. Please make sure the final image is of your finished attempt at the class exercise.

An example of a typical blog post format can be found in the O Week Resources tab on Moodle.

You will also be asked to read and comment on the posts of two of your classmates. Sharing your insights, discoveries and experiences will help you learn from each other. It will help you find solutions to some of the difficulties you encountered and identify gaps in your learning for further exploration.

Part 4: Additional Resources

Each week the blog will include some additional resources to explore so as to further develop your knowledge of the subject matter. Any files or resources that need to be downloaded will be stored on Moodle in the relevant weekly resource tabs. We will be looking for your contributions to this collection of resources as we go, so please be generous in sharing things you identify that have help you along the way!

NEED HELP?

Feel free to use the instant messaging function on Tumblr if you run into difficulty. You can ask staff, or other students for help directly. Even better, use the “Ask me anything” feature on the main blog page so the whole class can see your question (and we don’t get the same question asked 45 times!). You can even choose to be anonymous if you like!

If you need to email one of the staff (for example to send an attachment), our contact details can be found on the Course Contacts tab on the Moodle course page.

ETIQUETTE

We are trying to create an environment where students feel free to ask questions, express their thoughts and share ideas in a comfortable, supportive environment. Whether we succeed is largely up to you. Please always conduct yourself in a manner that is respectful of your fellow students and staff.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

1. Social media guidelines for UNSW students

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