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VCD
Methods.

VCD 2024

How is
design
done?

Methods, materials and media are three terms that describe the physical features of visual communications. Methods refer to the procedure used to make a drawing or visual communication. Methods include manual (done by hand) and digital-based (using computer technology) processes. Students learn how to both identify and describe methods, how to explain how they support functions and the communication of ideas and how to select methods for their own designs. This page will outline methods and explain how they are used in visual communications.

Methods, media and materials

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This illustration appears on the Methods, Media and Materials pages. It illustrates and defines these terms in three examples; manual, digital and three-dimensional. Read them carefully, do you agree with the ways I have defined the terms?
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For further information on the Materials and media click the links at right.
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Materials
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Media

Definition of methods

Methods refer to the process or technique a designer uses to make a component or an entire visual communication. Methods range from simple line drawing sketching, through painting and printmaking to advanced digital design, page layout design and photography. Different methods are used for two and three-dimensional designs. Methods used in Visual Communication Design include intuitive, art-based processes like painting, for example, and two and three-dimensional technical drawing processes guided by rules called conventions. Methods are both expressive, where they are used for aesthetic reasons and functional, where they are used for communicating ideas clearly.

Manual and digital processes

The VCE Visual Communication Design Study Design 2024 refers to manual and digital processes that are used to evolve design ideas and concepts and create design solutions.

The term manual refers to methods that are not practised on computer devices or digital platforms. Essentially manual means methods that are done by hand, but also includes processes that use non-digital tools and equipment such as an airbrush, old-school film and chemical photography, printmaking and electric tools for low-fi prototyping or high-fi model making. Manual image-making methods include drawing, painting and collage.

The term digital processes refer to the use of computers, tablets or other digital devices as the platform for two-dimensional image and three-dimensional model-making. Please note that in Visual Communication Design, the device or computer application or program is known as the media and should not be given as an example of a method.

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Order this poster to compliment your learning. Click on the image above to find out more. Alternatively, get a VCD poster set or find it in the VCD Theory Reference Kit.
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A student making a manual Two-Point Perspective sketch of some blocks of Lego. A wonderful, quick way to reveal ideas.
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A close up of 3D Printing - a digital process that is great for creating Low-Fi prototypes.

Aesthetic and functional considerations

Methods are not only processes that enable designers to create images but are used as expressive and meaningful parts of visual language. Designers make deliberate decisions about which manual or digital methods to use in order to meet client and user needs.

'Clean up Australia Day' is a national festival where people come together to tidy up our country and improve the environment. It's a great idea. In this visual experiment, I have tried to show how methods can be used to express ideas through their aesthetic qualities. These in turn support or detract from the function of visual communications. Look at the logos at the right and read about how they work below.

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This is the real logo for 'Clean up Australia Day'. Can you identify the method the designer has used? And what does it communicate about the feel of the day and how people should approach it? (Image: Clean Up Australia).
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By contrast, I created an alternative logo using a digital-based process. This logo is intended to communicate the same information in a different way. Can you describe the feeling people might get around the day when reading my alternative logo? How have the aesthetics of a method been used to frame information differently? If so, what message does the new logo communicate and how is it different from the real one at left?
Each method used in visual communications brings with it particular aesthetic and functional characteristics. When considering the constraints of a brief and the conventions of presentation formats, designers select and use methods that convey feelings and communicate ideas that are appropriate for communication needs. This section will briefly examine a variety of methods, and discuss their aesthetic effects and the ways these effects support the functions of visual communications.

Aesthetic qualities to support function

Each method used in visual communications brings with it particular aesthetic and functional characteristics. When considering the constraints of a brief and the conventions of presentation formats, designers select and use methods that convey feelings and communicate ideas that are appropriate for communication needs. This section will briefly examine a variety of methods, and discuss their aesthetic effects and the ways these effects support the functions of visual communications.
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Freehand sketching has been used to create a textured, nostalgic view of an old truck. The imprecise nature of the pen work and cross-hatched tonal rendering form an endearing view of this weather-beaten old truck with a missing light. This effect supports the function of the image which is to depict this truck reasonably accurately as an historic and austere machine.
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Painting has been used to create a warm and realistic couple embracing in the moonlight. The hand-drawn composition allows for interesting scaling of the elements in the scene including an oversize moon. Painting has allowed the artist to create a soft chiaroscuro light across the figures and the sea behind. The brush strokes evoke a warm feeling. These effects support the function of the illustration which is to engage the audience emotionally and draw them into a romance story. Women's Weekly Magazine, 1954
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A digital process has been used to depict a Segway from several two-dimensional viewpoints. The conventions of layout, line strengths and type, labels and dimensions create simple and clear representations of this largely geometric-shaped product. This effect supports the function of the drawing which is to provide information about the product.
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A digital process has been used to draw a stylised apple shape and combine it with type. It has a fresh, light and energetic feel which conveys the feeling that Woolworths is a dynamic company responding to the environmental concerns of contemporary shoppers. The use of this method supports the function and purposes of the logo which are to both identify a supermarket and to promote it as clean, contemporary and corporate.
Each method used in visual communications brings with it particular aesthetic and functional characteristics. When considering the constraints of a brief and the conventions of presentation formats, designers select and use methods that convey feelings and communicate ideas that are appropriate for communication needs. This section will briefly examine a variety of methods, and discuss their aesthetic effects and the ways these effects support the functions of visual communications.
Model answer
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(Image: Executive Traveller).

Sample Question

Identify two methods used in producing the QANTAS A380 aeroplane branding and evaluate how they were used to communicate ideas to audiences.

Sample Answer

The initial logo and paint design for the plane would have been done using a digital process. A digital method was chosen because it can be used to draw the logo, scale it, combine it with precisely colour-matched colours and export a file for use by the painters. Spray painting would have been used with masking tape to create a crisp outline on the logo. In addition, the shadow on the kangaroo can be created with a blend possible with a spray gun. The large crisp logo on the bright red tail area of the plane communicates a capable, professional aesthetic on the plane. This is an engaging and effective branding both to QANTAS passengers and to the broader public.

Drawing and prototyping

The terms ‘drawing’ and ‘model’ in Visual Communication Design have specific meanings that are not exactly the same as their meanings in general speech. Drawing refers to most kinds of images, perhaps with the exception of photographs, animations and videos, that are made by a manual or digital process and that appear on two-dimensional fields. Drawing includes images such as a sketch, a manual isometric drawing and digitally produced technical plans and elevations and computer renderings of a building’s spaces. Models include artefacts that exist in real or virtual (digital) three-dimensional space. Manually made models made from cardboard or wood, digitally produced models made by 3D printing and object files made inside computer-aided design (CAD) programs are all considered to be models and referred to in the same way. As Visual Communication Design does not require students to produce technically functioning devices or products, they are encouraged to develop, test and present design ideas, concepts and solutions as a ‘prototype’. The degree to which a prototype is made and finished determines if it is considered a low or high-fidelity prototype.

Drawing

Different kinds of drawing in Visual Communication Design are distinguished by the purpose and application for which they are made. Whilst drawings are produced at each phase of the Design Process they are known as Development drawings, Documentation drawings and Presentation drawings. Drawings can be made using manual methods or digital processes.

Development drawings
Development drawings are used to visualise design ideas and concepts, typically in the Develop and Deliver stages of the Design Process. However, drawings may also assist with the processing and synthesising of information in the Discovery and Define phases. Development drawings are an elemental use of visual language and are used to represent ideas in abstract, symbolic and realistic ways. They assist in conceptualising and communicating concepts so they can be analysed, explored, tested and evaluated. Drawing can be done using rapid and informal or expressive techniques or using formal technical or pictorial methods for the purposes of testing and presentation in critique. Development drawings typically begin as ideation sketches using line and shape. Depending on the purpose and field of design, drawings can be used to explore motifs, layouts and compositions for Messages, icons, wireframes and storyboards for Interactive Experiences, form, space and structure for Objects and Environments. Drawings can be made in two and three-dimensional space. Three-dimensional drawings and illustrations graduate to include rendering techniques to enhance form, represent the direction of light, shade and shadow and suggest surface textures and materials. Drawings are produced manually by hand, or using digital processes and media.

Documentation drawings
The purpose of documentation drawings is to define and record technical specifications required for the construction of three-dimensional forms in the fields of Objects and Environments. Forms may be represented in two dimensions using methods such as 3rd Angle Orthogonal drawings, plans and elevations, packaging nets and technical flats, or in three dimensions using methods such as paraline (isometric and planometric) and one and two-point perspective. Documentation drawings can be constructed manually using a single, desired method or output in a variety of available methods from a model using a digital process. Documentation drawings form an integral part of a design and production process, so clarity and accuracy are important considerations. As such, they use technical drawing conventions such as the placement of views, scales, labels, symbols and dimensions to communicate information in standardised, industry-specific ways.

Presentation drawings
Presentation drawing is the term used to describe the manner designers use to convey resolved design solutions to clients and stakeholders for consideration. Presentation drawings can be produced using manual methods but are typically made with either digital processes or hybrid processes combining manual and digital methods. They can be illustrations, documentation drawings, and storyboards or used as part of mock-ups, concept presentation boards and style guides.

The material in the drawing section of this page is adapted from the VCAA Study Design for Visual Communication Design, 2024, p5.

Development, Documentation and presentation drawings

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A digital development drawing done using Morpholio Trace.
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A close-up of a sheet of documentation drawings. Note; dimension, symbols and annotations.
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A client presentation drawing of the home exterior.

Prototyping

Prototyping in Visual Communication Design embraces the conceptualisation, visualisation, development and presentation of design ideas, concepts and solutions in actual three-dimensional form. Whereas model-making was traditionally reserved for the purposes of producing actual objects that represent ideas developed using two-dimensional methods, contemporary Object designers are now using it to visualise and live-test product ideas and concepts at the beginning of the stage of visualisation of ideas instead of using drawing.

Model-making using inexpensive, readily available or easy-to-work-with materials to give form to, and test ideas is known as Low-Fidelity prototyping. Low-fi prototypes are not intended to be finished to represent colours and surfaces of resolved design solutions but exist to bring ideas into reality for consideration and analysis for feasibility. Examples of low-fi prototyping in Object design include cardboard models, clay or plasticine models, foam, laser cut or 3D printed models. Examples of low-fi prototypes in Interactive Experience design include wireframes and hyperlinked image sequences.

By contrast, models that are used to present resolved design solutions are often well constructed, well finished and may even function in some ways. These are known as High-Fidelity prototypes. Hi-fi prototypes may be finished to represent actual materials and surfaces and can be used for photography as part of other presentation formats.

Low-Fidelity Prototypes

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A collection of prototypes used in the design development for the ‘Ortwo’ pepper grinder designed and produced by industrial designers, Dreamfarm. Lo-fi prototypes are used as a low-investment way to make ideas visible and to test the ergonomics and function from the beginning of a product’s development, without getting hung up chasing the aesthetics or finer details of an idea that might not work. Making something demonstrable is also a great way to pitch an idea to other stakeholders such as sales and marketing people. (Image: Dreamfarm Designs).
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2 & 3D manual and digital methods
Printmaking methods
Movable type
Technical and pictorial drawing
3D prototyping methods
Print & production methods

2 & 3D manual and digital drawing methods

Designers use two-and three-dimensional methods to visualise ideas and develop concepts for evaluation and as parts of completed presentations. In this context two-dimensional drawing refers to flat views such as a side view and three-dimensional drawing refers to drawings or illustrations that depict form using linear, atmospheric, or oblique perspective or using techniques of rendering, on a two-dimensional field. Each of the following methods can be achieved manually (by hand) or with a digital process (done with a digital device or computer – using digital-based media).

Art making methods

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Sketching

Sketching, also referred to as 'visualisation drawing' in VCD is an intuitive way of recording objects and spaces from observation or conceptualising ideas visually.

There are many techniques for sketching including contour drawings and drawing for form and structure. Sketching is often done with line but may include tonal rendering to represent form, shade and surface materials.

Skip ahead to the twelve minute mark for perspective.
Or check this nice one on observational drawing.
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Painting

Painting is applying liquid media to a material. There are many different kinds of painting, depending on the media used. Paint can be applied with a brush, roller or spray-gun or airbrush. There are also digital painting techniques.

There are many different artistic styles for painting including representational (realistic) and abstract. Painting is often used to represent people, objects and spaces. Painting styles can be expressive or non-emotional. The history of painting is covered in the history of Art.

For a most amazing journey into painting and mixed media illustration.
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Photography

Photography was invented in the 19th Century. Manual (pre-digital) photography is a chemical process involving light-sensitive chemicals, glass and paper. Old photos are monochromatic (black and white) or sepia (brown) tinted tonal images. Although colour photography was invented earlier it only became viable in the second half of the 20th Century. Still photography developed into moving images with the advent of cinema at the end of the 19th Century. A camera is the chief recording tool for photography. Photography is used when a realistic representation of people, objects or places is required.
Watch a brief history of painting.
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Collage

Collage refers to the process of making an image by combining cut parts of existing images or type. Collage was first used during the art style of Cubism in Paris in the early 20th Century. It is a way artists used to add authenticity and interest to paintings.
From the most influential grunge designer comes new work in collage.

task

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Show I know ...
1.1 Try them out
No matter what your idea is, try it out in each of the methods shown above. Get ready for some surprising effects.
1.2 Convergent thinking

Annotate your trials in different methods. Describe and evaluate;

  • Which methods did you feel most comfortable with?
  • Which methods might create the best effects for the purpose of your design and for the stakeholders involved?
  • Which method might create the best effects for your target audience?
  • Which method might create the best effects for the constraints in your brief?
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Printmaking

Manual printmaking processes are image-making techniques that enable limited reproduction of designs. They are used to make images with certain characteristics. Artists like manual printmaking because they like working in a process, each step requiring different kinds of engagement. Generally, manual printing techniques print one colour at a time. This creates different challenges when an artist wants to ensure several colours print together in correct registration (alignment). Different manual printmaking processes lead to different aesthetic results. There are many common ways to print images:

Manual printmaking methods

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Relief printing

Ink is transferred to paper from raised surfaces of a printing block like a rubber stamp. Areas that the artist doesn’t want to appear in the print are removed from the block. Examples are collagraphy, lino block, wood block and potato printing.
Explore the beauty of Hokusai, his Great Wave and woodblock printing.
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Intaglio printing

Ink is transferred to paper from lines lower than the surface of a printing block. Pressure from a printing press is required to transfer the ink. The lines can be etched into a block with acid or incised (scratched) by hand with a sharp too. Tone can also be created with a technique called aquatint. Examples include etching.
An equally fascinating explanation of etching.
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Lithography

Ink is transferred to paper from a flat stone or metal block. A drawing is done with wax crayons on a block. The block is then wet with water which is repelled by the wax crayon. The block is inked up with a roller, where the link adheres to the crayon only. Paper is placed on the block, which is run through a printing press. Lithography allows for spontaneous artistic designs.
And here's an explanation of lithography. Interesting.
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Monprinting

Paint or ink is applied to a surface like glass, Perspex or a tabletop. A design is scratched into the wet paint. Paper is placed on the surface and the design is transferred to it. Only one print is possible with each design.
A beautiful but simple monoprint. Stunning.
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Screen-printing

Ink is transferred to paper through a stencil. The stencil is held in place by a fine, fabric, mesh screen. Thick ink is pushed through the screen with a rubber blade called a squeegee. Stencils can be made manually from paper cut with a knife or photographically by projecting an image onto a light-sensitive emulsion which is hardened by a chemical developing solution. Screen printing is used for printing designs onto fabric.
A beginner's guide to screen-printing posters.

task

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Show I know ...
2.1 Print techniques
View the print methods shown above. Consider which ones interest you. Which one would you like to try this year? Are they any ways you could adapt one of the methods to the needs in your work?
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Movable type

One huge advance contributing to vase improvements in mass literacy was the invention of moveable type. Although it is thought to be first created in China around one thousand years ago, it was not until Johannes Gutenberg made type on separate blocks of metal in Germany in the mid-1400s. Movable type began to dominate as the preferred method of producing literature. Moveable block printing is a relief printing method.

How was type made?

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From 1450 - 1980

People known as type-cutters produced metal blocks in the shape of letters in reverse, that could be assembled in frames to create lines of type by typographers. Many of the names and processes referring to type we know and use today including tracking, leading, fonts, type-faces, upper, lower case and points were coined during the period of printing from metal blocks. A final step of the development of metal block printing was the Linotype machine. This was an extremely complicated mechanical device that could cast metal lines (sentences) of type from hot metal as an operator typed them in! It was used in newspaper offices right up to the 1980s.

Moveable type blocks are made from wood and metal. Wooden blocks were used for large posters in the 19th Century. These are still used for old-fashioned effects. 'Rockwell' (1934 Monotype) is a typeface that resembles the slab-serif capitals used in 'Wanted' posters of the 1800s. Visual communications made with movable type blocks often have rigid designs where lines of type are organised in strict lines.

How was type first made? Watch this and fill your head with wonder...
And now it gets a bit more serious. Letterpress printing.
Can you believe this amazing machine? It's a pre-computer computer. I actually remember seeing on working in a country newspaper in the 1970s!
And of course, the final chapter in pre-digital typesetting. Photo-typesetting. Nice.

task

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Show I know ...
3.1 What can i say?
Watch one or more of the videos shown above. Consider the different ways type has been made. Discuss the significance of moveable type. The Gutenberg press is regarded as an invention as important as the computer. Do you agree?
3.2 what do you wonder?
After you have watched one or more of the videos above, consider what you wonder about type and printing. Use the thinking routine 'I used to think, now I think...' or 'Connect, Extend, Challenge' from Project Zero at Harvard University, to give substance to your ideas.
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Technical and pictorial drawing methods

Designers in the fields of Object and Environmental Design, and sometimes in Messages and Interactive Experiences use methods to illustrate, document and present information about objects and environments. Target Learning VCD knows the kinds of drawing methods designers use as technical and pictorial drawing.

Three kinds of technical drawings

Designers and illustrators use conventions for representing three-dimensional products and environments. These conventions fall into three main categories:

Two-dimensional representations
These are drawings that show form in separate, flattened, two-dimensional views. These views do not include any information relating to depth or surface details. These drawing methods form parts of manufacturing and construction contracts and so as a consequence, are governed by an organisation called ‘Australian Standards’.  They follow conventions known as technical drawing conventions. Methods of two-dimensional representations include;

  • 3rd Angle Orthogonal
  • Architectural Plans and Elevations
  • Packaging Nets
  • Technical Flats

Three-dimensional paraline representations
These drawing methods are constructed by projecting the sides of an object onto oblique planes at different angles. The feature of each of these methods is that each uses three sets of parallel lines to indicate height, width and depth. The lines remain parallel to each other as they progress further away from the viewer. These drawing methods are ideal for representing forms accurately as they allow the designer to use true measurements in any of the X, Y and Z axes. Methods of paraline representations include;

  • Isometric
  • Planometric

Three-dimensional perspective representations
These drawing methods are constructed on a picture plane perpendicular to the viewer’s line of sight and use one or two vanishing points situated on a Horizon Line that is equal in height to the viewer’s eye level. Vertical lines in perspective in Visual Communication Design always remain vertical and parallel with each other. Horizontal lines are horizontal and parallel with each other in a One-Point perspective, whilst horizontal lines in a Two-Point perspective converge at a vanishing point as they progress further away from the viewer. True measurements are possible in the X and Y axes in a One-point perspective drawing. However, they are only possible on the X-axis in a Two-Point perspective drawing. Methods of perspective representations include;

  • One-point perspective
  • Two-Point perspective

CAD

Digital technical and pictorial drawing methods using the media of CAD applications for environments and objects, model forms in a three-dimensional space and are able to output drawings using all two and three-dimensional technical and pictorial methods.

Two-dimensional technical drawing methods

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3rd Angle Orthogonal

3rd Angle Orthogonal drawing refers to the representation of an object from a range of different two-dimensional points of view. This kind of drawing is used by object designers to document objects for presentation to stakeholders and for production. 3rd Angle Orthogonal drawing is guided by a range of conventions regarding the types and weights of lines used, the relationship between views, names of views, ways dimensions are shown, scales, titles and use of a special symbol.
A brief introduction to 3rd Angle Orthogonal drawing.
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Plans and Elevations

Plans and Elevations refer to the representation of a built environment (including buildings) from a range of different two- dimensional points of view. This kind of drawing is used by environmental designers to document buildings for presentation and construction. Plans and Elevations are guided by a range of conventions regarding the types and weights of lines used, the relationship between views, names of views, ways dimensions are shown, scales, titles and symbols.
Drawing Plans and Elevations.
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Packaging Nets

A packaging net is the name given to the two-dimensional shape that if cut and folded would create a form. It is also called a development. Communication and object designers use packaging nets as the basis of a packaging design. Packaging nets use conventions regarding line types, cut-outs and tabs.
Starting out with a packaging net.
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Technical Flats

Technical flats for fashion design are precise two-dimensional drawings that depict garments or apparel from the front, back, and sides. They use conventions including standard symbols and annotations to convey information about closures, stitching, fabric types, and other design features. Measurements are typically included to indicate the length, width, and placement of various components. Similar to other technical drawings, technical flats exclude shading and patterns to focus on the structure and construction of a garment.
A great introduction to 'Technical Flats'. Apologies for the inches! Interesting point, if you're crossing over from 3rd Angle Orthogonal, you notice Technical Flats use curved lines to indicate form. Not done in other forms of Two-dimensional technical drawing.

Three-dimensional pictorial drawing methods

Paraline drawing

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Isometric

Isometric drawing is a paraline drawing method where an object's views are projected onto oblique planes. It is a quick, easy and accurate way of representing form for visualisation and presentation drawings. Drawings using this method are set up on axes 30 degrees from the horizontal using a 30/60 degree set square or digital method. Right angles on top surfaces of isometric drawings are shown at 120 degrees. True measurements may be used, aligned with the directions of measurement.
My first Isometric drawing.
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Planometric

Planometric drawing is a paraline drawing method where an object's views are projected onto oblique planes. It is a quick, easy and accurate way of representing form for visualisation and presentation drawings. Drawings using this method are set up on axes 45 (or 30/60) degrees from the horizontal using a 45/45 (or 30/60) degree set square or digital method. Right angles on top surfaces of Planometric drawings are shown at 90 degrees. True measurements may be used, aligned with the directions of measurement.
An interior in Planometric projection.

Perspective drawing

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One-point perspective

Perspective drawing is a system that represents parallel lines as converging as they recede away from a viewer. The components of perspective drawing include a Horizon Line (or eye level) and vanishing points. One-point perspective represents a form or space where an elevation is shown in true measurements on a picture plane. Lines receding from the elevation converge at one vanishing point on a horizon line. The position (height and latitude) of the vanishing point is set by the position of the viewer or camera. One-point perspectives are used frequently by environmental designers to represent interiors.
Try an interior in One-Point perspective.
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Click this image to visit the page.

Two-point perspective

Two-point perspective represents a form or space from one corner. Dimensions and proportions of objects are set by a closest vertical line that runs near the centre of the drawing and is parallel with the picture plane. Lines receding on both sides of the closest vertical converge at two vanishing points away from the object, on a horizon line. The position (height and latitude) of the vanishing points is set by the position of the viewer or camera. Two-point perspectives are used frequently by industrial and environmental designers to represent forms and structures.
Starting out in Two-Point perspective.
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task

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Show I know ...
4.1 Familiarise yourself
View each of the two and three-dimensional drawing methods shown above. Consider which ones you feel more comfortable with and which ones you might have to do some more learning to be able to use competently.
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3D Manual and digital prototyping methods

Prototyping is model-making used to test ideas and present design concepts. Low-fidelity prototypes use readily available materials with simple methods of construction in the Development stage of the Design Process. The focus is not on appearance but on testing function. High-fidelity prototypes are models made to resemble a finished product. Sometimes known as a photographic model a hi-fi prototype is usually finished to emulate the surface and colours of an object it represents.

Manual and digital methods for making prototypes

Prototypes

A prototype is a way for clients and stakeholders to understand design ideas by seeing how they look in context. They are aptly known as 'proof of concept'. Low-Fi prototypes are used as part of the design process. With minimal investment in time and materials, low-fi prototypes are used in iterations (ideate > model > test > evaluate > begin again) in the Develop and Deliver phases of the Design Process. Some aesthetics and functionality may be present, but the real point is to test for form, scale and ergonomics. Low-Fi prototypes are quick, rough and efficient - costing as little time and money as possible.
Nice one quirky cardboard low-fi prototyping.
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Fabrication/ Assembly

Fabrication is really building. Parts are cut, shaped and assembled together. Techniques for making parts include; cutting, folding, laminating, drilling and gluing.
"It's part of my design process...it's visual sketching..."
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3D Printing

3D printing is a digital process where a thin plastic rod (filament) is heated as it passes through a block. It is extruded onto a base and guided by a computer in the X, Y and Z axes. Multiple layers of the thin plastic bead are fused together to build up a form.
Find out how Formlabs uses a 24-hour design cycle with rapid prototyping.
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Reductive sculpture (carving)

Technical flats for fashion design are precise two-dimensional drawings that depict garments or apparel from the front, back, and sides. They use conventions including standard symbols and annotations to convey information about closures, stitching, fabric types, and other design features. Measurements are typically included to indicate the length, width, and placement of various components. Similar to other technical drawings, technical flats exclude shading and patterns to focus on the structure and construction of a garment.

Making camera forms quickly with foam.
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Laser cutting

Laser cutting is a digital process where the heat from a laser light beam is used to cut flat sheet material such as medium-density fibreboard (MDF), plywood, cardboard and plastic sheet. The laser is held in a head that is guided by a computer in the X and Y axes.
Laser cutting in architectural model making.

task

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Show I know ...
5.1 Investigate available technologies
Review the technologies described above. Find out which ones are available in your school.
5.2 Form or shape
Consider the prototyping technologies above. Which of them is able to model or create form? Which of them cuts shapes? What kinds of designs would be best suited to be made with each of the technologies?
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Print and production

Whilst students of Visual Communication Design are not expected to be conversant with a large range of print or production techniques, a rudimentary understanding of them can assist with the analysis of the constraints and key features of communication and object designs. Following are a few common methods used in the production of designs.

Commercial printing

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Letterpress printing.

Letterpress printing is an old-style relief printing method. Designs are made with movable wooden or metal type blocks mounted in a caddy. Many of the terms we use for type adjustments such as upper-case, lower-case and leading come from the era of printing type in this way. Letterpress printing prints one pre-mixed spot colour at a time. For two, three and four colours, the printer must reposition the paper and overprint colours in sequence. The registration (correct alignment) of paper for printing with multiple colour is important. As letterpress only prints in 100% colour, tones can be achieved by using half-tone pattern screens.
A quick look at movable type on a poster.
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Digital printing

Digital printing is preferred for low-volume print jobs where the cost of setting up print plates would become more expensive than the higher cost per sheet of digital printing. There are two categories of digital printing.

Inkjet

Digital printing is preferred for low-volume print jobs where the cost of setting up print plates would become more expensive than the higher cost per sheet of digital printing. There are two categories of digital printing.

Inkjet

Digital printing is preferred for low-volume print jobs where the cost of setting up print plates would become more expensive than the higher cost per sheet of digital printing. There are two categories of digital printing.
What's inside your CMYK colour laser printer?
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Offset lithographic printing

Technical flats for fashion design are precise two-dimensional drawings that depict garments or apparel from the front, back, and sides. They use conventions including standard symbols and annotations to convey information about closures, stitching, fabric types, and other design features. Measurements are typically included to indicate the length, width, and placement of various components. Similar to other technical drawings, technical flats exclude shading and patterns to focus on the structure and construction of a garment.

Complex but simple.

Commercial manufacturing

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Casting

Metal (lead, silver, gold, aluminium, steel, bronze, etc.) is heated until it is a liquid in a jar called a crucible. It is poured into a mould made of steel or sand. The mould is opened and the finished form is ground to remove jagged edges.
Liquid metal?
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Injection moulding

Plastic pellets are heated to a liquid (melted) and then pressed (injected) into a warm steel mould. This is a quick and cheap way to make products. However, the set-up costs of machining the moulds are very high. Small plastic parts right through to plastic furniture are made with injection moulding.
Making Lego.
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Stamping

Stamping is the name given to pressing sheet metal between a positive and negative die (mould or form). Stamping metal requires great force. Parts of cars are made in this way, then they are welded together.
Great force.

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6.1 Investigate printing techniques
Take a look around you in the classroom. Consider all the print material nearby. Determine which articles might be printed digitally or by offset lithography. Are there any garments with printed logos or similar? Do these look like they are screen printed or digitally printed - like the multicoloured basketball shirts?
6.2 Investigate manufacturing techniques
Consider all the objects (industrial designs) nearby you now. See if you can identify the materials they are made from. Are they solid forms or made from sheet material? Determine if any of the manufacturing techniques shown above might have been used. Discuss why specific manufacturing techniques were chosen for each object.
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