SACE Stage 2 Visual Arts - Design study plan

Map the SACE Stage 2 Design assessment requirements into a one-page checklist that names each evidence type the folio and visual study must contain

Draft a design brief that states a client or user, a context, constraints and success criteria, then test it against three 'how might we' reformulations

Establish an investigation log structure with dated entries, source fields and a column for design thinking moves (research, ideate, test, reflect)

Collect and annotate eight primary and secondary sources relevant to the brief, tagging each as inspiration, information or technique reference

Write a 150-word statement of intent that names the design problem, intended audience and the visual language you expect to explore

Generate at least 30 thumbnail concepts across three distinct visual directions, keeping each under five minutes

Run a structured critique of the three directions using the brief's success criteria as the scoring rubric

Select two directions to develop and justify each rejection in writing within the folio

Build a visual study sheet that isolates the formal elements (type, colour, grid, image treatment) of the chosen directions

Photograph or scan all process work and file it with consistent naming so the folio reads chronologically

Develop the two chosen directions into refined digital or material mockups at intended final scale

Iterate at least three versions of the strongest direction, documenting the specific change and rationale for each

Test legibility, hierarchy and colour contrast against accessibility guidance and record the results

Draft the practitioner's statement structure: intent, influences, process decisions and evaluation criteria

Consult one external voice (peer, teacher or target user) and log their feedback verbatim with your response

Lock the final design concept and write a production schedule with dated checkpoints to the end of week 7

Produce the design product to at least 70 percent completion, resolving the highest-risk technical elements first

Update the folio so every decision in the product traces back to a documented investigation entry

Write a 250-word practitioner's statement draft that connects influences to specific formal choices

Complete the design product and produce it in its intended final format or medium

Produce a resolved visual study work that extends the product's visual language rather than repeating it

Document the technical specification of the final product (dimensions, stock or material, colour system, file setup)

Annotate the visual study to explain the design inquiry it answers and the decisions it records

Complete a second resolved visual study work or a coherent series that demonstrates sustained inquiry

Run a full self-evaluation of the product against the brief's original success criteria, citing evidence for each judgement

Revise the practitioner's statement to its final 400-500 word form, checking every claim is evidenced in the folio

Edit the folio down to its strongest evidence, removing repetition and ensuring a clear narrative arc

Assemble the complete submission in the required order and format, checking every component against the week 1 checklist

Proofread the practitioner's statement and all folio annotations for accuracy, spelling and consistent terminology

Conduct a timed dry-run presentation or walkthrough of the work to a test audience and record their questions

Fix every gap identified in the dry run, prioritising missing evidence over cosmetic polish

Verify file formats, naming, backups and submission logistics against the assessment checklist

Rehearse the oral justification of design decisions to a strict time limit, twice

Submit the final package and archive a complete copy of all process and resolved work