NCEA Level 3 Design and Visual Communication flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Design brief

A statement of the problem, the intended user or audience, and the constraints and specifications the design must satisfy; it is the reference point against which every design decision is justified.

Divergent thinking

Generating a wide range of distinct design possibilities before narrowing down. In assessment evidence it appears as multiple clearly different concept directions, not variations of one idea.

Convergent thinking

Selecting and refining the strongest idea from the range generated. Evidence should show the selection criteria used, such as user needs, feasibility, cost, or ergonomics.

Iterative design

Repeated cycles of sketch, prototype, test, and refine. Each cycle should record what was changed and why, so the assessor can see improvement rather than a single finished attempt.

Mock-up

A physical or digital model at full or reduced scale used to test proportion, ergonomics, or function before final production; it need not look finished but must answer a specific question.

Orthographic projection

A method of drawing a three-dimensional object as separate two-dimensional views (front, top, side) projected at right angles, used to communicate exact shape and dimensions.

First-angle vs third-angle

Two arrangements of orthographic views. In first-angle the view is placed on the far side of the object; in third-angle it is placed on the near side. The symbol on the drawing identifies which is used.

Isometric drawing

A parallel projection where the three axes are spaced 120 degrees apart, so true lengths are preserved along each axis. Circles appear as ellipses; no vanishing point is used.

Perspective drawing

A projection using one or more vanishing points so parallel lines converge, producing depth as the eye sees it. One-point uses one vanishing point; two-point uses two on a horizon line.

Line hierarchy

Deliberate variation in line weight and type to convey meaning: heavier outlines for visible edges, lighter construction lines, dashed lines for hidden edges, and chain lines for centrelines.

Scale

The ratio of a drawing to the real object, written as drawing:object, for example 1:50 for a room plan. Scale must be stated on the sheet and applied consistently.

Dimensioning conventions

Dimensions state true size regardless of scale, use arrowheads or oblique strokes at terminations, avoid duplication, and are placed outside the outline where practical to keep the drawing legible.

Ergonomics

Designing for human physical capability: reach, grip, posture, sight lines, and clearance. Anthropometric percentile data (for example 5th to 95th percentile) supports justified sizing decisions.

Accessibility and universal design

Designing so spaces and products work for people with varied abilities. Evidence includes clear circulation widths, level or ramped access, contrast, and reachable controls.

Spatial design

Design of interior, architectural, or exhibition environments. Assessment evidence links site, scale, circulation, structure, materials, and human use to the design intent.

Circulation

The path people take through a space, including entries, corridors, and movement between zones. It is shown on plans and must meet minimum clear widths for safe use.

Site context

The physical and cultural setting of a spatial design: orientation, sun and prevailing wind, access, neighbouring structures, and heritage or landscape features that shape the response.

Product design

Design of manufactured three-dimensional objects. Evidence covers function, materials, joining methods, manufacturing processes, safety, and sustainability of the chosen approach.

Material selection

Choosing a material by matching properties (strength, weight, cost, durability, finish, recyclability) to the functional and aesthetic requirements of the design.

Manufacturing constraints

Limits imposed by production: tooling, batch size, tolerances, assembly order, standard stock sizes, and cost. Designs that ignore these are hard to justify as resolved.

Media design

Design for print, screen, or interactive media. Evidence covers typographic hierarchy, grid, colour, image treatment, and output specification for the intended platform.

Typographic hierarchy

Ordering text by size, weight, spacing, and position so the reader knows what to read first, second, and third. Hierarchy should be visible without reading the words.

Grid system

An underlying structure of columns, margins, and gutters that aligns elements consistently across a layout, making multi-page or multi-screen work coherent and faster to produce.

RGB vs CMYK

RGB is additive light colour used for screens; CMYK is subtractive ink colour used for print. Designing in the wrong mode causes colour shifts at output.

Resolution for print

Print images are typically supplied at 300 ppi at final placed size; screen images are commonly 72 to 150 ppi. Upscaling a low-resolution image does not restore real detail.

Bleed and trim

Bleed is artwork extending beyond the trim edge (commonly 3 mm) so cutting tolerances do not leave white edges. Trim marks show where the sheet is cut.

Legibility vs readability

Legibility is how easily individual characters are distinguished; readability is how easily a block of text is read. Typeface, size, contrast, and line length affect both.

Contrast in visual communication

Deliberate difference in value, colour, size, or weight that creates emphasis and guides attention. Sufficient value contrast also supports accessibility for low-vision readers.

Annotated sketch

A drawing with short notes pointing to features, materials, or decisions. Annotations turn a picture into evidence of thinking and are expected throughout development work.

Design justification

Explaining why a decision was made by linking it to evidence such as user needs, testing results, standards, or precedent. Assertion alone does not meet the justification threshold.

Precedent analysis

Studying existing designs to extract transferable principles (structure, joinery, layout, material logic) and stating what will be adopted, adapted, or rejected and why.

Title block

A panel on a drawing sheet recording name, title, scale, date, and sheet number, so the drawing is self-identifying and can be read and filed without accompanying explanation.