GRA-60-6 Independent Design Project and Portfolio
GRA-60-6 Independent Design Project and Portfolio
- Course description
- Course CodeGRA-60-6
- Level of Study5.1
- Program of StudyGraphic Design
- Credits10
- Study Plan CoordinatorLibre van den Bergh
In the Independent Design Project and Portfolio, students plan and carry out a self-directed graphic design project from brief to outcome. They define personal project goals, formulate their own design brief with a clear target group and scope, and learn methods for planning, scheduling and managing their work using milestones and progress tracking. The course emphasises a structured creative process from ideation to execution, with students researching, developing and visualising concepts through sketches, mock-ups and other preparatory design work.
Throughout the project, students document their process and outcomes in a form suitable for portfolio presentation, using images, sketches and written notes. They learn about expectations in client-style projects, including clarifying requirements, presenting progress updates and responding constructively to feedback. The course also focuses on portfolio development, with students selecting, curating and presenting their work in appropriate formats, and discussing key design choices in relation to their brief. Ethical considerations such as respect for copyright, correct crediting of sources and responsible representation of their own work and collaborations are integrated into project work and presentation.
The candidate
- has knowledge of how to define personal project goals and formulate a design brief for an independent project.
- has knowledge of methods for planning, scheduling and managing a self-directed project, including time management, milestones and scope.
- has knowledge of how a self-directed creative process from ideation to execution can be documented through sketches, images and written notes.
- has knowledge of key expectations in client-style graphic design projects, including clarifying requirements, responding to feedback and communicating progress.
- has knowledge of principles for selecting, curating and presenting personal project outcomes in a portfolio.
- has insight into different portfolio formats and how they can be used to present personal graphic design work.
- can update their knowledge by studying examples of professional projects and portfolios and using them as inspiration for their own practice.
The candidate
- can apply knowledge to define a design brief for an independent project, including goals, target group and scope.
- can apply knowledge to plan and manage their own project using schedules, milestones and progress tracking tools.
- masters methods for researching, developing and visualising concepts through sketches, mock-ups and other preparatory design work.
- masters techniques for documenting the project process and outcome in a form suitable for portfolio presentation.
- can apply knowledge to communicate project progress in a client-style project by clarifying requirements, presenting updates and responding to feedback, and can present final project and portfolio outcomes in relation to the brief.
- can find and use information and references relevant to a project brief, including context, audience needs and visual inspiration.
- can study a project situation and identify subject-related issues, such as unclear goals or unrealistic scope, and propose measures to adjust the brief or project plan.
The candidate
- understands ethical principles relevant to independent design work and portfolio presentation, including respect for copyright material, correct crediting of sources and responsible representation of their own work.
- has developed an ethical attitude in relation to presenting work and process transparently, including acknowledging inspiration, contributions and collaboration where relevant.
- can carry out an independent design project from brief to outcome by working in a structured, self-directed manner and responding to feedback and critique.
- can present and discuss their project and portfolio in a professional manner by explaining key choices, process and outcomes in relation to the brief.
Digital Learning Resources
The learning management system (LMS) is the primary learning platform where students access most of their course materials. The content is presented in various formats, such as text, images, models, videos or podcasts. Each course follows a progression plan, designed to lead students through weekly modules at their own pace. Exercises and assignments (individual or in groups) are embedded throughout the courses to support continuous practice and assessment of the learning outcomes.
Campus Resources
In addition to the digital learning resources, campus students participate in physical learning activities led by teachers as part of the overall delivery.
Guidance
Guidance and feedback from teachers support students' learning journeys, and may be provided synchronously or asynchronously, individually or in groups, via text, video or in-person feedback.