Active learning ideas
Output and Portfolio Compilation is the final phase of the DCG student assignment. It involves organizing all the research, sketches, CAD models, and drawings into a cohesive and professional portfolio. This topic focuses on graphic design principles such as visual hierarchy, typography, and layout to ensure the 'story' of the design process is communicated clearly to the examiner.
Activity 01
Display examples of high-achieving portfolios from previous years (with permission). Students use a marking rubric to 'grade' the portfolios, focusing on how well the layout communicates the design narrative.
What role does visual hierarchy play in a presentation board?
Activity 02
Give students a set of images and text blocks for a single portfolio page. They work in pairs to decide which element should be the 'hero' (the main focus) and how to arrange the other elements to support it.
How do we balance text and imagery to effectively communicate a design narrative?
Activity 03
Groups are given a section of the NCCA marking scheme and must find evidence in their own draft portfolios that they have met each criterion. They then suggest improvements to each other's work.
What are the key requirements for the Leaving Certificate DCG assignment portfolio?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Students often think that 'more is better' and try to cram as much information as possible onto every page.
Emphasize the importance of 'white space' and clarity. Using a 'one main idea per page' rule in a peer-review session can help students simplify their layouts.
There is a common error in using too many different fonts and colors, which can make the portfolio look unprofessional.
Teach the 'rule of two' (no more than two fonts and two main colors). Having students create a 'style guide' for their portfolio in small groups helps them maintain consistency.
Methods used in this brief
Design Research and Ideation
Initiating the design process by analyzing existing products and generating new concepts. Students learn to gather primary and secondary research effectively.
8 methodologies
Freehand Sketching and Presentation Techniques
Developing rapid visualization skills using freehand sketching, shading, and rendering. Students practice communicating complex 3D forms on paper.
8 methodologies