NCEA Level 2 Design and Visual Communication

Year 12 Design and Visual Communication (DVC) challenges students to apply advanced design thinking and visual communication skills through two authentic, student-led design outcomes. Assessed using NCEA Level 2 Achievement Standards, the course centres on designing for real users rather than for the student themselves.

Design contexts include architecture (including interior design) and product design. Students create design briefs that align with their interests and explore user needs, site or environmental conditions, and aesthetic or functional requirements. Through independent research, ideation, modelling, and development, students create meaningful design solutions that are visually and practically resolved.

Visual communication techniques such as freehand sketching, rendering, and digital modelling (CAD) are used to explore and present ideas. The ability to communicate design thinking clearly and effectively is a key focus, as is the consideration of sustainability, cultural context, and user experience. Students are expected to work with increasing independence, using critical and creative thinking to justify decisions and refine their outcomes.

This course builds a solid platform for success at Level 3 and supports pathways into architecture, design, engineering, and other creative or spatial industries.