vcc.ca
VCDP 2470: Packaging Design
Effective date
January 2023
Department
Visual Comm Design Diploma
School
Trades, Technology and Design
Description
Students in this course will journey through the inner workings of the entire packaging design process from creative brief and conceptual ideation to the development of a print-ready design file. Through a series of case studies and practical experiences, students will explore the boundaries of designing for packaging and will learn the foundational concepts, principles and strategies. Projects include the creation of a final assembled package design that can be understood in the context of a merchandized retail space. Students learn how to design for three dimensions, make a product stand out on a shelf, and setup final print-ready packaging design files. They also develop an understanding of the hierarchy of information in a packaging context.
Credits
3.0
Year of study
2nd Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Analyze and examine packaging trends and audiences
- Apply compositional principles and organizational strategies to a custom package design
- Create a prototype and a plan for package production
- Analyze legal issues related to package design
- Identify and employ design choices that can reduce the environmental impact of packaging
- Setup a final print-ready file for a packaging design, including dielines
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
1. Interview with department to discuss previous experience
2. A portfolio assessment of previously completed related work OR
3. The demonstration of skills via the successful completion of 1-4 related projects/assignments similar to those completed in the course, chosen at the discretion of the department
2. A portfolio assessment of previously completed related work OR
3. The demonstration of skills via the successful completion of 1-4 related projects/assignments similar to those completed in the course, chosen at the discretion of the department
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 42
Practicum, Self-Paced, Individual Learning: 12
Total Hours: 54
Practicum, Self-Paced, Individual Learning: 12
Total Hours: 54
Instructional Strategies
A combination of lecture, demonstration, production simulations, problem solving, practical labs and reflective discussion will be used throughout this course.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
C
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Project |
30 |
Final project |
|
Assignments |
30 |
Assignments |
|
Lab Work |
30 |
May include in-class exercises, assignments, quizzes/tests, and work-in-progress |
|
Participation |
10 |
Participation and professionalism |
Course topics
- Different package types
- Laying out package design (technical, design and budgetary considerations)
- Preparing artwork and mockups
- Producing dielines
- Material considerations
- Environmental impact
- Legal issues in packaging design
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.