Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 18/01/2026
Subject: Art and Design
Lesson Topic: show awareness of current and historical design processes and concepts
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe key historical design processes and concepts in graphic communication.
  • Explain contemporary design processes and tools used in graphic communication.
  • Apply visual language, typography, colour theory, and grid systems to create a brand identity.
  • Analyse and compare historical and modern design practices.
  • Produce a digital design piece that integrates research, concept development, and testing.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen for presentation
  • Laptop computers with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign installed
  • Printed samples of vintage posters and modern designs
  • Sketchbooks and pencils for concept development
  • Colour swatch cards or Pantone guides
  • Whiteboard and markers
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick visual montage of iconic vintage posters and modern digital ads to spark curiosity. Ask students what they notice about the visual language and tools used. Link this to the lesson’s success criteria: students will identify historical and current design processes and apply them in a brief branding task.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Examine a printed vintage poster and note design elements.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Overview of historical periods and core concepts (visual language, typography, colour, grid).
  3. Demonstration (10'): Show digital workflow in Illustrator – from brief to concept sketch to vector layout.
  4. Guided practice (15'): Recreate the vintage layout using software, focusing on typography and grid.
  5. Group activity (10'): Develop a simple brand brief and draft logo, colour palette, and typographic hierarchy.
  6. Peer feedback (5'): Quick critique using the design‑process checklist.
  7. Consolidation (5'): Teacher summarises differences between historical and contemporary practices.
Conclusion:
Recap the main stages of the design process and how tools have evolved. Students complete an exit ticket by writing one way they will apply a historical technique in a digital project. For homework, they draft a one‑page brochure that incorporates today’s learnings.