Abstract:

The role of visual communication design is an important foundation in design education, providing students with the fundamental knowledge and skills to initiate stories and communicate in visual language, to bring ideas to life in graphic expression. To achieve this goal, learners need to master the principles of visual communication and diverse and valuable ideas, especially awareness of current issues of concern. This is essential when applying design methods and tools in courses, helping to bridge the gap between design theory and practice at the early stages, such as research and idea generation, in order to help future generations of designers face challenges and seize new opportunities. Therefore, higher education institutions should incorporate sustainability in design education, promoting quality teaching, and providing learners with opportunities to raise awareness about alarming issues related to the environment and society. This study presents the results of a pilot course applying Design for Sustainability methods and tools in the visual communication design curriculum. A new design process is used and provided to students enrolled in the Digital Art Design program at FPT University, Vietnam. The results of the study show that the introduction of Sustainable Design approaches and tools in the course contributes to increasing students' awareness of Sustainability. The new teaching materials and pedagogy also provide students with inspiration in research and idea generation, an essential stage in the subsequent design development process.

Keywords:

Visual communication design, design for sustainability, design education, higher education, pilot course.