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Communication Design and Graphic Design

This guide showcases the major resources available for research in the field of communication design and graphic design. Use databases and LibrarySearch to search for academic journal articles, magazine articles, as well as books and ebooks, conference pa

Inspiration

Behance - a social media platform designed for creatives. Develop an online portfolio, showcase your work and gain inspiration. 

Visual Journal 

Design Inspiration 

Dezeen - architecture, interiors and design. 

The Design Files 

Design Addict 

It’s Nice That 

Made by Folk - Inspiration from around the world. 

The Brand Identity 

Organisations & clubs

AGDA - the peak national organisation representing the Australian communication design industry. 

AIGA - US, event, resources 

Australian Design Council - a not-for-profit industry body established to advocate for a design-led future for Australia. 

Design Institute of Australia - the voice of professional design in Australia. 

The Design Kids - Connections and opportunities for students and graduates. 

Good Design Australia - an international design organisation responsible for managing the annual Australian Good Design Awards. 

Ladies, Wine & Design a global non-profit initiative with the aim of increasing diversity in the industry. 

Queer Design Club - a community where LGBTQ+ designers can celebrate queer contributions to the design industry and visual culture, share their work, and connect with each other. 

Competitions for students

ADC Young Guns - Worldwide competition for creatives under 30. 

AGDA – have a section for student awards each year 

iF Design Talent Award - Open to students and recent graduates of all design-related courses. 

Victorian Premier’s Design Awards 

Young Ones Competition (The One Show) - Offers advertising, interactive and design students across the globe the opportunity to compete for cash prizes and a coveted One Show Pencil 

Evaluating information sources

The CRAAP test

Evaluate your sources using the CRAAP test to find reliable, quality information.

Currency: when was it created?
Relevance: is it on my topic?
Authority: is it by an expert?
Accuracy: is it correct?
Purpose: why was it created?

The SIFT method

Evaluate web and social media sources in 4 moves using the SIFT method.

Stop - think before using a source.
Investigate where it is from.
Find alternative sources.
Trace claims, quotes and media.

Fact checking

Fact checking is an important skill. Find out how to assess and verify your sources with RMIT's Fact checking guide.

• Assess websites and social media.
• Lean how to spot fake news.
• Develop your media literacy skills.