Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Art and Design
Lesson Topic: respond to a theme, starting point or design brief
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the key components of a design brief and how they inform visual decisions.
  • Analyse a brief to identify target audience, message and constraints.
  • Generate and develop multiple visual concepts using research, sketching and visual language.
  • Apply appropriate colour, typography, imagery and layout to communicate the brief effectively.
  • Evaluate the final design against assessment criteria and reflect on improvements.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard for brief examples.
  • Printed design brief handouts.
  • Sketchbooks and pencils for thumbnail studies.
  • Colour swatches and typography reference sheets.
  • Computers with graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Illustrator or free alternatives).
  • A3 boards or presentation folders for final portfolio.
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick visual hook—show a striking poster that clearly answers a brief. Ask students what information they think guided its design, linking to prior knowledge of audience and purpose. Explain that today they will work through the full design‑brief process, and success will be measured by a clear brief summary, three distinct thumbnail ideas, and a reflective presentation.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑Now (5’) – Students examine a sample brief and underline key requirements.
  2. Brief Breakdown (10’) – Whole‑class discussion on interpreting audience, purpose and constraints; students write a one‑sentence summary.
  3. Research & Mood Board (15’) – In pairs, gather visual references on laptops and create a quick collage on paper.
  4. Sketching Ideation (20’) – Individually produce three thumbnail concepts, annotate colour, type and rationale.
  5. Concept Selection & Development (15’) – Choose strongest idea, expand into a detailed layout with refined visual language.
  6. Digital Production (20’) – Transfer design to computer, apply colour codes, typography hierarchy, and check legibility.
  7. Presentation Prep (10’) – Assemble brief, research board, sketches and final piece on an A3 portfolio; write a 150‑200 word reflection.
  8. Peer Review & Exit Ticket (5’) – Students give one constructive comment and complete a short exit ticket summarising how they met the brief.
Conclusion:
Recap the steps from brief analysis to final presentation, highlighting how each stage built on the previous work. Students submit their exit tickets and reflective paragraphs as evidence of learning. For homework, they will refine their digital design based on peer feedback and prepare a short written justification for any changes.