Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Art and Design
Lesson Topic: carry out visual research using direct observation and secondary sources
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the purpose and benefits of visual research in graphic communication.
  • Demonstrate how to gather and record visual data through direct observation.
  • Evaluate secondary visual sources for relevance and reliability.
  • Organise findings into a research log and mood board.
  • Apply research insights to inform design decisions for a poster project.
Materials Needed:
  • Sketchbooks or notebooks
  • Pencils, erasers, colour pencils
  • Digital camera or smartphone for photographs
  • Laptop or tablet with internet access
  • Projector and screen for visual examples
  • Research log template (printed or digital)
  • Mood‑board sheet or poster board
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick gallery walk of everyday signage and posters to spark curiosity about where designers get visual ideas. Ask students to recall any recent project where they looked at real objects or online images for inspiration. Explain that today they will learn how to conduct systematic visual research and will be assessed on clear documentation and its impact on design decisions.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): List three places where they have seen visual research influence a design; share briefly.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Define direct observation vs. secondary sources, show exemplar sketches and online mood boards.
  3. Planning activity (8'): Students choose a focus (e.g., signage, motif) and outline a short site‑visit plan (time, lighting, permissions).
  4. Observation practice (15'): In a nearby area or classroom, students make quick sketches, take photos, and record measurements and colour notes.
  5. Secondary research (12'): Using laptops, students locate three relevant poster examples, fill in a research log with bibliographic details and visual analysis.
  6. Synthesis (10'): Create a one‑page mood board that combines direct and secondary findings; peer review for relevance to a community‑event poster brief.
  7. Reflection & exit ticket (5'): Write one sentence describing how their research will shape the final design; hand in the research log.
Conclusion:
Recap the key steps of visual research and highlight how systematic documentation supports strong design concepts. Students complete an exit ticket summarising their next design move based on the research. For homework, they refine their mood board and begin drafting layout ideas for the community‑event poster.