Communication Technology 11 · Week 1 · Part 1

Decode + establish the system

Class 1 · 0–70 min · Follow every step in order. Do not skip the expected-result check.

Before you begin: Open the student ZIP, place it in a named course folder, preserve the originals, and save a versioned working file before editing.

Linear build

Do → inspect → repair

Every visible outcome is taught below. A step is not finished until your screen or evidence matches the expected result.

Step 1

Annotate the client brief

Client card

Hotkey: No required shortcut — use the named menu or panel.

Expected result
Audience, purpose, required message, tone words and constraints are marked

Why this matters
The brief supplies reasons for every design decision

Warning — common failure
Choosing only by favourite image

Repair it
Name the audience need first

Step 2

Create two composition thumbnails

Paper or template

Hotkey: No required shortcut — use the named menu or panel.

Expected result
Two distinct reading paths show headline, image and action zones

Why this matters
Alternatives prevent the first idea becoming automatic

Warning — common failure
Drawing decoration instead of hierarchy

Repair it
Use only rectangles and labels

Current Photoshop 2026 or supplied production screenshot. Match the named tool/path; minor panel placement may differ.

Step 3

Repair the weak flyer

Design decision laboratory

Hotkey: No required shortcut — use the named menu or panel.

Expected result
Headline, detail and action read in a deliberate order

Why this matters
Comparison makes principles visible

Warning — common failure
Changing the copy

Repair it
Keep every word and change relationships only

Step 4

Build the four-colour system

Shape layers plus contrast tester

Hotkey: U

Expected result
Background, Text, Accent and Support colours have named jobs

Why this matters
A palette is a system, not a list

Warning — common failure
Choosing colours by preference

Repair it
Connect each colour to audience and function

Step 5

Assign two type roles

Character panel

Hotkey: T

Expected result
Display and text roles contrast without competing

Why this matters
Repeatable roles create voice and predictability

Warning — common failure
Using two decorative faces

Repair it
Make one expressive and one quiet

Student check

Answer before moving on

What makes a brand system different from one attractive poster?

Why diagnose the client and audience before opening Photoshop?

Checkpoint: Annotated brief, two thumbnails and an editable style tile are complete; every colour and type role can be explained using the audience.

Support

Use the supplied grid, one pre-tested palette and one recommended system-font pairing.

Transfer

Create a second valid style direction for the same client and compare the audience effect.

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