Diploma in Communication Design (T59)

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Course Overview

Communication Design is where creativity meets strategy—where stories take shape, visuals come alive, and ideas are crafted to connect, influence, and inspire. If you are someone who notices great branding, loves experimenting with design, or dreams of creating content that sparks conversations, this diploma will give you the tools, mindset, and platform to explore your creative potential.

You will learn to think like a creative strategist, craft compelling visual narratives, and bring brands to life through art direction, typography, motion design, UX/UI, and more. From posters to pop-ups, campaigns to digital experiences, you will design

across media platforms that connect people and ideas. What makes this course distinctive is its versatility. You will move fluidly across creative roles—designer, storyteller, strategist, innovator—while blending design craft with emerging technologies and real-world strategy. You will collaborate with peers, respond to live industry briefs, and experiment with tools such as AR, VR, and interactive media.

Each project will push you to refine your voice, sharpen your style, and think critically about how design shapes the world.

By the time you graduate, you will not only have a portfolio—you will have a personal brand and the agility to thrive in advertising, branding, design studios, or other spaces where creativity drives impact.

EXPLORE YOUR PATH
Explore multiple pathways through a large offering of exciting electives, including Foundation Psychology, Game Design, Design for Business Impact, Sustainable Space Planning, Experimental Printmaking, Expressive Illustration, Creative Coding and Self-Publishing.

BE PART OF THE BEST
As Singapore’s first visual communication course, we have grown an extensive network of alumni who have consistently been awarded at prestigious local and international competitions, including Crowbar Awards, D&AD New Blood Awards, and more. Join the ranks of this network to be recognized as one of the best in the industry.

INDUSTRY-FOCUSED CURRICULUM
Get the opportunity to work closely with real clients and industry partners, providing the best learning experience to prepare you for the industry.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for consideration for admission, applicants must obtain 26 points or better for the net ELR2B2 aggregate score (i.e. English Language, 2 relevant subjects and best 2 other subjects, including CCA Bonus Points) and meet the minimum entry requirements of this course. CCA cannot be used to meet the minimum entry requirements.

Subject

Grade

English Language

1-7

Mathematics (E or A)

1-7

Any one of the subject in the 2^nd group of relevant subjects for ELR2B2-D Aggregate Type

Art
Biology
Biotechnology
Chemistry
Computing / Computer Studies
Creative 3D Animation
Design & Technology
Design Studies
Food & Nutrition/ Nutrition & Food Science
Electronics / Fundamentals of Electronics
Higher Art
Media Studies (English)
Media Studies (Chinese)
Physics
Science (Chemistry, Biology)
Science (Physics, Biology)
Science (Physics, Chemistry)

1-6

2025 Planned Intake

Net ELR2B2 aggregate range (2025 JAE)

5 - 11

• Singapore-Cambridge GCE O Level applicants with good grades in the relevant subjects at their Singapore-Cambridge A Level may be granted subject exemption on a subject by subject basis.

• Applicants who are in the Singapore Integrated Programme are considered for admissions based on their Year 4 school results, pegged closely to the course entry requirements for Singapore-Cambridge GCE O Level qualification.

Note:

Applicants with mild or severe colour vision deficiency may have difficulties meeting the course requirements and expectations. Interested applicants with mild or severe colour vision deficiency are highly encouraged to contact Temasek Polytechnic for more information.
Applicants with severe visual impairment may have difficulties meeting the course requirements and expectations. Interested applicants with severe visual impairment are highly encouraged to contact Temasek Polytechnic for more information.
Applicants with physical impairment or are physically dependent on mobility equipment may have difficulties meeting the course requirements and expectations. Applicants with impaired or limited motor functions may be assessed on a case-by-case basis to determine their suitability for the course. Interested applicants with physical impairment are highly encouraged to contact Temasek Polytechnic for more information.

Admissions Exercises

Early Admissions Exercise (EAE)

Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE)

Joint Polytechnic Admissions Exercise (JPAE)

ITE Graduates

Direct Admissions Exercise (DAE)

Coursework

The Love Sick Clinic

The Love Sick Clinic is a satirical campaign educating Singaporean teenagers about STDs through humour and relatability. Diverging from conventional scare tactics, it employs satire to dissect the behavioural and psychological nuances causing unprotected sex. Unveiling unhealthy relationship habits and the sway of infatuation on judgement, the campaign reframes these issues as "symptoms" to allow for easier identification and recognition of these thinking and behaviours. This strategy empowers individuals to discern when love influences their decisions, fostering profound understanding and encouraging responsible choices for STD protection.

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Revour

Revour is not just a drink—it's a flavourful journey challenging the norm. Infused with miracle berries, its RTD cocktails are taste sensations that defy expectations. We're all about shaking up societal norms, celebrating life's richness, and connecting over unforgettable moments. From our innovative products to dynamic touchpoints, join us in the flavour Revour-lution and rediscover the joy of living boldly!

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Under the Blanket

"Do you want kids?" You'll be asked this at some point in your life. Under the Blanket is a light-hearted campaign that aims to redefine the playbook of perfect parenting. Having kids is a huge choice, filled with dilemmas and debates. But why is it rarely talked about? Join us, Under the Blanket, where we combine laughter with responsibility. Through open dialogue and shared experiences, our mission is to inspire a generation that values authentic discussions about children.

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State of Being

State of being is an interactive pop-up store that facilitates a journey of self-discovery. For the ones searching for a stable structure within us. State of Being welcomes the public to re-evaluate our relationship with personality types and how it influences our lives. Reframing MBTI personality tests as a starting point for self-exploration, we pave the way to explore the potential within us and make more meaningful discoveries about the growth of our acquired identities.

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Bin Apetit

Bin Appétit is a recycling system and campaign where trash is represented as ‘food’ for bins, making use of popular food dishes to educate the correct methods of recycling. By displaying what ‘food' each bin can ‘consume,’ Singaporeans can engage in a fun and unconventional way to learn about recyclable items, as well as what they should avoid ‘feeding’ the bins.

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Glass Hotel

Glass Hotel is a hospitality concept that re-imagines and elevates one’s hotel experience through a shared collective of memories around the world. A celebration of culture and community, one can re-live their travel experiences whilst unleashing their inner explorative selves that crave discovery. Glass Hotel presents the opportunity to slow down and “re-live” those little moments—a restart; unlocking untapped perspectives on the way we view life.

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What You'll Learn

Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
TPFun

Learn everything you need to know about the fundamentals of good graphic design – from the digital toolkits to photography, editorial work, typography and more. Hone your design sensitivity with the many briefs, projects and critiques coming your way.

Subject Code	Subject	Credit Units
DIM2396	Typography The subject will train students in the craft of selecting, manipulating and composing type for effective and creative communication. Students will learn type anatomy, type classification and micro-typographic manipulation that affect readability. It will also involve the usage of grid systems to create consistent and effective design solutions.	4
DIM2397	Art Direction & Copywriting This subject focuses on using art direction to guide and strategise the generation and communication of creative ideas visually. It provides an understanding of visual literacy through elements, principles, metaphors and tonality for designers to craft mood boards, style boards and content guides. Through copywriting and storyboarding, students learn to construct compelling narratives for various media formats. Emphasis is placed on tone of voice, audience engagement, and copywriting techniques.	4
DIM1368	Design for Print This subject focuses on the crucial aspects of design for print production. It will cover topics such as final artwork preparation, pre-production and finishing techniques, offset and digital printing processes, sustainability considerations in materials, and packaging formats in design.	4
DIM1372	3D Visualisation This subject introduces students to basic 3D modelling and rendering techniques. Students will explore form, texture, lighting, and perspective to visualize spatial and product-based design solutions using digital tools.	2
DIM1371	Motion Graphics This subject will introduce the techniques and process of producing animated visuals in a time-based sequence software. It will cover animated design solutions beyond the traditional static print medium.	2
DIM2399	Design Studio: Craft This hands-on, experimental subject focuses on the craft of communication design. Students explore tactile design, experimental printmaking, and self-publication, using techniques such as Risograph printing to push creative boundaries. The subject encourages experimentation and critical reflection through the making process, fostering a deeper understanding of design as both practice and communication.	6
DCF1051	Ideas & Concepts This subject introduces essential tools and methods for ideation, fostering divergent thinking and creative exploration. It cultivates students' critical awareness and stimulates criticality in conceptualising and visualising creative solutions. Through exploration, curiosity, and observation, students will learn to apply these approaches to contexts within our ever-changing world.	2
DCF1052	Narratives in Design This subject explores storytelling as a powerful strategic tool within the creative process across various design disciplines. Through understanding the components of an effective story and learning how to craft one using key narrative elements, students will learn to integrate strong narratives into their design to articulate their design intent more effectively.	2
DCF1053	Aesthetic & Design Sensibility This subject explores the visual language of design, emphasising both its aesthetic and communicative functions. Students will develop an understanding of the Elements of Visual Art and the Principles of Design in both two-and three-dimensional forms. The subject also introduces foundational skills in material manipulation and form-making to support creative expression.	4
DCF1054	Design Software Essentials This subject equips students with training in essential, industry- standard design software commonly used across creative fields. Students will undertake a personalised learning pathway to build digital fluency through guided learning materials and self-directed activities.	2
DCF1055	Foundation Studio This subject develops fundamental discipline specific skills, enabling students to apply them within the design process. It also introduces contextual studies as a framework to integrate historical, cultural and social considerations into their design practice.	6
DIM2398	Information Design This subject introduces students to the core principles of information design, focusing on how to organise and present content in ways that are clear, purposeful, and visually effective. Students will begin by learning how to extract key ideas, identify relationships, and make sense of information from different sources, developing an understanding of what needs to be communicated before designing how it should appear. Students will translate content into visual formats suited for various contexts, such as data visualisations, print materials and digital interfaces.	2

Start specialising! With advice from your tutors, you can choose to go deeper into areas like branding design, integrated communication or image design. Meanwhile, projects, sometimes ‘live’ briefs with industry and competitions will keep your creative juices flowing.

Subject Code	Subject	Credit Units
DIM1371	Motion Graphics This subject will introduce the techniques and process of producing animated visuals in a time-based sequence software. It will cover animated design solutions beyond the traditional static print medium.	2
DIM2400	Brand & Design Strategy This subject covers the conceptualisation of an effective brand strategy and the implementation of a brand proposal. Topics include the analysis of competitive landscape, importance of a brand strategy, how to synthesize a brand blueprint, construct a brand architecture, conceptualise and design brand marks, and create a coherent and unified identity system across brand touchpoints.	4
DIM2401	UXUI Design This subject introduces students to the fundamentals of UX/UI design with a strong focus on how users navigate digital content and how thoughtful structure influences perception and clarity. Students will learn to design screen flows that are intuitive, purposeful and sensitive to user needs, while beginning to consider how tone and hierarchy reflect a brand’s intended positioning. Students will conduct lightweight user research, develop task flows, wireframe key screens, gain awareness about basic responsive layout awareness and build interactive prototypes using industry-standard tools.	4
DIM2402	Design Studio: Brand A practice-based studio that delves into branding and identity design. Students will develop brand solutions that align with contemporary market trends and consumer experiences. Key areas of learning include market research and proposal conceptualisation, exploration and iterative process, production skills for online and offline touchpoints, project management techniques, and effective presentation skills. Industry briefs may be introduced in the subject.	6
DIM3383	Brand Activation This subject covers the translation of brand strategy into tangible, on-the-ground experiences. Students will learn to design retail systems, pop-up experiences, and activation campaigns that amplify brand presence and create lasting consumer impressions and engagement.	4
DIM3384	Advertising & Creative Strategy This subject explores strategic thinking in the context of persuasive communication, with a focus in marketing and advertising context. Students will learn to develop creative strategies and ideas, craft compelling messages, and design campaigns for diverse platforms, such as social-first, experiential, and integrated media, to shape influence in today's attention economy.	4
DIM2403	Digital Innovation This subject introduces students to the creative use of technology to design spatial and sensory experiences. Topics may include ermerging technology like AR/VR, projection mapping, and interactive systems, enabling students to integrate immersive environments into communication design projects.	2
DIM3385	Design Studio: Experience This subject explores how design can shape immersive and engaging experiences across multiple touchpoints, including digital platforms, interactive spaces, and audience-facing installations. Working in response to live briefs from industry clients, students will investigate how people interact with content in public or shared environments, and develop concepts that shape how audiences experience, engage with, or interpret those moments and messages. Students will engage in iterative design explorations such as journey maps, low-fidelity prototypes, narrative touchpoints, and screen-based or ambient interactions. Emphasis is placed on designing how people move through, respond to, and make meaning from experiences over time, equipping students to design for evolving modes of interaction across both digital and physical formats.	6

Subject Code	Subject	Credit Units
DEC1056	Data & Code as Creative Tools This subject introduces students to creative methods for using data and code in design. Through accessible low-code and no-code platforms, students explore how computational thinking, and structured data can be playfully reimagined. Emphasis is placed on using these tools to generate interactive design outcomes and expand creative possibilities.	2
DEC1057	Interactive & Immersive Technologies This subject explores how emerging technologies—such as sensors, microcontrollers and motion trackers—enable designers to create responsive and immersive experiences. Students experiment with physical computing to prototype interactive systems, gaining an intuitive understanding of how technology can shape user engagement and interaction.	2
DEC2058	Design Realisation through Technology This subject brings together digital fabrication and physical prototyping practices to help students realise interactive concepts as tangible outcomes. Through tools like 3D printing, laser-cutting, and hands-on iteration, students refine their ideas into functional prototypes that demonstrate thoughtful application of technology in design.	4

Subject Code	Subject	Credit Units
DEC1059	People-Centred & Inclusive Design This subject introduces students to the principles and practices of people-centred and inclusive design. Through user research, empathy-building, and accessibility principles, students learn to uncover real needs and engage diverse perspectives with clarity and care. The subject encourages thoughtful design grounded in the realities of people and the contexts they live in.	2
DEC1060	Facilitating Innovation through Design Students explore how design enables innovation within cross-functional teams and complex environments. Through practical frameworks, tools and case studies, they learn to frame opportunities, support co-creation and guide creative collaboration. The subject highlights the designer's role as a facilitator of change, helping teams navigate ambiguity and unlock new value.	2
DEC2061	Prototyping for Service Innovation This subject focuses on using prototyping to explore and communicate ideas across service and system-level contexts. Students learn how to develop physical and digital mock-ups, test experiences across multiple touchpoints, and refine their solutions through rapid iteration. Data and user feedback are used to inform design decisions and enhance service outcomes in real-world contexts.	4

Subject Code	Subject	Credit Units
DEC1062	Strategic Brand Building This subject introduces the fundamentals of brand strategy and management. Students learn how to position a brand, define its value, and develop coherent brand systems that connect with audiences. Through case studies and hands-on exercises, they explore how brands stay relevant and align with business goals.	2
DEC1063	Consumer Psychology & Brand Influence This subject explores how consumer behaviour and psychology shape brand interactions. Students examine decision-making patterns, emotional drivers, and behavioural insights to better understand how people relate to brands. The subject bridges marketing strategy with human perception, helping students build more meaningful and persuasive brand experiences.	2
DEC2064	Storytelling for Brand Engagement This subject explores how storytelling and data-driven insights come together to engage audiences across marketing platforms. Students learn to craft compelling brand narratives, apply performance analytics, and develop targeted strategies that align with consumer behaviours. Through integrated campaigns, they activate brands that are both creatively distinctive and strategically informed.	4

Subject Code	Subject	Credit Units
DEC1065	Digital Content Strategy This subject introduces students to the fundamentals of social media and content strategy. They learn how to plan, manage, and measure content across platforms to build brand presence and engage audiences. Students explore performance analytics and platform-specific behaviours to craft strategic, consistent, and effective digital content.	2
DEC1066	Crafting Stories for Digital Media This subject focuses on storytelling techniques for digital content creators. Students learn how to structure compelling narratives, storyboard ideas, and write with clarity and purpose. Drawing on principles from journalism, content marketing and digital publishing, the subject helps students shape stories that resonate across media formats and audience types.	2
DEC2067	Media Production for Content Creators This subject equips students with practical production skills for digital content creation. They learn how to plan, shoot, and edit photo and video content while working with lighting, sound and composition. Through hands-on projects, students produce engaging media assets that align with platform and audience needs, building content that is both technically sound and creatively effective.	4

Subject Code	Subject	Credit Units
DEC1068	Creative Business Essentials This subject introduces students to the practical realities of running a creative business. From understanding business structures and managing finance to finding clients, students learn how to operate independently and sustainably. Project management, client communication, and business administration are explored through the lens of creative practice.	2
DEC1069	Ethics, IP & the Creative Economy This subject introduces the legal and ethical considerations relevant to creative professionals. Students learn the basics of intellectual property, copyright and contract law, along with the responsibilities involved in fair and ethical business practice. Real-world examples help students understand how to protect their work and navigate client agreements with confidence.	2
DEC2070	Creative Practice for the Marketplace This subject prepares students to take their creative work to market. They learn how to position their value, tailor messaging to different audiences, and develop pitching strategies that resonate. From crafting narratives to developing and presenting business ideas, students build confidence in articulating and promoting their creative ventures.	4

Go out into the big, wide world of design studios, brand consultancies, advertising agencies and communication firms through 16 weeks of local or overseas internship. Your major project will also be an opportunity for you to utilise all the skills, knowledge and experience gained over this learning journey.

	Subject Code	Subject	Credit Units
	DIM3386	CMD Professional Practice This subject prepares students for entry into the industry by introducing professional standards and practices in design. Through workshops conducted by industry practitioners, students will gain insights into the application of design across various sectors. They will learn to build a personal brand and prepare for the relevant industries. Portfolio review sessions with industry partners will be conducted to support employment opportunities.	4

Subject Code	Subject	Credit Units
DIM3387	CMD Capstone Studio This subject serves as the culmination of the diploma, allowing students to develop a self-directed final project that reflects their personal interests and professional goals. Students will define a problem, conduct in-depth research, develop a strategic design proposal, and execute a resolved design solution. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, originality, and design excellence across relevant platforms and media.	6
DIM3388	Collaborative Industry Experience This subject provides students with the opportunity to work collaboratively in teams with industry partners on a real-world design challenge. Students will apply their skills in research, ideation, and execution within a team setting, fostering communication, creative negotiation, and project management.	4
DGL3071	Guided Work-based Learning This subject provides opportunity for students to be involved in industry attachment through collaboration with industry partners. The industry-specific knowledge and skills acquired during the attachment would be facilitated by organisation supervisors and school liaison officers to enhance learning and application of knowledge in a real-world workplace environment.	10

You will also take this set of subjects that equips you with the crucial 21st-century life skills you need to navigate the modern world as an agile, forward-thinking individual and team player.

Subject Code	Subject	Credit Units
GTP1103	Effective Personal Leadership This subject examines self-management and self-leadership through an exploration of values and beliefs, necessary for adapting to the world of work. It covers topics such as self-management and awareness, values and ethics, interpersonal communication, teamwork, resilience and emotional intelligence for enhancing leadership capabilities. These can significantly influence careers, relationships, and overall well-being. This subject is a reflective exploration of ‘leadership from within’ to have a greater awareness for the development of attributes required in an effective values-centred leader for oneself and for others.	3
GTP1203	Career Readiness & Communication This subject equips students with career preparation skills through better understanding of their career interests, values, skills and aspirations. Topics covered include personal branding, job search strategies, resume and cover letter writing, and interview techniques. In addition, students will gain awareness of workplace communication to succeed in their careers and achieve professional goals.	3
GTP1303	Current Issues & Critical Thinking This subject provides a comprehensive introduction to critical thinking by engaging students with current local and global issues. Students will learn to analyse diverse perspectives and uncover underlying assumptions in opinions, evaluate the credibility and bias of information sources, and construct well-reasoned, evidence-based arguments using established critical-thinking frameworks. They will also assess the societal, ethical, and personal implications of contemporary problems, and develop the ability to communicate their conclusions clearly and persuasively, employing appropriate digital tools to support their ideas.	4
INV1001	Innovation & Entrepreneurship The subject is designed for learners from all disciplines to embrace innovation in either their specialised field or beyond. Learners will be taught to apply the Design Thinking framework to develop problem statements, ideate and identify feasible solutions. Learners will be exposed to several tools for prototyping. In addition, commercial awareness will be imbued in learners through various innovation and entrepreneurship concepts or tools. This subject also prepares students to be self-directed lifelong learners who are digital and information literate. It nurtures communicative and collaborative citizens who can use objective analysis in problem-solving.	2
LSW1002	Sports & Wellness This subject reinforces the fundamental knowledge learnt on health, fitness, exercise and sports. Hands-on time will be allocated for a greater variety of fitness exercises and sports skills in a recreational setting. In addition, theoretical knowledge such as sports safety and risk management when participating in physical activities will be introduced. Guidance will be provided for improvement of physical fitness, acquiring of sports skills and relating theoretical knowledge to the physical activities.	2
TGS1002	Global Studies This subject provides essential skills and knowledge to prepare students for an overseas experience. They will examine the elements of culture and learn the key principles of cross-cultural communication. In addition, they will gain an appreciation and awareness of the political, economic, technological and social landscape to function effectively in a global environment. The subject prepares students to be responsible global citizens and leaders who can contribute to the global community through effective communication and collaboration.	3
TGS1003	Sustainability & Climate Action This subject prepares students to be responsible global citizens and future leaders who can contribute to the global community. It introduces the topics of sustainability and explores how human societies can act to build a sustainable future. This subject focuses on the impact of climate change, potential solutions to climate change, and the future of the green economy from global and local perspectives.	3
DSI3045	Student Internship Programme This structured programme is designed to link your learning with the real work environment. You will be placed in organisation(s) with opportunities to apply the concepts and skills acquired in the course of your study. Besides reinforcing technical concepts and mastering of skills in areas that you have been trained, the practical training will enable you to build important skills such as problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and to cultivate good attitude and a strong work ethic.	16

	Subject Code	Subject	Credit Units
	GTP1304	Beyond the Classroom: Guided Learning This subject empowers students to take charge of their personal learning in a chosen area of inquiry. Students will broaden or deepen their knowledge and skills, fostering a proactive approach to lifelong learning. Following a scaffolded process, students will design and execute a personalised learning plan that extends beyond traditional classroom walls. The journey culminates in a curated portfolio that highlights their achievements and growth.	3

Graduation Requirements

Cumulative Grade Point Average

min 1.0

TP Fundamentals Subjects

min 36 credit units

Diploma Subjects - Core Subjects

70 credit units

Diploma Subjects – Elective Subjects

min 18 credit units

Total Credit Units Completed

min 124 credit units

Career Prospects

Art Director
Branding Designer
Content Strategist
Digital Designer

Digital Product Designer
Experience Designer
Graphic Designer
Image Designer / Illustrator / Visual Artist

Interactive Designer
Motion Graphic Designer
UX/UI Designer
Web Designer

Awards

Learn more

Course Fees

PET Course Fee

Main

The table below shows the total subsidised fees (inclusive of GST) payable.

ADMITTED IN	SINGAPOREANS (Aged below 40 in the year 2024)	SINGAPORE PERMANENT RESIDENTS	INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
2025	S$3,179.65	S$6,509.65	S$12,570.15
2024	S$3,068.75	S$6,298.75	S$12,159.25

WHEN DO I PAY?

There are 2 semesters in each Academic YEAR (AY). The billing periods for AY 2024/2025 are:
Semester 1: 21 April 2025 -19 October 2025
Semester 2: 21 October 2025 -19 April 2026

Fees are billed and payable by semester. They are usually payable in June for Semester 1 and December for Semester 2.

Payment Method

MORE DETAILS ON FEES AND FINANCE

View course fees for other intakes, subsidies, grants, bursary and awards at the Fees & Financial matters section.

View the list of scholarships available to A&F students.

Go to Fees & Financial Matters

Contact

deshotline@tp.edu.sg
Website: https://www.tp.edu.sg/des
School of Design
Temasek Polytechnic
Central Block 28-28A
21 Tampines Ave 1
Singapore 529757

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