Courses

Design for Communication I

Course No. GDS265.1  Credits: 3
Faculty Mari Hulick

This is one of the two central classes in the first year of study in Communication Design (alongside Typography). In the first semester, students become familiar with the broader discipline of the field through the construction of abstract design concepts, layout, symbols, and sequential systems. Conceptual thinking and the integration of typography with imagery are explored throughout the course. In the 2nd semester, students investigate projects that follow the various sub-fields of the profession; projects include Identity, Web/Interactive, Information and Wayfinding. Students will be assigned multiple projects throughout the year. Each project begins with a lecture and demonstration of techniques. Each week, students practice presentation to the larger group in formal and informal critique and brainstorming sessions. Faculty will work one on one with students to answer questions and assist in the process. Reviews will be held at key points during each project. Offered fall. 3 credits.

Design for Communication II

Course No. CDS266.1  Credits: 3
Faculty Mari Hulick

This is one of the two central classes in the first year of study in Communication Design (alongside Typography). In this course, students investigate projects that follow the various sub-fields of the profession; projects include Identity, Web/Interactive, Information and Wayfinding. Students will be assigned multiple projects throughout the year. Each project begins with a lecture and demonstration of techniques. Each week, students practice presentation to the larger group in formal and informal critique and brainstorming sessions. Faculty will work one on one with students to answer questions and assist in the process. Reviews will be held at key points during each project.

Design I

Course No. FND107.2  Credits: 3
Faculty Amy Sinbondit | Jerry Birchfield | Jessica Pinsky | Jimmy Kuehnle | Kevin Kautenburger | Petra Soesemann | Richard Fiorelli | Sai Sinbondit | Tommy White | William Lorton

In this fundamental visual composition course, students learn the primary elements and principles of visual language, and are introduced to a range of formal and conceptual problems which become increasingly complex as the course progresses. Students are challenged to explore core design principles of visual organization in unique and challenging ways, and to gain the ability to problem-solve through ideation processes, group dialogue, perceptual refinement and skill management. Developing analytical skills and the ability to effectively engage in an on-going process of critique are also core components of the course. Design1 involves the planning and organization of the parts within a whole, through a sense of experimentation, risk taking and discovery. This course focuses primarily on two-dimensional forms but also gradually introduces three-dimensional forms. Material exploration and the development of strong manual skills in regard to visual acuity and craft sensitivity are a key aspect of every assignment. Knowledge and skills gained in concurrent Foundation program areas such as color, drawing and digital skills are fundamental for communicating ideas and are reinforced in Design 1. Offered fall. 3 credits.

Design II

Course No. FND108.2  Credits: 3
Faculty Jimmy Kuehnle | Kevin Kautenburger | Petra Soesemann | Richard Fiorelli

This course builds on the experiences of Design 1, with compositional and conceptual problems being explored fully in three dimensions in. Form, mass, volume, spatial interactions, material qualities, and physical forces are key factors. Students continue to learn to perceive and control visual relationships within the design structures they make. The aesthetic and conceptual potential of materials and processes (craft) are also vital aspects of this studio course. Creative processes of problem solving through research, investigation and ideation, together with an attitude of discovery, are required for all concept and project explorations. Ideational drawing, model making, material studies, and prototypes contribute to developing ideas to a high and thoughtful level. Various methods and approaches to giving form (such as additive, subtractive, assemblage and joinery) are challenges for every concept explored. Design 2 projects have the potential to be explored as sculpture, functional design, or even as hybrid. Students are challenged to follow their passions and gain experience in self- directing project outcomes.

Design in Management II: Concep, Meth, Prod

Course No. DES355.1  Credits: 3
Faculty Kaja Tooming Buchanan

Continuation of first semester. This is a field-based studio course emphasizing design process and a variety of design projects, including a major yearlong design project that will result in a significant portfolio work. The purpose of this course is to explore the practical relationship between design and entrepreneurship. This is an opportunity to learn how products and services are developed within for-profit and not-for-profit organizations and how design can become part of the management of organizations. We will look at issues of product strategy, the connection between products and services, and how to communicate design ideas to a management audience - those who make decisions that affect the fate of design ideas. Students will work in teams and will be challenged to fully develop new meaningful, useful and desirable products. The work process will be similar to the work practices that you will find in design firms, industry and business. This course offers a rare senior project experience, and is team-taught by faculty from the CIA and the Weatherhead School of Management.

Design in Management: Concepts, Meth, Prod

Course No. DES354.1  Credits: 3

This is a field-based studio course emphasizing design process and a variety of design projects, including a major yearlong design project that will result in a significant portfolio work. The purpose of this course is to explore the practical relationship between design and entrepreneurship. This is an opportunity to learn how products and services are developed within for-profit and not-for-profit organizations and how design can become part of the management of organizations. We will look at issues of product strategy, the connection between products and services, and how to communicate design ideas to a management audience - those who make decisions that affect the fate of design ideas. Students will work in teams and will be challenged to fully develop new meaningful, useful and desirable products. The work process will be similar to the work practices that you will find in design firms, industry and business. This course offers a rare senior project experience, and is team-taught by faculty from the CIA and the Weatherhead School of Management. Pre-scheduling open to students from the Design and Integrated Media Environments. Final enrollment is limited to 8 students, by permission of instructors, based on interview by team from CIA and Weatherhead. Contact Prof. Kaja Tooming Buchanan after pre-scheduling to arrange an interview.

Design Lab

Course No. FND107L.1
Faculty Jerry Birchfield | William Leddy

Design Lab class introduces woodshop safety and basic skills in machinery use. Students learn the fundamental characteristics of wood as a versatile medium, as well as appropriate construction methods for particular applications. Offered fall and spring. 0 credits.

Design Research Methods: Prod Dev & User Ex

Course No. DES353.1  Credits: 3
Faculty Kaja Tooming Buchanan

The goal of this course is to explore the methods by which designers come to understand user needs, feelings, expectations, and values. These methods are a preparation for developing breakthrough products - tangible and intangible - as well as interactions and services. We will explore several methods and their practical application in the design process to develop new products and test their usability and efficiency. Understanding user experience has become a central, distinguishing feature of the best product development, and our goal is to survey some of the best methods in current use. For example, we will learn how to build scenarios, interpret needs, generate and test ideas, visualize information and choreograph solutions. This involves interdisciplinary understanding, because many of the methods come from other fields. The growing complexity of products in our lives requires a wider understanding of how the social and behavioral sciences, together with the humanities and cultural science, are of deep value in the work of design. It requires, for example, an understanding of case study methodology, a matrix of methods of value for designers. It also requires deeper understanding of the underlying principles that give meaning, create value, and direct the whole design process. The course will be based on readings, exercises, and a variety of practical projects that support studio work. Apply as studio elective or as art/craft/design history/theory liberal arts distribution requirement. 3 credits. Grading Criteria Final grades will be based on two components: o Class participation will account for ? final grade o Individual and team projects will account for ? of the final grade. Participation will be evaluated by readiness for discussion (evidence of having read the assigned materials), response to questions and effort to contribute to class discussion.