400

Information and Visualization Design is a comprehensive studio with instruction on analysis and visualization of complex data sets. Students will concentrate not only on the presentation of data, but how data and visuals can be used to draft narratives to tell story and engage audiences. In-depth research will be conducted to help visualize data and organize and interpret information. Students will become familiarized with the fundamental ideologies and theories of systems thinking and how such thinking is applied to complicated design problems. Prerequisites: DES-305 and DES-351.

This cumulative course combines urban landscape, development of New Urbanism. Ecological practices combined with building a sense of community will be the focus. Prerequisites: DES-303, DES-304 and DES-353.

This course is designed to explore the field and practices of digital product design and management. Content will cover prototyping techniques, testing, user research, product development, iterative design, and business needs and concepts. Special emphasis will be given to solving for real-world problems through digital products as well as user centered design theory and practice. Prerequisites: DES-255 and DES-354.

In this course, students will use concept mapping, design thinking and other methods to begin developing a body of work or a project that synthesizes what they have learned while charting a path towards their future creative practice.

This workshop is designed to address and explore freelance design as it relates to their personal practice, including best business and marketing practices, client relationship interaction, and industry tools and tips. Prerequisite: DES-400.

In this course, students will apply best practices, strategies, and design thinking to solve for a human-centered design problem. Students will collaboratively generate an innovative, design-based entrepreneurial solution to a social problem and/or opportunity. Empathy-driven research will inform design decisions and a case study will also be completed at the end of the semester.

A professional internship prepares the student to participate in a creative design environment after graduation. The integration of knowledge and theory learned in the classroom is applied alongside technical skills providing the opportunity to gain valuable experience and develop professional relationships. Working under the guidance of a trained professional affords guidance and evaluation from designers away from the familiar academic setting.

After successfully completing Design Thesis Studio 1, students will implement a design plan and process to complete a creative design solution. The process will move through the stages of concept, prototyping, testing, and implementation, and will culminate with a presentation to a jury or selected project stakeholders. Students will write a full case study at the conclusion of the course. Prerequisite: DES-405.