Design (DES)

DES100. Designed World. 3 Credits.

Designers create objects, experiences, interactions, and environments. These designs shape how we relate to ourselves, each other, and the world. In this class, we’ll explore how design across disciplines influences our daily lives.

DES101. Graphic Design. 3 Credits.

An introduction to Graphic Design, technique, practice and theory. FEE FOR MATERIALS.

DES210. Typography. 3 Credits.

Covers technical, formal, and expressive aspects of type, the designer’s primary vehicle for visual communications. FEE FOR MATERIALS.

DES220. Information Design. 3 Credits.

Students learn a variety of techniques as they solve communications problems. Emphasis is placed on: high quality visual form, on understanding how certain kinds of signs elicit different kinds of responses from particular audiences, and on incorporating secondary research into convincing visual argumentation. FEE FOR MATERIALS.

DES310. Type and Image. 3 Credits.

Techniques and strategies for combining text with photographic images to create resonant, clear and potent communications. FEE FOR MATERIALS.

DES320. Art Direction. 3 Credits.

An in-depth inquiry into a particular aspect of visual language. Topics vary each time the course is offered. May be repeated for credit with instructor permission. FEE FOR MATERIALS.

DES330. Design for the Web. 3 Credits.

Design for the Web introduces basic web design principles. While we will concentrate on learning to write and style markup languages on the web, this is a class about visual problem-solving and user-centered design.

DES340. Design Research. 3 Credits.

Design Research introduces basic strategies in research for graphic designers, including literature reviews, surveys and questionnaires, focus groups, photo ethnography, visual ethnography, visual anthropology, observational research and the use of personas.

DES390. Client Design Lab. 3 Credits.

Students work with campus and community clients on design-related projects. The course is run as a professional design studio; topics include project management, client communication, meeting deadlines and budgets, creating production-ready work, case study development, and project assessment.

DES392. Data Visualization. 3 Credits.

Data Visualization is a functional art form that provides insight into complex topics. Students research, plan, and map written records about the world to appropriate visual attributes. Students create interactive, context-rich visual reading experiences.

DES410. Advanced Typography. 3 Credits.

A hands-on involvement in producing books that contain sustained texts. Topics include book structures, sequential readings, materials and meanings, etc. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor. FEE FOR MATERIALS.

DES420. Design Theory and Criticism. 3 Credits.

This course focuses on the application of semiotics and critical theory to Graphic Design Practice. Classes are split between discussions of ideas, issues, and theory, and critiques of studio projects. FEE FOR MATERIALS.

DES430. Interaction Design. 3 Credits.

Explores issues related to: interface design, motion design, & interactive media. Studio based; students produce design artifacts relating to the above. May be repeated for credit with instructor permission. FEE FOR MATERIALS.

DES440. Graphic Design Thesis 1. 3 Credits.

The design thesis is a focused exploration of a design idea or area. Students pursue their idea both verbally and visually. Their investigation positions students relative to conventional and contemporary practice. Both visuals and text are formally presented to the design option at the completion of the project. FEE FOR MATERIALS.

DES441. Graphic Design Thesis 2. 3 Credits.

The design thesis is a focused exploration of a design idea or area. Students pursue their idea verbally and visually. Their investigation positions students relative to conventional and contemporary practice. Both visuals and text are formally presented to the design option at the completion of the project. FEE FOR MATERIALS.

DES442. Graphic Design Portfolio. 3 Credits.

Design projects culminate in a professional level Design portfolio. Students develop a resume and cover letters. Readings and discussions on various professional paths and opportunities in Design. FEE FOR MATERIALS.

DES491. Design for Web II. 3 Credits.

Advanced topics and professional practices in web design, programming, and development.

DES492. Motion Design. 3 Credits.

Introduction to technical and conceptual skills essential to motion design. Students will learn how to design motion pieces from concept to execution and think critically about the unique position of motion graphics in relation to the fields of film, broadcast, advertising and graphic design. Particular attention will be paid to the basics of movement and typographic design for motion.

DES493. Graphic Design Select Topic. 3-12 Credits.

Selected topics courses are regularly scheduled courses that focus on a particular topic of interest. Descriptions are printed in the Schedule of Classes each semester. Selected topics courses may be used as elective credit and may be repeated for credit, provided that the topic of the course changes.

DES494. Fieldwork in Graphic Design. 1-12 Credits.

Specific guidelines and required forms available in the Art Department office.

DES495. Indep Study Graphic Design. 1-12 Credits.

Specific guidelines and required forms available in the Art Department office. A materials fee may be applied.

DES593. DES Selected Topic. 1-12 Credits.