Design - DES

The information below lists courses approved in this subject area effective Fall 2015. Not all courses will necessarily be offered these terms. Please consult the Schedule of Classes for a listing of courses offered for a specific term.

500-level courses require graduate standing.

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110 Design Colloquium
1 hours. Introduces students to the breadth and the depth of design theory of practice. Broadens students' view of design. Extensive computer use required. Field trips required at a nominal fee.

120 2D Form Studio
4 hours. Introduction to fundamentals of graphic composition (symbols, images, and letterforms) with emphasis on observation, process, hierarchy and abstraction. Previously listed as AD 110. Extensive computer use required.

130 3D Form Studio
4 hours. Introduction to the fundamentals of three-dimensional form-making, design thinking and design process. Emphasis on conceptual visualization and physical and digital fabrication. Previously listed as AD 120. Extensive computer use required.

140 Design Drawing
4 hours. Introduction to the fundamentals of drawing in the context of design studies. One, two, and three-point perspective for objects and environments as well as application of light and shadow. Extensive computer use required.

150 Digital Media Design I
4 hours. Introduction to the fundamentals of design theory and process in digital media. Utilizes current technologies to explore basics of motion graphics and interaction design. Previously listed as AD 205. Extensive computer use required.

160 Design Photography
4 hours. Introduction to photography used in the context of design studies. Familiarity with the camera, studio, digital techniques and software programs in the contacts of observation, composition, and meaning. Extensive computer use required.

170 Color Theory
4 hours. Introduction to color theory, aesthetics, and systems with emphasis on the definition, replication, and interaction of color in design applications across various media. Extensive computer use required.

208 Typography I: Form
4 hours. Introduction to the aesthetics and mechanics of typographic form and usage. Study of typographic measurement system; recognition and classification; alignment, hierarchy and legibility. Previously listed as AD 219. Extensive computer use required. Prerequisite(s): Completion of the design foundation program.

209 Typography II: Systems
4 hours. The connections beteween material and immaterial space in typographic systems. Introduction to micro and macro typographic patterns with emphasis on theory and practice of grids, proportions, formats, and part to whole. Previously listed as AD 314. Prerequisite(s): DES 208.

220 Form and Image Studio
4 hours. Principles of creation, comparison and sequencing of symbols, letterforms, and images. Study of materials and processes in visual communication and image-making for theoretical and practical application. Previously listed as AD 210. Extensive computer use required.

222 Human Experience in Design
4 hours. Introduction to the relationship design has to people, both in terms of process and execution. Structured around understanding the five human factors: social, cognitive, emotional, physical, and cultural. Extensive computer use required.

230 Industrial Design II
4 hours. Furthers knowledge of design process through focused exercises emphasizing formal aspects of design and product semantics. Understanding design through making and specific fabrication materials and methods. Previously listed as AD 220. Extensive computer use required. Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing or above and completion of the design foundation program.

231 Industrial Design III
4 hours. Emphasis on connecting skills learned in previous ID courses through the design of small, simple objects. Iterative work with digital and physical tools within constrained criteria. Previously listed as AD 221. Extensive computer use required. Field trips required at a nominal fee. Prerequisite(s): DES 230 and sophomore standing or above; or consent of instructor.

235 History of Design I: 1760-1925
3 hours. Survey of industrial and graphic design from the Industrial Revolution to 1925. Same as AH 235. Prerequisite(s): 3 hours of Art History at the 100-level or consent of the instructor.

236 History of Design II: 1925 to the Present
3 hours. Survey of industrial and graphic design from 1925 to the present. Same as AH 236. Prerequisite(s): 3 hours of Art History at the 100-level or consent of the instructor. Recommended background: AH 235 or DES 235.

240 Visualization I
4 hours. Freehand sketch intensive studio with focus on rapid conceptional visualization. Previously listed as AD 223. Extensive computer use required. Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing or above.

241 Visualization II
4 hours. Introduction to digital design tools building expertise and comfort with prominent digital illustration software programs and hardware platforms. Previously listed as AD 425. Extensive computer use required. Prerequisite(s): DES 240 and sophomore standing or above.

250 Digital Media Design II
4 hours. Expands basic principles of interaction design and motion graphics with emphasis on motion literacy. Introduction to user-interface design and web-based publishing. Previously listed as AD 211. Extensive computer use required.

251 Digital Media Design III: Motion Design
4 hours. Advanced narrative and storytelling through motion. Expands motion literacy into narrative sequence planning, animation design process, and multi-media technologies. Previously listed as AD 317. Extensive computer use required. Prerequisite(s): DES 250.

318 Typography III: Dimension
4 hours. Explores physical dimensions of typography as a medium and resource for graphic design applications. Three dimensional objects and environments are constructed, then translated into two dimensions. Previously listed as AD 315. Extensive computer use required. Prerequisite(s): DES 209.

319 Typography IV: Expression
4 hours. Textual investigations of typographic form of expression with an emphasis on composition (contrast, rhythm, tension), non-linearity, visual argumentation, dimensions, and the interplay between digital and analog operations. Extensive computer use required. Prerequisite(s): DES 318.

322 Design Research Methods
4 hours. Overview of the role of research in design process and development with emphasis on research support in identifying new opportunities, concept definition, realization, and refinement. Extensive computer use required. Prerequisite(s): DES 222 and junior standing or above.

326 Materials and Methods
4 hours. Introduction to the vocabulary and processes involved in mass production with emphasis on major materials and manufacturing methods, design control drawings and basic principles of sustainable design. Previously listed as AD 326. Extensive computer use required. Field trips required at a nominal fee. Prerequisite(s): DES 330 and junior standing or above, or consent of the instructor.

330 Industrial Design IV
4 hours. Introduction to specialty areas of concentration, including visual brand language, service design, and design for sustainability and social responsibility. Builds upon foundational skills through projects. Previously listed as AD 320. Extensive computer use required. Field trips required at a nominal fee. Prerequisite(s): DES 231 and junior standing or above, or consent of the instructor.

331 Industrial Design V
4 hours. Design thinking and mastery of design process with opportunity for collaborative work in small teams focused on client-based project. Previously listed as AD 321. Extensive computer use required. Prerequisite(s): DES 330 and junior standing or above, or consent of the instructor.

350 Digital Medica Design IV: Advanced Interactive Design
4 hours. Advanced interactive design with emphasis on web-based applications. Previously listed as AD 414. Extensive computer use required. Prerequisite(s): DES 315.

351 Social Media Design
4 hours. Advanced interactive design with emphasis on web-based applications. Extensive computer use required. Prerequisite(s): DES 251.

400 Independent Study in Graphic Design
1 TO 5 hours. Supervised independent study in graphic design. May be repeated for a maximum of 8 hours for undergraduate students or 10 hours for graduate students. Previously listed as AD 418. Extensive computer use required. Prerequisite(s): Senior standing or above and consent of instructor. Taken by faculty invitation only.

410 Senior Design Colloquium I
1 hours. Advanced overview of design practice. Includes lectures representing current and emerging forms of commercial and social practice. Previously listed as AD 415. Prerequisite(s): DES 319 or DES 322, and senior standing or above, and consent of instructor.

411 Senior Design Colloquium II
1 hours. This course is a continuation of DES 410 which introduces students to the breadth and depth of design theory and practice. The course focuses on the student's individual skills, interests and possibilities for professional engagement. Prerequisite(s): DES 410.

420 Professional Practice Project I
0 TO 5 hours. Year-long course sequence option allowing students to engage in an interdisciplinary professional project with a commercial or communit concern. Emphasis on teamwork and client interaction. Previously listed as AD 411. Prerequisite(s): DES 319 or DES 322.

421 Professional Practice Project II
4 hours. Year-long course sequence option allowing students to engage in an interdisciplinary professional project with a commercial or community concern. Emphasis on teamwork and client interaction. Extensive computer use required. Prerequisite(s): DES 420.

430 Interdisciplinary Product Development I
4 hours. Introduces cross-functional team-based work focusing on problem identification and use-centered research methods in the fuzzy front end of new product development. Previously listed as AD 420. Prerequisite(s): DES 319 or DES 322 and senior standing or above.

431 Interdisciplinary Product Development II
4 hours. Continues cross-functiuonal team-based work focused on problem identification and user-centered research methods in the fuzzy front end of new product development. Previously listed as AD 421. Prerequisite(s): DES 430 and senior standing or above.

432 Interaction Design
4 hours. Design thinking and mastery of design process with opportunity for collaborative work in small teams focused on client-based project. Previously listed as AD 413. Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or above.

440 Design Thinking and Leadership I
4 hours. Year-long course sequence option allowing students to engage in an interdisciplinary professional project involving design research and civic or social engagement. Emphasis on teamwork, advocacy and presentation. Extensive computer use required. Prerequisite(s): DES 319 or DES 322.

441 Design Thinking and Leadership II
4 hours. Year-long course sequence option allowing students to engage in an interdisciplinary professional project involving design research and civic or social engagement. Emphasis on teamwork, advocacy and presentation. Extensive computer use required. Prerequisite(s): DES 440.

452 Informational Aesthetics I
4 hours. Introduction to information visualization and programming in the context of art and design. Project oriented course using computer code and custom software for information analysis, representation and creative expression. Same as ART 452. 4 hours. May be repeated to a maximum of 8 hours. Previously listed as AD 452. Extensive computer use required. Prerequisite(s): DES 319 or DES 322 and sophomore standing or above; or consent of the instructor.

453 Informational Aesthetics II
4 hours. Intermediate course emphasizing the database as cultural form. Creative projects and research in information aesthetics through date driven two, three and four dimensional visualizations and custom computer interfaces. Same as ART 453. 4 hours. May be repeated for a maximum of 8 hours. Previously listed as AD 453. Extensive computer use required. Prerequisite(s): DES 452 or ART 452 and junior standing or above; or consent of instructor.

470 Industrial Design Thesis I
4 hours. Research and design of student-selected topic. Accumulated knowledge and skills are utilized to develop a year-long capstone project providing opportunity to develop a specific focus within design. Previously listed as AD 423. Prerequisite(s): DES 236 and DES 331 and senior standing or above.

471 Industrial Design Thesis II
4 hours. Research and design of student-selected topic. Accumulated knowledge and skills are utilized to develop a year-long capstone project providing opportunity to develop a specific focus within design. Extensive computer use required. Prerequisite(s): DES 470 and senior standing or above.

480 Graphic Design Thesis I
4 hours. Exploration, deduction and design of student-selected research topic. Accumulated knowledge and skills are utilized to develop a year-long capstone project. Previously listed as AD 412. Prerequisite(s): DES 236 and DES 319.

481 Graphic Design Thesis II
4 hours. Exploration, deduction and design of student-selected research topic. Accumulated knowledge and skills are utilized to develop a year-long capstone project. Extensive computer use required. Prerequisite(s): DES 480.

499 Design Internship
1 hours. Academic learning is coupled with professional experience in an off-campus design studio or department. Co-operative education placement is arranged by the student. May be repeated for a maximum of 3 hours. Previously listed as AD 499. Requirements of organization offering internship: understanding/agreement that a student intern is a design professional in training (not a volunteer, not a freelancer), positions are paid (at or above federal minimum wage), student is seeking professional experience (not a portfolio piece), setting is a design department or student environment (the student is not the only designer on site), 15 hours per week expected, 20 hours per week maximum. Prerequisite(s): Approval of the Department.

500 Combined Studio
4 hours. Studio course comprised of first and second year graduate students. Topical projects and investigations are completed on an individual basis or in groups. May be repeated to a maximum of 8 hours.

501 Research Seminar I
4 hours. Systematic investigation into current and historical materials relevant to design and drawn from a broad range of disciplines for the purpose of identifying a theme or topic worthy of a written master's research project. Class Schedule information: To be properly registered, students must enroll in one Lecture and one Laboratory.

502 Research Seminar II
0 TO 6 hours. Detailed use of creative language as an inspirational and conceptual tool to craft a logical, well-reasoned, and compelling written master's research project.

510 Advanced Graphic Design I
4 hours. Exploration of graphic design basics at an advanced level. Introduction to typographic discipline and experimentation. Design process made tangible and visible.

511 Advanced Graphic Design II
4 hours. Topical creative projects and research in graphic design. Independent exploration. Prerequisite(s): DES 501 and 510.

512 Documentation Studio
4 hours. Team-based publication design in a studio setting. Subject matter provided. Prerequisite(s): DES 501 and DES 510.

520 Design Seminar
4 hours. Seminar on a current topic in the criticism, theory or history of design. Course Schedule Information: May be repeated up to a maximum of 8 hours. Prerequisite: DES 500.

531 Industrial Design Master's Research Project I
4 hours. Seminar focused on research basics, specifically "research for inspiration" used to locate and articulate the master's research project. Empasis on secondary research, particularly from non-design sources.

532 Industrial Design Master's Research Project II
4 hours. Seminar focused on primary research methods, analysis, and synthesis. Emphasis on user-testing of prototypes that support the development of master's research projects.

540 Research Studio
4 hours. Master's research project paper, completed in the first year, is designed into publication form. Prerequisite(s): DES 502 and DES 511.

541 Master's Research Project + Exhibition
4 hours. Supervised coursework toward graduation requirement of master's research project, public exhibition, and oral defense. Independent advisement as well as group discussion and critique. Prerequisite(s): DES 502 and DES 511.

542 Master's Research Project Advising
2 hours. Independent progress on master's research project supervised by faculty advisor. Prerequisite(s): DES 540.

550 Industrial Design Master's Research Project Studio
4 hours. Supervised independent studio initiating in-depth design process from previously completed master's research project statement. Emphasis on ideation, prototype iteration, formal/technical development, model fabrication and user evaluation. May be repeated to a maximum of 12 hours. Prerequisite(s): DES 501 and DES 531.

551 Master's Research Project Documentation + Exhibition
4 hours. Supervised work toward graduation requirements of master's research project process and outcome documentation, public exhibition, and oral defense. Independent advisement as well as group discussion and critique. Prerequisite(s): DES 502 and DES 550.

560 Design Teaching Internship
0 TO 2 hours. Practical and theoretical aspects of teaching lecture/lab, studio courses in Design. May be repeated for credit. No graduation credit. Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

597 Master's Project
0 TO 4 hours. Independent research under faculty supervision in a specific area of interest. May be repeated to a maximum of 16 hours. Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

Information provided by the Office of Programs and Academic Assessment.

This listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract. Every attempt is made to provide the most current and correct information. Courses listed here are subject to change without advance notice. Courses are not necessarily offered every term or year. Individual departments or units should be consulted for information regarding frequency of course offerings.