252 courses
Exhibition Design
DES-609A | 2 CR This course covers a variety of
environmental design projects that range from corpo-
rate exhibits to museum planning. The studio classes
are augmented with lectures, field trips, and visual pre-
sentations. Students develop concepts that may include
floor plans, structural systems, and graphic design
solutions. The class is open to environmental, industrial,
and communications design students. Prerequisites:
take DES-620.
Color Workshop
DES-614A | 3 CR This course explores color and
light phenomenology in the three-dimensional world.
Relationships between color and light as they affect
our visual perception of size, shape, and proportion are
explored from both practical and aesthetic perspec-
tives. Projects examine color and light on forms such
as product and packaging as well as color and light in
space, as for display and interiors.
Color for Digital Communication
DES-615 | 3 CR This course explores diverse issues
of human vision, color theory, and reproduction in a
cross-media environment. With an ever-increasing
array of manufacturing and distribution options
available, designers need a deeper knowledge of the
mechanics of color. Upon completion of this course,
students have a professional understanding of how
color happens, and how to exploit creative color
choices that are targeted to specific desired responses
from the viewing audience. Prerequisites: take DES-608
DES-618 DES-620 DES-676 DES-677.
Typography I
DES-618 | 3 CR This class is an introduction to
the concrete and conceptual aspects of typography
as a visual medium. The first half of the semester will
deal with the technical requirements of typography.
The second half will deal with abstract compositional
uses for typography, integrating hand skills and the
computer as a way to render type. Historical and current
forms of alphabetic communications will be explored,
along with the relationship to modern image-based
communications.
Typography II
DES-619 | 3 CR This advanced class deals with
virtually all aspects of typography.Typographic applica-
tions encompass historic and contemporary viewpoints.
Course projects involve the effective use of type and
letter forms in order to creatively solve communications
problems. Use of Macintosh systems incorporating
design, production, text, and display type is required as
a prerequisite for this class. Prerequisites: take DES-618.
Visual Communications I
DES-620 | 3 CR This course offers a disciplined,
systematic approach to concept development and the
problem-solving process applied to graphic design.
Use of the grid system, figure and ground relationships,
typography, and symbolism are covered in relationship to
setting priorities and utilizing information. Students are
engaged in a wide range of assignments in order to apply
design principles and broaden creative experiences.Visual Communications II
DES-621 | 3 CR A systematic and conceptual
approach is utilized to solve a multi-faceted design
project in this course. It involves reviewing methods of
analyzing and classifying solutions to communications
problems. The projects dealt with are of a two- and
three-dimensional nature and involve all elements and
concepts of graphic design. Each student is expected
to develop a unique and creative approach to design/
project solutions. Prerequisites: take DES-620.Communications Seminar
DES-624 | 3 CR This course introduces the student
to the influential role that graphic design plays in the
evolution of style and ritual within our society. The
semester-long assignment will focus on the realization
of an idea involving publication design. The class will
be broken down into teams of students who will form a
company and work collaboratively in the development of
ideas, design, layout, scheduling, production, and share
of expense of the project. The role of the designer, art
director, illustrator, and production artist is played out by
team members. Guest lecturers may visit the class during
the semester. Studio tours may be scheduled during
class time. Prerequisites: take DES-620 DES-621 DES-619.Visual Perception
DES-625 | 3 CR After an introduction to the
physiological and historical perspectives of visual
perception, the course develops a conceptual aware-
ness of the organization and perception of two- and
three-dimensional design through selected readings.
Symbols, archetypes, and the creative process of
problem solving are explored as aids in approaching
practical and relevant design problems. Technological
advances of computer graphics are explored as issues
affecting perception. The course includes readings, pre-
sentations, discussions, papers, and visiting lecturers.Corporate Image Planning
DES-626 | 3 CR In this course, corporate identity
functions as a problem-solving model. It combines
phases of information gathering, organization, and
analysis, strategy development, creative design, graph-
ics systems development, and establishing applications
standards into a coordinated program. Each student
performs on a professionally realistic level, selecting a
client or being assigned one, and fulfilling every role
of a typical corporate identification “team” (i.e. account
manager, design director, and marketing manager).
Each corporate identification program includes every
stage from initial client interviews through to the last
stages of a design control manual. Prerequisites: take 18
credits; from Level 600.Marker Comps
DES-627 | 2 CR This course is for future visual com-
munications, packaging, display, interior, or industrial
designers. Storyboarding techniques for multi-media
and advertising presentations are covered. The use of
markers for portfolio projects is taught in a unique style.
This is an invaluable skill for presenting one’s ideas
professionally.Structural Packaging
DES-628 | 3 CR This course teaches the use of
multiple production materials, manufacturing, and
assembly processes. The course addresses the stan-
dards, rules, and language of retail merchandising in
multiple venues, with a focus on presentation skills that
will allow students to utilize and maximize their creativ-
ity abilities. Students will design retail packages that are
practical, affordable, and competitive.Packaging: Fragrance
DES-629 | 3 CR This course takes a focused view
of cosmetic packaging through a workshop format
and the development of a term project. Selection and
development of projects are augmented by ongoing
and individual critiques and consultations. Prerequi-
sites: take DES-630 DES-631.Packaging: Graphics I
DES-630 | 3 CR Packaging design combines
marketing, graphics, and three-dimensional design.
Emphasis is on the application of graphic design ele-
ments to various forms of packaging. Packages are
analyzed and positioned from a marketing point of
view. Brand marks, visual graphics, and color schemes
are developed for individual products and extended
product lines. Typical assignments include food, phar-
maceutical, and mass market products.Graphics/Package Design II
DES-631 | 3 CR Packaging design is an extremely
viable field that combines marketing, graphics, and
three-dimensional design. Emphasis is on the applica-
tion of graphic design elements to various types of
products. Packages are analyzed and positioned from
a marketing point of view. Brand marks, visual graph-
ics, and color schemes are developed for individual
products and more sophisticated related product lines.
Typical assignments include food, pharmaceutical, and
mass market products. Prerequisites: take DES-630.Packaging Tech I: Materials and Methods
DES-632 | 3 CR This is a study of methodologies
and scientific methods employed in research, analysis,
synthesis, and evaluation in comprehensive design
problems. The course reviews information on packag-
ing materials properties; material compatibility; and
production methods including: blow molding, injection
molding, vacuum forming, blister packing, and paper-
board construction.