This studio course involves inquiry into the nature of the graphic design and interactive fields. Topics introduced in this course are color theory for print and the screen, file types, design terminology, project workflow, aesthetics, visual concepts, typography and software fundamentals. The course also introduces students to oral and written communication for design practices, presentation techniques and the client-designer relationship. Lectures, readings, class demonstrations, group exercises and writing assignments are used.

This studio course involves inquiry into the nature of the graphic design and interactive fields. Topics introduced in this course are color theory for print and the screen, file types, design terminology, project workflow, aesthetics, visual concepts, typography and Adobe software fundamentals. The course also introduces students to oral and written communication for design practices, presentation techniques and the client-designer relationship. Lectures, readings, class demonstrations, group exercises and writing assignments are used.

This studio course explores raster image-making in the digital platform while creating historical and practical connections between technology and creative problem solving. Topics introduced in this course are the Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom interfaces, photo manipulation, historical perspectives in digital imaging, digital painting, digital darkroom techniques and preparation of digital images for various media. Additionally, students engage in written and verbal communication for ideation and presentation. Lectures, readings, class demonstrations, group exercises and writing assignments are used.

This studio course explores illustration in the digital platform while creating historical and practical connections between technology and creative problem solving. Topics introduced in this course are the Adobe Illustrator interface, illustration tools and techniques, color, photo-realism, historical perspectives in digital illustration and challenges within the digital interface. Additionally, students engage in written and verbal communication for ideation and presentation. Lectures, readings, class demonstrations, group exercises and writing assignments are used.

This studio course examines the fundamental practices of art making. Students will analyze the Principles of Art, Elements of Design, and Color Theory. Students will explore varied drawing styles, techniques, and instruments. This course will introduce students to critique etiquette and the vocabulary of fine art.

This studio course examines typography from historical and practical perspectives while creating connections between type as a communication tool and type as visual expression. Topics introduced in this course are the history of type, type anatomy, classifications, terminology, type setting for the screen versus print, rules of typography, hierarchy and formalism. Additionally, students engage in written and verbal communication for ideation and presentation. Lectures, readings, class demonstrations, group exercises and writing assignments are used.

This studio course examines the history of graphic design from 15,000 B.C. through the invention of writing to present day composition and strictly follows Meggs’ History of Graphic Design. Students will explore various movements in graphic design history and create design works that reflect these periods. Parallels between fine art history will be drawn. Students are expected to produce written projects in this course displaying content knowledge.

Transfer coursework: Digital Design

This studio course examines semiotics and identity (logo) design from historical and practical perspectives. Topics introduced in this course are the study of signs and symbols and the fundamentals of branding with a specific focus on identity (logo) design. Various types of logos will be analyzed and identified and the elements that make them iconic and memorable will be studied. With this knowledge, students will use the entire design process to create logos, symbols and app icons. Additionally, students will engage in written and verbal communication for ideation and presentation. Lectures, readings, class demonstrations, group exercises and writing assignments are used.

This studio course explores the field of User Experience Design through analysis and user research. Students will discuss business goals, evaluate interactive products, define research strategies, and develop a validated concept for a digital design solution to an identified problem. Learners practice design thinking, essential discovery skills, qualitative research synthesis while building prototypes, and developing user advocacy skills through effective communication, visual storytelling, and presentation strategy.

This studio course investigates historical perspectives and emerging technological developments in the field of user-experience and user-interface design highlighting techniques to develop online interactive content that builds on previously established visual design principles and practices. Topics introduced in this course are image and type for the web, information architecture and webpage anatomy, grid layouts, atomic design systems, and essential usability testing. Learners will development a high-fidelity interactive design prototype using industry standard software.

This studio course will explore the history of digital photography in the context of digital design and put into practice photographic compositions and image editing. The digital camera will be used to create compelling visual compositions based on a concept, explore product photography, green screen photography and lighting scenarios. Practice and experimentation with digital image manipulation and compositional techniques is also included in this course.

This online course introduces students to the fundamentals of advertising copywriting. Lectures, readings, and online resources explore how to begin an assignment, find a brand voice, connect with and influence an audience, and develop concise, meaningful copy for traditional and digital media. Students will work alone and in pairs to research, concept, and write ads and campaigns for mock clients and service-learning projects. They will also analyze and critique their own and others' writing through written assignments and in-class discussion. Class meets synchronously once each week.

This course provides students the opportunity to master skills within lower- level coursework as determined by faculty advisors. Students may take this course with permission by the program directors.

Students in the Digital Design program undergo two reviews during their matriculation: Lower-Level Review and Upper-Level Review. Students must complete both reviews at the appropriate time as it relates to their specific major/concentration and matriculation. These reviews are also used to assess the DDSN program and are tied to the program learning outcomes. A score of 70 or higher constitutes passing the review, which means that the student is ready to proceed in the program. Students who do not pass may resubmit their portfolios the following semester incorporating feedback from their rubric. Both reviews are to ensure mastery of skills and are intended to ensure that students will succeed in upper-level coursework.

This studio course utilizes multi-page layout software to explore long-format design challenges. Topics introduced in this course include advanced InDesign software techniques, design for publication, and file preparation for long-format printing. Students will create concept-driven works for mock clients. Printing and production techniques for long-format design will be employed.

This studio course explores development of printed branding materials within the Adobe interface. Students will create concept-driven projects exploring execution via various media to communicate an event, promotion or series. Students will work with mock clients to create professional written and verbal presentations for portfolio-ready printed works.

This studio course focuses on rapid prototyping and comprehensive user testing methods to extensively evaluate and improve interactive designs to compete in the UX/UI design industry as it evolves with emerging technology. Learners will be challenged to build upon previous knowledge to create responsive designs for mobile, display, desktop and other service-based interactive solutions. Students collaborate and co-create designs, explore data-visualization strategies, and communicate ideas via written and verbal reporting and presentation.

This course explores the art and craft of digital storytelling across various media platforms, with a particular focus on video production for digital media. Students will analyze the core elements of storytelling, create compelling narratives based on strategic goals, and apply these techniques to craft engaging content using video-editing applications. The course emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical application, encouraging students to critically evaluate digital storytelling's role in shaping contemporary media landscapes, while keeping a close eye on current trends in social media.

This course introduces the history and theory of motion graphics and animation. Students will adapt their graphic design acumen for use in timeline-based software to create industry-standard assets for video production, web, and social media using the essential functions and properties of Adobe After Effects. Students will develop a professional process for communicating and iterating motion ideas from concept to delivery including storyboarding, style frames, and animatics as well as rendering, compressing, and exporting files for handoff with stakeholders.

This course introduces students to basic web language standards and vocabulary, beginner-level development procedures and protocols, and interactive technologies used in website design. Students will learn how data informs interfaces and apply their previous knowledge with a coding mindset, to solve interconnectivity issues, articulate development goals with computer science professionals, and complete basic-level development edits in online environments. Learners will foster good designer-developer relationships by practicing how to actualize developer friendly designs using tools like Figma Dev mode and no/low code page builders to create a functioning website for a client.

Special Topics in Digital Design.

Transfer coursework: Digital Design

This course provides students the opportunity to master skills within upper-level coursework as determined by faculty advisors. Students may take this course with permission by the program directors.

Students in the Digital Design program undergo two reviews during their matriculation: Lower-Level Review and Upper-Level Review. Students must complete both reviews at the appropriate time as it relates to their specific major/concentration and matriculation. These reviews are also used to assess the DDSN program and are tied to the program learning outcomes. A score of 70 or higher constitutes passing the review, which means that the student is ready to proceed in the program. Students who do not pass may resubmit their portfolios the following semester incorporating feedback from their rubric. Both reviews are to ensure mastery of skills and are intended to ensure that students will succeed in upper-level coursework.

This studio course explores development of three-dimensional packaging to communicate a brand or persona paired with two-dimensional supporting materials. Students will work alone and in groups to create original works for mock clients and service-learning experiences. Students will create professional written and verbal presentations for portfolio-ready printed works.

This studio course explores using the poster as a means for visual communication within various projects. Students will work alone and in groups to find concept-driven solutions to design problems translated into the poster medium. Students will critique and analyze design solutions via written assignments and verbal class discussions.

Marketing and advertising for designers explores the role designers play in the marketing and advertising industries. Students use marketing and advertising to better communicate a brand or persona within various media. Students will work within service-learning projects to articulate a call to action via multiple media platforms both alone and in groups. Students will critique and analyze design solutions via written assignments and verbal class discussions and presentations.

This online studio course advances students' understanding of the discipline of copywriting. Lectures, readings, and case studies explore the many ways language functions in advertising — to educate, sell, influence, entertain, shock, and shape culture. Students will work alone and in pairs to research, concept, and write ads and campaigns for mock clients and service-learning projects. This could include writing for projects in concurrent design courses or refining and extending existing portfolio pieces. Students will also analyze and critique their own and others' writing through written assignments and in-class discussion. Class meets synchronously once each week.

This studio course explores the visual representation of data. Students will create concept-driven projects that utilize infographics to communicate and disseminate highly complex data points through visually appealing graphics. Additionally, students engage in written and verbal communication for presentation and critique. Topics discussed in this course are the history of infographic design and the tools and techniques used to create infographics. Lectures, readings, class demonstrations, group exercises and writing assignments are used.

This studio course closely examines lettering, typography and the structure and nuances of the Roman alphabet. Attention will be given to form, history and concept in type. Topics discussed are customizing typefaces, creating glyphs and alphabets, custom display lettering, the relationship between type and image, and working with large amounts of text and multiple pages. Additionally, students engage in written and verbal communication for ideation and presentation. Lectures, readings, videos, exercises, projects and writing assignments are used.

This studio course examines the use of social media within the design field. Students will create graphics for various new media and social media landscapes and develop strategy for implementation. Students will recognize and evaluate social media platforms based on user interaction and outcomes, design strategic graphics for social media campaigns, develop ongoing social media and digital strategy for service-learning client and communicate project via professional written and verbal presentation.

This Advanced User Experience course provides an immersive learning experience that emphasizes responsive web and app design while incorporating advanced user-centered design principles. Students will expand their existing UI/UX knowledge through a comprehensive exploration of the UX design life cycle, starting with research, and progressing to wire-framing, high-fidelity prototyping, and creating intuitive navigation optimized for multiple viewports and interfaces. By the end of the course, participants will have developed visually appealing, functional, and multi-touch point service design for a simulated client, using scalable design systems, gaining valuable real-world experience.

This studio course explores video production within a team environment to create concept-driven, strategic solutions for a real-world client. Students will work in teams to create storytelling experiences via video and motion. Students will understand and analyze advanced principles of the digital narrative, study different approaches to genre and style, develop multimodal approach to digital problem solving, create concept-driven solutions to class assignments, work in groups to develop strategy for service-learning client, communicate project via professional written and verbal presentation. They will explore platforms and brand messaging, along with creative means of achieving goals in these channels.

This studio course builds on foundations of motion and uses advanced motion techniques to create animation narratives that synthesize motion graphics with video elements and user interfaces. The vast suite of Adobe After Effects will allow designers to explore complex features to aid storytelling and creative problem solving. Students will create concept-driven motion projects with motion tracking, 3D layers, and cameras with an emphasis on detailed gestures, micro animations, and design patterns as well as best practices for interactive compatibility to incorporate motion design into mobile and web interfaces to aid user experience.

This studio course explores digital illustration in the Procreate platform with some cross-over in Adobe Illustrator while creating historical and practical connections between technology and creative problem solving. Topics introduced in this course are the Procreate and Adobe Illustrator interfaces, illustration tools and techniques, color, good illustration practices and processes, and challenges within the digital interface. Additionally, students engage in written and verbal communication for ideation and presentation. Lectures, readings, class demonstrations, group exercises and writing assignments are used.

This studio course prepares students for entry into the workforce. Students will create a personal brand and translate that brand into their portfolio, stationery package and other media for marketing purposes. Students will undergo rigorous self-reflection, mock interviews, presentation techniques and portfolio reworking. Students can expect to create written and verbal communication regarding their brand, personal attributes and portfolio works.

This studio course provides students with real-world applications of business practices within the graphic design industry, contracts, the law, business planning, strategy and marketing. Students will assemble a strategic approach to estimating and planning, project workflow in a design business environment and create original work for service-learning client.

This studio course explores the greater purpose of design as an agent of change. Students will create multiple projects supporting a cause with a specific call to action. 2D, 3D and interactive elements will be employed to create meaningful works based on a concept. Students will work for personal and service-learning clients and communicate projects via professional written and verbal presentation.

This studio course guides students in a methodical design process to create packaging for a brand that is effective in both retail and e-commerce contexts. Students will progress from concept development to final production, ensuring that each design decision aligns with the brand's positioning. The course includes hands-on work with 3D prototypes, along with developing a systematic hierarchy for typography and imagery. Students will present and justify their design choices, demonstrating how their design decisions enhance the brand's goals.

This studio course greater explores the field of corporate identity and branding within a design context. Students will work alone and in groups to create concept-driven works for mock clients and service-learning projects. Students will explore logo design, branding, brand standards, brand strategy and brand application as part of this course. Students will communicate projects via professional written and verbal presentation.

This studio course greater explores the field of environmental design within a design context. Students will work alone and in groups to create concept-driven works for mock clients and service-learning projects. Students will explore large-scale graphics for a variety of out-of-home media including billboards, transportation design, way finding and accessibility design. Students will communicate projects via professional written and verbal presentation. Prerequisites: DDSN 1100, 1101, 1102, 1400, 1401, 2100, 2400, 2401, 3400, 3403, 3600, 4400.

This studio course explores development of multi-media works surrounding project themes. Students will use print (2D), packaging (3D) and interactive media to communicate a project solution. Students will work alone and in groups to create original works for mock clients and service-learning experiences. Students will create professional written and verbal presentations for portfolio-ready printed works.

This accelerated studio course explores development of a project where the student is the author of the concept, product, persona, client, research, execution and implementation from start to finish. This course is reserved for students with a 3.5 or higher GPA who can demonstrate exceptional design skills in two-dimensional, three-dimensional and interactive design techniques. Students interested in taking this course should apply the semester prior via portfolio and written proposal for the course topic.

This studio course encourages the use of multiple media to communicate to an audience. Students will use narrative, social media, motion, website design and other interactive applications per their strategy to create a multimodal user-experience. Students will present ideas both in written and verbal form.

Special Topics in Digital Design.

Special Topics in Digital Design.

Special Topics in Digital Design. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours

Special Topics in Digital Design. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours

Special Topics in Digital Design. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.

Special Topics in Digital Design. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.

This course explores special topics with the Digital Design field. The student will work one-on-one with the faculty member to create portfolio ready works in a concept-driven environment. The independent study may be taken twice for credit if the topics vary.

This course assists in the student’s internship experience by providing weekly direction and feedback. The student is responsible for securing an internship during the practicum course period and completing at least 100 total hours during the semester. In addition to the contact hours, each student must maintain a PDF portfolio of works created during the semester for review during the final exam period. Both the student and employer will be given entrance and exit surveys regarding their experiences.