About Design

Become a Professional

Skills and Technology

As a graduate of our Industrial Design program, you will be able to demonstrate skills with the latest tools, technologies and software used in design professions, including concept sketching and ideation, digital solid and surface modeling,
prototype building and photorealistic rendering. You’ll also be able to recognize, select and use materials and manufacturing processes appropriate for the intended outcome. As a graduate of our Visual Communication Design program, you will be able to demonstrate proficiency in skills pertinent to design practice and its applications, including typography, composition, color, selection of media, sequence, motion, material exploration, creative coding, systems thinking, storytelling, experiential design and information architecture. You’ll also know how to use software and technology for design and its diverse applications.

Process

You’ll become skilled at applying a structured design process to various situations of different scope and complexity, incorporating elements of design thinking and user-centered design. Design process stages might include: research, ideation, prototyping, testing and refinement, finalizing, implementation and evaluation.

Contextual Design

Recognize how design theories, principles and practices have changed over time in response to shifting contexts. Critically identify how design responds to, reflects and/or interacts with its broader contexts, including: community, cultural, accessible, socioeconomic, technological, environmental, social, political. Use your understanding of context to inform your own practice of responsible design.

Research

Learn to analyze the design landscape and think critically about the users and stakeholders, feasibility, functionality, aesthetics, and broader social impact of the design. Identify appropriate research and testing methods for the context, user needs and outcome. Apply findings throughout the design process.

Visual and Material Literacy

Gain fluency in visual language and design vocabulary. Learn about critical theory and principles of perception, semiotics, rhetoric and cultural context across relevant and evolving media. Select and utilize materials and approaches
based on their relevance to use, user needs and their environmental and cultural impact.

Professional Communication

Learn what it takes to present work according to professional expectations employing verbal, visual and written means, including but process books, creative briefs, technical documentation, critiques, summary documents and portfolios.

Collaboration

Collaborate effectively with others both in and outside the field, such as community organizations and industry partners.

Social Justice Awareness

Learn to identify and critically evaluate how design impacts and is impacted by systemic bias and discrimination. Develop a socially just, ethical, respectful, responsible and inclusive practice. Demonstrate knowledge about traditionally excluded, non-Western and emergent design practices.

Environmentally Sustainable Design

Gain expertise in identifying fundamental aspects of environmentally sustainable design practice, including sustainable materials and manufacturing processes, product life cycle and environmental impact.