Design

Graphic Deisgn

Projects involving graphic designers include: the design of typefaces; page layouts for magazines and books; product and packaging design; corporate identity systems; environmental signage; multi-media and presentation graphics; web-page design; and other areas involving every facet of visual communications. Graphic Designers are responsible not only for how information is presented, but how it is perceived by the viewer. This may involve informational, promotional, and commercially-oriented means. The designer acts as a liaison between a client and the public; his or her job is to be sure a specific message is delivered effectively and efficiently, in a manner that is visually sophisticated.

Illustration

The field of illustration holds a more traditional history and perspective within the program, however, more modern techniques are covered as well. The role of illustrator is based in the fine arts but responds directly to the audience and the client. Similar to Graphic Design, the illustrator is responsible for defining the audience and communicating through imagery, which is appropriate and understood by the audience. The program covers a variety of types of illustration including editorial, educational, technical, as well as character development and other forms of illustration. 

Interior Design

Interior design students take a series of lecture and studio classes that are designed to gradually introduce the student to the knowledge and skills needed in the practice of interior design. Some of the areas of instruction are:

• Sketching, drawing, and rendering
• Design theory and spatial analysis
• Space planning and design of residential and non-residential projects
• History of art, architecture, and interior design
• Human needs for special population groups
• Building construction and environmental systems
• Materials performance and design applications
• Building codes and standards to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public
• Business practices and principles
• Professional practice and ethics

Studio classes where students complete a series of interior design projects and assignments occupy much of the student's class time. The program requires all majors spend time working with a professional designer in the co-operative education program, usually scheduled after the third year of study. The program makes it possible for students to apply their academic training in an actual work environment.

The Department of Design offers the Bachelor of Design (B.Des.) degree in Experience Design, Graphic Design, Interior Design, and Illustration. Designers no longer exclusively design things. They design experiences, interactions, and lifestyles—they define culture. The Bachelor of Design programs will prepare students to become “lifestyle and experience designers”—designing innovative user/consumer products, experiences and lifestyle relevant solutions. This degree program is a contemporary, future driven approach that integrates design thinking, making, processes, and methodologies with technology and programming, entrepreneurship and business strategies and management. Each concentration and subject area (Graphic Design, Experience Design, Interior Design, and Illustration) will establish a foundation for the student to transform into a unique, creatively charged, practice-ready professional concerned with how we communicate to consumers and to each other, the spaces we inhabit, the products we use and interact with, and the perception and interaction among people, objects and ideas. The programs are accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

Curriculum