Design Methods and Materials
Students will learn fundamental design processes and use basic visualization and modelling methods and materials common to a variety of design disciplines. They will learn and apply the elements and principles of design, creative conceptualization, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. Students will explore a variety of basic techniques, mediums and materials in two and three-dimensional contexts.
Visualization, Drawing and Rendering
Students will focus on drawing as a foundation for design and will learn the methods, tools, and vocabulary of visualization, drawing and rendering. They will explore the role of visualizing and rendering in understanding and communicating ideas in visual form. Students will apply what they learn to project work that relates to a range of design disciplines.
Interdisciplinary Design History I
Students will examine the development of design ideas as they relate to various design disciplines in the context of Western societies and other cultures. They will research the historical, cultural, and social contexts of design from the ancient world into the 19th century.
Design Explorations
Students will examine design-related issues, theories and practices as a basis for expanding their knowledge of the field of design. They will participate in seminar discussions and project work to promote communication, research, team building, and critical thinking. Students will also investigate opportunities for continuing design studies and potential career options.
Colour Theories
Students learn colour theories and explore their application within design contexts. They will review and examine the physical characteristics, psychological effects, and the cultural and social implications of colour.
Designing for Humanity
Students will examine the relationship between design decisions, humanity and current and historical environmental issues.They will understand the way design impacts individuals, society and the environment through research, case studies and field trips. Students will also investigate such things as over-packaging, built-in obsolescence, toxic materials and sustainable development
Communication through Visual Language
Students will explore the historical, theoretical and contextual developments of signs and symbols (semiotics) as they relate to visual language. They will study the concepts, theories and roles text and images play in contemporary visual information and communication across a variety of design disciplines.
Two-Dimensional Design (this course will change effective Jan.2008 View future changes ).
Students will design solutions for a series of comprehensive, two-dimensional projects that emphasize the development of creative conceptualization and problem-solving skills relating to a range of design disciplines. They will create designs for a variety of contexts and will utilize diverse mediums, materials and presentation methods.
Three-Dimensional Design
Students will apply creative conceptualization and problem-solving skills to comprehensive three-dimensional design projects. They will explore principles and processes, mediums and materials as well as three-dimensional modeling techniques and presentation methods relating to a range of design disciplines.
Prerequisites: IDDS 1160 and 1162 (or permission of instructor)
Interdisciplinary Design History II
Students will examine developments in visual design from the Industrial Revolution to the present day, primarily in the context of the Western world. They will study concepts from design and fine arts history, sociology, and cultural anthropology that influence design movements, designers, and consumers of design.
Drafting for Design (this course will change effective Jan. 2008. View future changes ).
Students will learn to produce drawings using computer assisted drafting software (with an emphasis on AutoCAD) relating to a variety of design disciplines. They will create two- and three-dimensional drawings that will communicate design ideas visually through a variety of design projects.
Design Education Theory & Methods for Teachers
Students will explore principles and methods related to design theory and pedagogy. They will assess basic models relating to design processes and the setting of contexts and objectives for project development, lesson planning. Students will learn information and perspectives that will aid in counseling students at their respective institution with regards to post-secondary education and career planning.
Note: This course is intended to help secondary and post-secondary educators broaden their knowledge of issues and methods specific to the study and teaching of design.
Prerequisites: Subject to approval by department Coordinator