DSN 700: Advanced Studio III
Prerequisite: Graduate standing in MFA - Design Thinking concentration; DSN 605; DSN 640; DSN 670; and DSN 645
Credit Hours: (3)
This online course will build on the previous studio and continue with more in-depth design thinking, problem seeking, brainstorming and ideation techniques and strategies. It will spend more time in the discovery and planning stages of the process and finish with evidence of innovative solutions to design challenges.
Detailed Description of Course
Content: Design thinking methodologies are explored in depth. Individual and collaborative opportunities to ideate, define and develop solutions to complex design problems are presented. Design thinking methodologies are built upon; individuals and collaborative opportunities to ideate, define and develop solutions to complex issues are presented. Students will develop multiple solutions to design challenges expressed in tangible formats that clearly express innovation. The focus in on analysis (i.e., “to break apart complex problems to understand them better….and then relies on synthesis to put the pieces back together to create a whole idea.” Ethnographic research methods and information gathering will be used to generate project facts. A compelling narrative of the design issue is produced. Experimentation will be the focus of project applications. .
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
This is an online studio course. Students may work in interdisciplinary teams to synthesize information about a design challenge and begin to understand the continuum of innovation as a system of overlapping areas.
Goals and Objectives of this Course:
To master basic design thinking strategies, the student must:
1. identify and define relevant aspects of a design problem [goals, objectives,
performance criteria];
2. gather appropriate and necessary information and research findings to solve
the problem;
3. ideate, evaluate, select, and apply information and research findings to design
solutions;
4. synthesize information and generate multiple concepts and/or multiple design
responses to programmatic (specific issues outlined in the design brief) requirements
5. demonstrate creative thinking and originality through presentation of a variety
of ideas, approaches, and concepts;
6. engage in problem seeking;
7. become adept at the process of brainstorming; and
8. understand creativity theories in terms of the value of empathy and the elements
& principles of design.
Collaboration
The student will be able to:
1. apply team work structures and dynamics;
2. integrate practices;
3. collaborate, build consensus, develop leadership skills and work in teams;
4. collaborate among and integrate multiple disciplines’ perspectives;
5. encourage spontaneous interactions among members;
6. create an "environment" where members can experiment, take risks, and explore
the full range of their faculties.
Communication
The student will be able to:
1. communication techniques and technologies appropriate to a range of purposes
and audiences;
2. express ideas clearly in oral, written and graphic formats;
3. apply design solutions through a variety of mediums;
4. allow project thinking to grow and trace that growth through the generation
of artifacts for review;
5. write a project brief
6. process information using convergent/divergent thinking and analysis and synthesis
strategies; and
7. understand design issues in order to define the problem in a manner appropriate
to the client’s needs.
Management Strategies
The student will be able to apply:
1. the elements of design management strategies [business development, financial
management, strategic planning, and/or project management];
2. professional ethics;
3. market types and client types; and
4. the utility of “smart” design teams.
Global context
The student will be able to describe:
1. the influence of globalization and its implications for the practice of design
thinking;
2. sustainability concepts, theories, issues and applications related to design
thinking; and
3. historical precedent to inform design solutions; the major social, political,
and physical influences affecting historical changes in art and design
Research methods
The student must be able to:
1. use basic observation strategies, methods, and techniques;
2. apply human behavioral theories; and
3. apply design theories.
Technology
The student must demonstrate the ability to:
1. develop assignments using multiple digital formats.
Assessment Measures
May include but are not limited to project(s), activities, assignments, design brief
Other Course Information
None