Author: Tanecia Nunlee

IXD-601 UX DESIGN STUDIO I,PROTOTYPING

Based on a foundation of web technologies, this,class teaches students the concepts and use of,programming languages to complement and extend,their capabilities as designers. Students learn,how to think like a computer and to structure code,(functions and algorithms, not markup) to perform,data manipulation tasks, to enable user,interaction that incorporates devices and,services, and to gain facility across multiple,programming languages. As a result, students will,better understand the strengths and limitations of,digital systems and, therefore, how programming,may enhance (or limit) their user experience,design goals. With this foundation, students will,gain a solid stepping stone towards entering the,realms of mobile and web applications development,,physical computing, and the exciting world of the,Internet of Things, or the Internet of Everything.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites:

IXD-606 UX RESEARCH (USER TESTING)

Students learn the principles of UX (user,experience) design, enabling them to conduct,comprehensive research, analyze user behavior, and,apply their findings to create user-centric,designs in various digital contexts. Students,learn how to map user journeys and prototype,meaningful scenarios informed by research and,iterative modeling and testing. Students utilize,and apply user-centered research and co-design,methods. They learn various research methods, such,as user interviews, surveys, usability testing,,and data analysis. They also explore techniques,for collecting and interpreting user data.,Furthermore, the course will cover prototyping,techniques to translate research findings into,tangible designs, allowing students to work on,projects where they can apply their acquired,skills in real-world scenarios. By the end of this,course, students will have a solid grasp of UX,research principles, be able to conduct research,independently, and make design decisions based on,user insights.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites:

CLA-605 DESIGN FOR SUSTAINABILITY I

This is the first of a series of studio courses,that allow students on the MA and MFA Design for,Climate Action programs to develop their skills,and knowledge in live design briefs with industry,and community partners. By their nature, these,courses include socio-economic and political,considerations. The studio courses are designed to,challenge students with projects of increasing,complexity and progressively strengthen the,students’ problem-solving skills. Students will,solve design problems requiring substantive,research, concept ideation and realization, and,implementation. ,In conjunction with the Zero-Waste Materials and,Processes course, Climate Action Studio I uses,creative practice to focus on life-cycle analysis:,manufacturing cycles, materials cycles, and,distributions systems.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites:

CLA-626 CLIMATE NARRATIVES

In this course, students will learn techniques for,effective listening, persuasion and negotiation in,the climate crisis. They will learn to form,rational and ethical arguments and debates that,advance positive action informed by verifiable,data.,,The climate crisis is culturally and politically,complex, and often polarized. Communication,narratives require rational, measured and skillful,delivery. In this course, with reference to the,work of others, students will learn how to create,accurate and well-judged communication, PR, and,persuasion strategies in the climate crisis, using,text and audio-visual formats through a range of,media channels (social and commercial).

Credits: 3

Prerequisites:

CMD-604 TREND RESEARCH METHODS,PLANNING

In this course, students learn how to identify,,assess, and forecast both long-term and,short-term trends that can be researched through,a variety of information sources, consumer,demographics, developments in technology,,manufacturing and the sciences, as well as,cultural, social, environmental and economic,influences. Students explore how trends shape,values and behaviors that lie deep in all of us;,and how these values and behaviors influence the,ways we perceive and adopt new ideas. Uncovering,these insights in a rapidly changing world is an,increasingly important challenge for all,professional designers. The ability to understand,and identify trends and their impact on consumer,behavior is an important skill that will be,utilized within the structure of the Color and,Materials Design courses.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites:

CMD-622 ADVANCED FOOTWEAR DESIGN

Within this course, students engage with advanced,techniques in crafting luxury footwear, fostering,an inclusive environment with a curriculum that,includes advanced patternmaking, cutting, sewing,,and the creation of varied footwear styles,,including pumps, boots, sandals, and sneaker,constructions. The final outcome will result in,students producing a footwear collection,,developing a deep understanding of diverse color,and finish strategies for materials and hardware,,and reflecting on a spectrum of cultural,influences. Students are trained on various,industrial machines and how to make sole and heel,components with leather, including high-heel,attachment techniques. This inclusive approach,nurtures skills in CMF design while acknowledging,and valuing diverse perspectives, cultural,influences, and material choices in the field of,footwear design.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: CMD-621

CMD-701 STUDIO III: CMD IMPACT

In this course, students explore the consequences,of their decision-making as Color and Material,designers, and question subsequent social,,economic, and environmental impacts. They deploy,their creative abilities using color and material,design to create positive design strategies that,are forward-thinking and consider sustainability,,circular economics, and social justice at a local,and global level.,The course questions the provenance of materials,,processes, and commodity chains. Students explore,possibilities for using materials and processes,where there is no harm to nature or human,well-being; and whether locally sourced materials,and processes can be specified to advance social,enterprise and closed-loop systems.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: CMD 601, CMD 602