Category: Communication Design

This required course, the first in a sequence of two, expands on the theories, processes and methods presented in the second year. Students are introduced to concepts of branding as it relates to local or small entrepreneurial business models. Through a series of projects, students learn how to employ design thinking in order to develop a visual brand strategy. In this course students are presented with creative problem-solving methods to help them make design decisions that consider content, concept, audience and communication systems. Concepts of meaning are explored by using semiotic theories that aid in the creation of well-crafted messages applied to informed design solutions intended for different audience/users.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: DGD 212 OR DGD 277

Participation in an internship experience allows students to use classroom-learned skills in a related employment experience. Students must work a minimum of 135 hours over the course of the entire semester. To participate students must be of junior or senior status with completion of freshman and sophomore studios. Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8. Seniors may not be eligible to participate in an internship during their final semester. Transfer students must have attended one semester at CCS in addition to meeting the other eligibility criteria.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: DGD 311 OR DGD 312

This required course, is the second in a sequence of junior year courses, that develops an understanding of theories, processes, and methods associate with Communication Design practices. Through assigned projects, students develop the ability to research content that translates into concept, for an intended audience(s). Design writing, research, presentation, and critical thinking is included in this studio course, which centers inquiry around concepts of social, cultural, ethical and business implications of strategic design thinking. Students utilize creative problem-solving methodologies to design solutions that demonstrate a greater understanding of a broader world view, while considering the role design can have in translating challenges into opportunities that positively impact intended users, in the creation of well-crafted informed design solutions intended for different audience/users.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: DGD 212 OR DGD 277

The goal of the course is to expand the student’s understanding of how messages are created as dynamic experiences using sound, physical or proximity interaction, typography, image and sequence. Projects develop the student’s ability to create messages that function as dynamic narrative and as clusters of data points experienced in time and space. The practical application of these concepts can be seen in exhibitions for museums and corporations, public spaces and as integrated components of retailing and way-finding.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: DGD 378, DGD 311 OR DGD 312

This required course, the first in a series of two courses, examines concepts of contemporary design practice within the area of Communication Design. In this course students will develop an understanding of various forms of practice, from independent contract to junior/senior positions to studio ownership. Through on-site/virtual studio visits that includes BIPOC business leaders, students will learn first hand professional expectations. Students develop an understanding of business tools used by professionals. Students create a kit of materials to prepare them for the design market, including resume, writing design briefs, project proposals, time management platforms, preliminary understanding of taxes and copyright policies, and junior level portfolio. The second course, Professional Studio Practice II will be taken in their senior year, as preparation for entering the professional design market.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: DGD 212, DGD 277

The Special Project course is offered on an occasional basis, with course content specific to the area being explored.
WINTER 2024
MOTION BRANDING This motion design course is an elective and expands on the concepts and methods presented in previous motion design courses. Students will develop their understanding of how messages are created in a time-based context using typography, image, sound, and semiotics. Projects will integrate 2D animation concepts and digital tools and techniques relevant to communication design majors to explore the important role of motion graphics in branding and video creation. Projects consider appropriate messaging structures with audience(s)/User(s) needs and intents as a primary focus.
DESIGN ENTREPRENEUR
This elective ?course expands on a student’s understanding of design studio practice by introducing the concept of designer as entrepreneur. Research into markets, and capacity will be presented, along with expanded design methodologies to help move solutions from concept to marketplace. Students will design a small edition of objects that work as a set with a market(s) or user(s) in mind. Students will be exposed to alternative models of making that include but are not limited to publishing, authorship, curation and product development. Students will explore alternative tools, techniques, and substrates that will expand their prototyping capabilities low-fi to high fidelity, will be utilized to aid in the creation of well-crafted design solutions

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: DGD 311