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This first course, the first in a series of two,courses, explores contemporary design practice in,Communication Design and Strategy. Students gain,an understanding of different forms of design,practice, from independent contracts to,junior/senior positions and studio ownership. They,also participate in on-site or virtual studio,visits with BIPOC business leaders to learn about,professional expectations. The course covers,business tools used by design professionals and,guide students in creating materials to prepare,for the design market. This includes crafting,resumes, writing design briefs and project,proposals, using time management platforms,,understanding taxes and copyright policies, and,developing a junior-level portfolio. The second,course, Professional Studio Practice II, is taken,in the senior year to further prepare students for,the professional design market.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: CDS 212 (formerly DGD 212)

In this brand campaign course, students discover,the systemic nature of contemporary brand,visual/verbal messaging, and the diverse media,landscape used to inform or persuade target,demographics. Students learn to differentiate,between local and national campaign strategies to,understand the best practices in campaign,development. The course emphasizes the crucial,role of design in defining strategy and managing,language (visual and verbal) to communicate a,brand’s ethos. Projects encourage collaboration,which is essential for future professional,endeavors. This course evolves methods to include,qualitative and quantitative research, audience,definition, iterative visualization, and,presentation skills. Prior knowledge of design,visual languages, historical context,,organizational systems, and human-centered,concepts will be crucial for success in this,course.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: CDS-212

In the first branding course, students learn about,the interconnected nature of modern branding and,the wide range of media used to reach target,audiences. They explore how branding applies to,local or small businesses through hands-on,projects. The course highlights the important role,of design in shaping, managing, and expressing a,brand’s identity. Collaboration is encouraged, and,students also learn about qualitative and,quantitative research, defining target audiences,,developing visualizations, creating brand,strategies, and presenting out to the class. Prior,knowledge of design principles, historical,context, organizational systems, and,human-centered concepts will be essential for,success in this course. Students interested in,this field may consider pursuing additional,courses such as Motion Branding, CDS Practicum, or,Independent Studies starting in their third year.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: CDS 212 (formerly DGD-212)

This user experience design course is the second,in a series of three. It reinforces basic design,principles, coding languages, and software used in,creating dynamic and responsive web-based,communications. Building on previous knowledge of,UI, motion design, typography, and image-making,,this course introduces the systemic nature of,digital solutions across various media spaces.,Through assigned projects, students explore the,complex nature of responsive digital experiences,with a greater focus on human-centered design,solutions in evolving environments and media,platforms. Student’s ability to apply critical,methods, iterative design processes, and digital,techniques associated with contemporary hardware,and software is expected in a project-based,learning studio. The outcomes will demonstrate,well-crafted visual and verbal messages applied to,informed design solutions. Students interested in,this field may choose to pursue additional,courses, such as UxD Design starting in their,third year.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: CDS 211, CDS 251 and CDS 263*,*Formerly DGD 211, DGD 251 and DGD 263

This required user interface course, the first in,a sequence of three, develops an understanding of,basic design principles, code language, and,software used in the creation of web-based,communications. Through assigned projects,,students will understand the complexity of screen,based communication systems while applying an,understanding of typographic form, image, color,,writing, and organizational systems in the context,of dynamic user interface. The role of the user is,introduced and concepts of understanding their,needs are defined. Critical methods and digital,techniques associated with appropriate hardware,and interface software are integrated into project,based learning. Final outcomes demonstrate,application of principles to create well-crafted,visual/verbal messages applied to informed design,solutions. This course introduces students to,concepts that are foundational to the department,and the skills required for success.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: CDS 124, CDS 152 (or CDS 201)*,*Formerly DGD 124, DGD 152 (or DGD 201)

This required typography course, the third in the,sequence of three, applies an understanding of,two-dimensional design space and the unique nature,of typographic communication principles. Building,on experiences in Typography I & II, students,expand their ability to work with typographic,sequential systems of communication. Students,expand the ability to use various methods,,techniques and materials in the creation of a,large scale typographic prototype. Content used,in this course presents design’s complex history,,while also providing student the opportunity to,lend their point of view in content analysis. ,Students may elect to take additional courses,,Typography IV and Type Design, starting in the,junior year.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: CDS 152 (formerly DGD-152) or CDS 201 (formerly DGD-201)

In this second motion design course, students,build on the concepts and methods introduced in,the Motion Essentials. They gain practical,experience in creating dynamic digital,communications using typography, graphic elements,,sound, and motion semiotics. The course also,covers the importance of image and video creation,and production in the context of dynamic digital,communication systems. Students further develop,their knowledge of contemporary digital tools and,relevant techniques for Communication Design and,Strategy majors. They work on projects that,involve creating well-crafted dynamic motion,solutions through appropriate writing and,visual/verbal narrative structures tailored to,specific audiences. Students interested in this,area of CDS may elect to take additional courses,,Motion Design starting in their third year.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: CDS 211, CDS 251 and CDS 263*,*Formerly DGD 211, DGD 251 and DGD 263