Course DESCRIPTION
ARTD 270 Design Methods is a hybrid studio and seminar course designed for sophomore students to explore the principles and processes of varying design methods, including human-centered design and systems thinking. This course emphasizes research and observation outside the traditional studio setting, allowing students to directly engage with the social and cultural contexts where designers operate. Through structured exercises and dynamic projects, students develop crucial skills in environmental research to guide and enhance their design endeavors. They learn to iterate on design solutions and prototypes, drawing on expert insights, rigorous testing, and user feedback. This comprehensive approach helps students grasp and articulate the shared tools and methodologies across design disciplines, impacting visual communication and the creation of designed objects, services, interactions, and experiences
Course OBJECTIVES
Understand Design's Impact: Recognize the significant role of design in fostering a sustainable and positive future for humanity and the planet.
Embrace Social Change: Gain insights into systems thinking, sustainability, and design-led social initiatives to drive societal transformations.
Critical Thinking Enhancement: Develop critical thinking abilities that influence and catalyze positive social changes.
Research Mastery: Master investigative research methods to understand the ripple effects of actions within systems.
Experimental Design Methods: Apply design methods as experimental action research tools to explore creative solutions.
Action Research Application: Use action research and responsive feedback loops to develop innovative solutions addressing complex social issues.
Project Overview:
The core project of ARTD 270 challenges students to apply Human-Centered Design (HCD) and Systems Thinking to real-world problems through the development of mobile solutions. Students are tasked with empathizing with users, conducting thorough research, and designing user-centric mobile interfaces that address systemic issues.
I prioritize collaborative learning in my curriculum through the use of Miro, an innovative online platform that enhances teamwork and idea-sharing among students. This digital environment allows for seamless collaboration, enabling students to brainstorm, share insights, and refine their projects in real-time, fostering a rich learning community. The course structure promotes an open exchange of ideas, with students encouraged to post their work on Miro for peer review, facilitating a culture of continuous improvement and collective learning.
To support this collaborative framework, I have developed a customized Miro template that reflects the stages of the design process. This template serves as a roadmap for students, guiding them through each phase of their project and ensuring comprehensive engagement with all aspects of design methodology. Through this integration of technology and pedagogy, ARTD 270 equips students with the skills necessary to tackle complex design challenges and innovate within the field of human-centered design.
Student Samples
