Project Calendar

 

 WEEK 1 – 2

ZOOM OUT: (conceptual system concerns / values):

THEMATIC READINGS: DESIGNING IN A COMPLEX WORLD

As first framing activity,  small reading groups will read one chapter as a theoretical point of entry for discussion, from the book: In the Bubble, designing in a complex world (2005), John Thackara. Each group will identify pertinent issues from the chapter, then discuss collectively with the whole class. The intent of the reading is to zoom out, then re-connect certain issues as examined in the text themes (e.g. speed, lightness, learning, mobility, and so forth), as applied to possible contemporary problems. From there, you will begin to imagine, your own conceptual point of entry, as design thinking, in framing future studio problems – the design charette, and separately your semester collaborative project.

Download the book here:

In the Bubble, Thackara, 2015 (pdf)

WEEK 3 – 4

ZOOM-IN-CLOSER (specific behaviors, specific local contexts):

DESIGN CHARETTE

A two-week intensive design foray, responding to imagined local contexts as opportunities for quick ideational studies exploring branding, service design, and interaction propositions – real or speculative. Student teams are expected to be challenged and embrace design constraints, tight deadlines, and work together collaboratively. Visualize (as BSId) what could or should happen, that makes sense (is context aware, and draws conceptual interest from).

Assigned Contexts / Content – Design Opportunities

Raleigh River Walk 

Duke Beltline Trail

WEEK 5

BRAINSTORMING–IDEATION

You will brainstorm with peers to determine a range of design problems and/or opportunities that capitalize on insights gained from preceding studies, readings, and the design charette. You will spend short periods of time in small groups brainstorming possible design opportunities/projects within the prescribed design methods.

WEEK 6

SPEED-DATING, PROJECT PROPOSING

WEEK 7 – 13

BRANDING, INTERACTION, SERVICE DESIGN SYSTEMS

Informed by by fully developed project proposals, you will work together to design a communications. There are different processes and methods of work for designing this system, which include the following, among others:

  • Branding … brand audits, mood boards, brand architecture and strategy, repositioning exercises, language and image narratives, etc.
  • Interaction … activity scenarios, personas, user paths, activity diagrams, etc.
  • Service design … exchange scenarios, system touchpoints, user readiness analysis, service blueprinting and prototyping, etc.

WEEK 14–15

COURSE SUMMARY DOCUMENTS

As a group, you will design two summary presentations of your work for the semester. The first presentation should be web-based as the viewing setting. It should be a (1) curated ‘story’ told, as self-contained and having or explaining all relevant parts. The second presentation should be a (2) comprehensive PDF document, organized as B/I/SD to show process and end outcomes by each individual.

PREPARATION FOR MID-PROGRAM (JUNIOR) REVIEWS

In accordance with departmental practices and policy, each junior will develop a formal presentation ( ‘best-of-to-date” graphic design portfolio – from all your design courses, etc.). You are required to submit the curated (details of requirements to come) of your “junior review” components to a department / college administered WordPress site. Again, details to come.