ARTS3335.01 Spring 2016 Advanced Digital Design [Smith]

Advanced Digital Design

ARTS3335.01

The computer is one of myriad facilitators of the output of intellectual design ideas, but is by no means a creator of digital design content. This course begins with that notion and will work as a hybrid: equal parts digital skills workshop – where narrowly defined software skills are tested and evaluated -- and artist’s atelier – where design ideas, both articulated and ineffable, seek meaningful expression.

Principles of digital design will be discussed in a comprehensive manner involving conceptual, historical and technical analysis in order for students to advance their skills in the interrelated realms of art and digital design. Weekly lectures will provide a theoretical basis for the skills-based projects. Course content will draw from the fields of art, photography, film, graphic design, industrial design and architecture in order to prepare students to enrich their analytical and communication skills within multiple fields. Emphasis on the primacy of two dimensional visual literacy, in a world suffused by digital imagery, will help students navigate their academic environment and prepare them to better criticize works of ‘high culture’. In addition to works of two dimensions, this course will explore the translation from digital design to physical object. Focusing in on smaller scale objects, we will investigate relevant topics such as laser cutting and 3D printing, which allows a better understand of the physical consequences and limitations of our digital skills.

It is expected that students have a strong facility with the Adobe Creative Suite -more specifically Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign - and a clear understanding of the use of this software in the service of a higher goal. Digital design exercises involving various modes of experimentation and new digital software will take place in weekly workshop settings. Representation will play a fundamental role in our evaluation of the work. Students are strongly encouraged to connect their personal and academic interests and experiences with this course.

While working as a hybrid course, we will define digital design as a paradigm, unpack its various influences and trends, and speculate on its future.

Complete Syllabus