Design (Minor)
Program Description
The creative and intellectual work undertaken by designers has the capacity to inform and transform human understanding and awareness. These practices can drive cultural and technological innovation, provide critical vision, and establish vital forms of human exchange. The multidisciplinary minor in Design introduces students to core principles and areas of design across a wide spectrum of design fields and areas of research. Course offerings immerse students in graphic design, interaction and web design, experimental design, rapid prototyping and digital fabrication. Classes also introduce students to historical and theoretical components and examine current and emergent applications in the fields of design and technology.
The curriculum emphasizes both design thinking and technical training by introducing students to visual communication and digital fabrication skills, along with enhanced creative thinking and critical problem solving strategies. Students learn to think like designers by honing skills in observation, research, brainstorming, visualization, critical thinking, iteration, prototyping, and project realization. Coursework is designed to provide a toolkit for translating observation into insights and insights into products and systems that can improve lives.