Industrial Design MFA - Curriculum

This course explores the use of computer-aided design (CAD) and other related technologies as tools for designing, modeling, visualizing, simulating and fabricating design solutions. Emphasis is given to the combination of digital and analog technologies, and the workflows for using them effectively in design process. (This class is restricted to degree-seeking graduate students or those with permission from instructor.) Studio 6 (Fall, Spring).

Design Laboratory I is part one of a studio sequence that provides a forum for discourse and experimentation in design. Critical analysis, contextual relevance and research methodologies are developed and used as a means to define the role of design and the designer in creating consequential solutions for the social, economical and environmental betterment of the global communities. Projects will extend these ideas into the practice of industrial design as a mode of understanding the relationships that exist between the user, the community and the designed artifacts. Opportunities for inter and trans-disciplinary collaborations will broaden the scope of the projects. We will design through a process of iteration and reiteration, empathic exploration, and the development of the physical artifacts. Categories of products may include: consumer goods, equipment, transportation, furniture, or packaging. (This course is restricted to students in IDDE-MFA.) Lab 3, Lecture 2 (Fall).

This course is the second of a two-course studio sequence that provides a forum for discourse and experimentation in design. Course continues the methodology established in Design Laboratory I, and extends the scope to human-centered concepts, artifacts and systems at both local and global levels. Assignments will include topics such as: responsible design practices, universal design, environmental sensibility, project management and fabrication. (Prerequisites: IDDE-701 or equivalent course and a student in the IDDE-MFA program.) Lab 3, Lecture 2 (Spring).

The first of a two-semester sequence, this course emphasizes the experience of seeing, developing, and manipulating three-dimensional forms and compositions. Projects focus on developing the ability to see, organize, and understand the ambiguity inherent in the design process through the study of three-dimension design elements, the analysis of their relationships and the subsequent sensory responses. (This course is restricted to students in IDDE-MFA.) Studio 6 (Fall).

The second of a two-semester sequence, this course emphasizes the technical skills necessary to manipulate material and data for the accurate three-dimensional communication of design intent. Projects focus on understanding the relationship of materials, manufacturing processes, products and the user. (Prerequisites: IDDE-703 or equivalent course and a student in the IDDE-MFA program.) Studio 6 (Spring).

The first of a two-semester visualization sequence, this course focuses on developing the skills and methods necessary to generate, visualize and define design concepts in two-dimensions, in both analog and digital formats. Assignments may include orthogonal views, perspective drawings and descriptive illustrations, as means to develop and communicate design solutions. (This course is restricted to students in IDDE-MFA.) Studio 6 (Fall).

The second of a two-semester visualization sequence, this course further develops analog and digital visualization techniques, while expanding on graphic and three-dimensional components needed to create effective presentations and the workflows to achieve them. Assignments will also include crafting visual and verbal presentations that synthesize the concepts developed. (Prerequisite: IDDE-705 or equivalent course.) Studio 6 (Spring).

This course explores key moments in industrial design’s evolution from multiple angles: historical, theoretical, technological and cultural. While the emphasis is on industrial design, other integral design disciplines (i.e. visual communication, UX, systems, service, etc.) will be discussed. This combination of perspectives provides deeper understanding of how design addresses needs and wants of society, commerce, and environment beyond euro-centric contexts. Students are expected to read seminal design articles, write critical essays and questions and to participate in discussion groups. Lecture 3 (Fall or Spring).

This course focuses on developing research skills in the field of design. Emphasis is placed on an exposure to a wide range of methods, research sources, data collection, and evaluation. Students will select and plan a design research topic, conduct a search for background material, construct a proposal, and defend their research topic. (This course is restricted to students in the VISCOM-MFA, GRDE-MFA, CMGD-MFA and IDDE-MFA majors and other CIAS and RIT graduate students with permission of instructor.) Lecture 3 (Spring).

This is the first part of a two-course series that provides opportunities for fine-tuning of design process and development of meaningful solutions across multiple scenarios. Projects and assignments will explore the application of design methods and skills. Projects will also address large-community and global problems requiring team-based, trans-disciplinary collaborations. (This course is restricted to students in IDDE-MFA.) Studio 6 (Fall).

This is the second part of a two-course series that provides opportunities for fine tuning of design process and development of meaningful solutions across multiple scenarios. Projects and assignments will expand on the application of design methods and collaboration. Course content will integrate current and emerging technologies that influence design practice as well as society and culture. A strong focus will be on the testing and implementation of design solutions in effective ways. (This course is restricted to students in IDDE-MFA.) Studio 6 (Spring).

The first of a two-course thesis sequence, the focus of this course is on establishing content, planning, scheduling, and research seeking innovative solutions through the process of concept development, ideation, and in-process evaluation. Final articulation of the project is approved by a faculty committee, presented in a graduate thesis show and accompanied by a written document that addresses how the theories and methods used in the project impact the current and future state of design in society. (Enrollment in this course requires permission from the department offering the course.) Thesis (Fall).

The second of a two-course thesis sequence, this course focuses on continued concept development of a thesis, concluding with the implementation and retrospective evaluation of chosen design problem. Solution is presented in a public exhibition, complemented by a written articulation of how the theories and methods employed in the project impact the current and future state of design in society. (Prerequisite: IDDE-790 or equivalent course.) Thesis 9 (Spring).