Massachusetts College of Art and Design

The documentation and communication of ideas require fluency with symbolic and illustrative methods; a language. This course develops and refines the basis of this language, the "alphabet and grammar" used to communicate the characteristic of objects and systems. Through the exploration of various media using architectural or industrial design contexts, this language will be applied to objects and systems allowing them to be easily understood and reproduced.

Prerequisites:

None

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

An introduction to processes used in all areas of design and illustration, this course provides a foundation in the methods of concept, image, and form development. Using initial techniques such as brainstorming, mind-mapping, and researching, ideas are developed for a variety of 2D and 3D solutions to applied projects. Tackling common issues of personal engagement, collaboration, and client interaction, students express a personal voice within the specific parameters of each assigned problem.

Prerequisites:

SFDN186 or transfer credit

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

Course focuses on introducing industrial designers to the basics of solid modeling. Aside from basic software familiarization, concepts for 2D and 3D visualization will be introduced. CAD modeling techniques, plastic design, and design process are also highlighted. The computer is just another tool for the designer to exploit to streamline the design process. Various illustrations of how CAD can be used throughout the design process from creating underlays and final mechanical drawings, to exporting files out for photorealistic renderings in third- party software.

Prerequisites:

None

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

An in-depth study of several product illustration and presentation styles. Many different drawing and rendering media are used to develop skills in product design presentation.

Prerequisites:

None

Type:

critique

Students will develop and refine craftsmanship and design process in the context of furniture design and the construction of two or more furniture pieces. There will be lectures and student research on the history of furniture design, modern movements and techniques.

Prerequisites:

None

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

The course stresses the process of working with dry media techniques (graphite, charcoal, pastel, colored pencil, scratchboard), basic drawing skills, and 2D principles to render concepts. Visual metaphors are explored by manipulating the contexts and relationships of objects and figures.

Prerequisites:

None

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

The purpose of this course is to endow students with a vocabulary of form with which to express the function and meaning of their ideas. This will be achieved through the exploration of the objects and object vocabulary, which surround us, and the development of the students' skills to express ideas visually. The students will be required to develop their communication skills as well as refine their two and three dimensional conceptualization and actualization of projects.

Prerequisites:

None

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

A materials and manufacturing awareness production course in two parts. Part one includes casting, fabrication, and molding techniques for metals and plastics. Students discuss production techniques, selection and use of modern machine tools, dies, jigs, and fixtures. Part two includes product development documentation (three-view preliminary design layout drawings) for manufacturing processes such as sheet metal, casting, extrusion plastics, injection molding, vacuum form, blow molding, and fiberglass.

Prerequisites:

EDID215, EDID225

Type:

lecture/seminar

Review of current theory and practice in issues related to human/machine interface, ergonomics, universal design, etc. Methods and practice of human factors research applied to the re-definition of a product idea.

Prerequisites:

EDID215

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

This course is an examination of 3D packaging design covering branding, graphics and the development of a P.O.P. "point of purchase" display. This studio course focuses on design phases from concept, design development to the three-dimensional actualization of a point of purchase display. The goal of this class is to develop a user-centered consumer experience with product/packaging that creates a memorable experience that resonates with the consumer. Open to Industrial Design, Graphic Design and Architectural Design juniors and seniors.

Prerequisites:

None

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

Course focuses on sketching as the fundamental tool for communication for designers. Students will be required to maintain a sketchbook as well as complete various weekly sketching assignments. Fundamentals of perspective will be introduced and practiced throughout the class. Examples of how rapid viz techniques fit into the design process as a whole will be illustrated.

Prerequisites:

None

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

An introduction to the design process and problem solving techniques used in industrial design. The course presents the tasks required for research, preliminary concept sketching, design refinement, presentation, and fabrication possibilities. It also introduces the use of media and drawing techniques and basic scale model-making.

Prerequisites:

EDID235, EDID245

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

This course explores methods of observing activities of human interaction within cultural context, and focuses on the applied use of these methods and observation activities to product development. The class looks at user culture within specific identifiable groups to aid in the development of design solutions for the needs of the end-user.

Prerequisites:

EDID245

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

This course examines issues around industrial design in brand development, through applied problems. There is a focus on the relationship of telling compelling stories to connecting a brand with people.

Prerequisites:

EDID245, EDID315

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

Development of design projects in full four-phase programs: analysis and conceptual design refinement, final design and documentation, model, and presentation.

Prerequisites:

EDID345

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

An investigation of specific problems in the manufacturing development of a product. The course uses a detailed case study of a new product from its inception to its completion. Topics include cost analysis and research into the technical problems of competitive manufacturing and marketing.

Prerequisites:

EDID235

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

This course will explore the use of 3D surface-modeling programs as visual communication; design exploration and production tools within the industry to communicate design intent with clients, modelers, engineering departments, and manufacturers.

Prerequisites:

EDID225, EDID215

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

Integration of creative concepts with the development of visual communication skills, such as rendering and model-making.

Prerequisites:

EDID315

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

Directing of students through the process of developing a professional portfolio. Basic elements of Illustrator, Photoshop, PowerPoint, Acrobat, web-based. Students required to present complete portfolio piece at reviews.

Prerequisites:

EDID315

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

Explores the process of bringing a product to fruition with special emphasis on the role of the industrial designer in new product development. The course will deal with the design and development of real products. Students work with local manufacturers and their product development groups.

Prerequisites:

EDID215, 225, 235, 315, 345

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

Prerequisites:

None

Prerequisites:

None

Prerequisites:

None

This course explores methods of observing activities of human interaction within cultural context, and focuses on the applied use of these methods and observation activities to product development. The class looks at user culture within specific identifiable groups to aid in the development of design solutions for the needs of the end user.

Prerequisites:

EDID245. EDID315

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

This class puts students into multidisciplinary design teams with students from the School of Technological Entrepreneurship at Northeastern University. The students work on collaborative projects through the development of product innovation as applied to design and manufacturing.

Prerequisites:

None

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

A student selected and faculty approved project of significance.

Prerequisites:

EDID345

Type:

critique

A student selected and faculty approved project of significance.

Prerequisites:

EDID425

Type:

hybrid studio/critique