ARTM4710 XD Studio I

Prerequisite 90 credits

In a studio setting, students will build upon the processes and ideas learned in their Media Arts and cross-disciplinary courses. The end result of combining their skills will be multiple proposals and prototypes for creative experiences that will be further refined or expanded in ARTM4720 Experience Design Studio 2. Throughout XD Studio I, students will participate in interactive experiences and examine case studies that will inform their project proposals, choice of approach and prototypes. Through lectures, demonstrations, field trips and design challenges, students will focus on the art, technology, and design methods for effectively creating experiences for others.

Co-requisite:

ARTM0400 Professional Practices Seminar

Objectives

  1. Understand business practices, write and enact proposals, organize projects, work in and lead teams, collaborate with other disciplines, as well as, show an ability to develop strategies to maintain currency in fast-moving fields
  2. Identify experience design problems, raise ethical considerations and understand human behavior, user / stakeholders needs through research driven processes, journey maps and use-case scenarios
  3. Develop ideas and solutions through mind mapping, sketching and wireframing; test ideas through analog and digital prototyping techniques; refine ideas by integrating useful feedback from user tests and stakeholders
  4. Present ideas and concepts, prototypes, completed projects, and start-to-finish processes using oral, written and visual communication skills
  5. Critically evaluate work and the work of peers, as well as provide and accept constructive oral and written feedback in diverse settings

Assignments & Grading

  • Long Projects 40% (O.1, O.2, O.3)
    There will be two year long projects assigned, which will be broken up into 4 major components: sketch book, process documentation, maquettes, and functional demo. Detailed requirements will be posted to the online syllabus and handed out in class. Individually projects will account for 20% of your final grade. Projects will be assessed on Process, Usability, Function, Aesthetics.
  • Short Projects/ Design Challenges 15% (O.1, O.2, O.3)
    There will be 3 short projects that students will complete in class one week and then present the next. These will reflect current design challenges entry level designers are given during the job interview process. These will be assessed on Solution, Creativity, Team work (if team based)
  • Research Presentation 20% (O.1)
    Each student must present research on either a designer or a case study that is relevant to their interests related to Experience Design. Research materials will be suggested by their professor during individual meetings. This will be assessed on Quality of Research, Overall Presentation and Aesthetics.
  • Project Update Presentations 15% (O.4)
    Update presentations will happen throughout the semester. Each week, 2 to 3 students will present the progress they have made on their year-long project. These updates should cover any research that has been done, show material tests, prototypes, sketches, etc. These presentations should also be a time for you to ask the class for specific feedback on the different aspects of your project, from design, programming, fabrication, etc.  Always be prepared to present as you might have to present two or three weeks in a row. These will be assessed on Preparedness, Overall Presentation and Aesthetics.
  • Critique and Participation 15% (O.5)
    Critiques play a crucial role in all design practices. Group and individual meetings take place throughout the semester. Students encounter numerous situations where it becomes necessary to evaluate, work and rework projects in order to achieve the highest possible standards. Verbal and written skills are important, students are required to explain and write about their design decisions in front of the instructor, clients, and peers.
  • All projects and exercises are due at the beginning of the class for which the critique is assigned. Critiques and class discussions will become helpful tools only through your participation.