What we do...
Design Research and Process
This involves a deeper search, discovery, understanding, and investigation into not just the product, but the user, the artifacts, and the environment. This requires the utilization of tools such as brainstorming (lateral analysis), ergonomic studies, storyboarding the user’s experience (“Day in the life”), user research (interviews), trend analysis (matrixes), and visual anthropology (carefully analyzing the environment). What is important is How people are shaped by their environments and How they are defined by their artifacts.
2D/3D Sketching
2D sketching includes concept developments, visualization evelopment, putting concepts into context, storyboarding, and brainstorming. 3D sketching includes mockups in foam, foam core, existing products, clay, or anything possible. Both help give us a better understanding about the design and are important elements to the design process.
CAD
The tools that we use are Rhino, Solid Works, and Unigraphics. The 3D tools help in visualizing the materials and allow us to put the model into context. We have a Z-printer (rapid prototyping machine) to “print” out scale models done on CAD.
Going into my second year into the program i can safely say that i am extremely looking forward to the next three years. I could easily say after the first year my creativity, eye for detail, and sketching abilities have all increased. All the instructors are working professionals and offer genuine feedback and one on one advice.
What do you guys think or heard of the program? Discuss...
