Program Vision & Goals
Research, presentation and critique
Courses at each level incorporate contemporary, theoretical and historical readings and written analysis. Strong verbal presentation skills are developed in studio critiques and formal semester-end reviews. Understanding audience and context is integrated into all coursework, with a special focus in the junior and senior studios User Experience, Design Systems and Visual Advocacy. Students develop research and writing skills to inform the design process and develop their own content which culminates in the degree project’s self-directed subject matter.
Communications design media
Design assignments in traditional print, digital, screen-based and 3-dimensional media include the design of posters, periodicals, corporate communications, annual reports, identity systems, packaging, exhibits, environmental graphics, broadcast TV graphics, film titles, web sites and software interfaces.
Professional practice roles and degrees of specialization
Students develop a rich, general overview of the spectrum of graphic design practice. The curriculum supports each student's personal design specialization focus within courses and projects, encouraging individual adaptation to suit professional goals. Professional internships support those specialized interests. The discussion of specialization within the curriculum is ongoing, emphasizing what best suits both learning and professional opportunities.
Design history
The history of graphic design provides a framework which gives student work a broader perspective, responsibility and meaning. History is integrated into all studio classes through research, reading, lectures and project content. A three-credit History of Graphic Design class offered by the Liberal Arts Department is required, and a two-semester sequence is planned.
Professional practice skills
The studio environment, course instruction and KCAI enrichment activities develop a student's awareness of the contemporary professional practices, skills and concepts required to enter the field, to build a rewarding life-long career, and to become leaders in the graphic design profession.
Emerging models of professional practice and rapid change
Design is dealing with increasingly complex systems-level problems. The curriculum equips students to think, innovate and execute design in a rapidly-changing professional and technological landscape that includes research, authorship, collaboration and civic-minded work in addition to traditional studio models. The full evolution of student careers, from entry-level employment and beyond, is emphasized.
Relationships with the regional professional community and alumni
The department maintains relationships with high level professional designers and professional design organizations to connect students with the professional community and help faculty evolve the curriculum to the continually changing needs of professional practice. These relationships include AIGA participation as well as internship placements, semester-end reviews' guest critics and adjunct faculty.