DSNM 433
VISUAL MERCHANDISING

1. Catalog entry

DSNM 433. Visual Merchandising
Three hours lecture (3).

Prerequisites: 1 hour lecture, 4 hours laboratory.

A study of the theory and practice of visual merchandising (3-dimensional) for retail sales and promotions at the consumer and wholesale levels.

2. Detailed Description of Content of Course

The student will apply the design process to create unique and memorable apparel and interior displays for products, services, and ideas. Topics covered include: interior and exterior visual display; fixtures, props; graphic signage selection and design; conceptual development; visualization; store planning (layout, sales space, display space, storage, and traffic pattern); trade show/market space planning; and aesthetic sensitivity.

3. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

Course content will be delivered through lecture. Concept development, visualization, mock-ups, and displays will be executed during studio. Experiential learning opportunities such as trips trade shows, buying markets, and retailers may be used to enhance course content.

4. Goals and Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will demonstrate:

• Awareness of CAD applications for visual merchandising and retail space planning.
• Competency in the applications of design fundamentals, and concepts of human behavior as applied to visual merchandising and retail space planning.
• Competency in applying schematic design skills for visual merchandising.
• Competency in concept development and rapid idea generation.
• Competency in incorporating retailer, consumer, and/or legal requirements into visual display.
• Competency in planning and creating professional caliber displays.
• Competency in correct handling and safety techniques used with visual merchandising components.

5. Assessment Measures

Visual display ability and merchandising skills will be assessed through mock-ups and display creations.

6. Other Course Information

This course is required for all DSNM majors. Taught once a year. Spring semester.

7. Approval and Subsequent Reviews

DATE ACTION REVIEWED BY
December 2002 New Course Dr. Susan Barnard, Chair