DSN 110

DSN 110: Introduction to Design

Credit Hours: (3)

A venue for the student to explore the power of design. Students will experience design, both as a cultural phenomenon that can enrich or contaminate society, and as a profession that employs problem solving techniques to meet human needs.  

Detailed Description of Content of Course

Official Course Description: A venue for the student to explore the power of design. Students will experience design, both as a cultural phenomenon that can enrich or contaminate society, and as a profession that employs problem solving techniques to meet human needs.  

MAJOR TOPICS: 

• DESIGN  
  
  • Elements and Principles of Design 
  • The Design Process (repeated cycle of: inspiration/ problem, ideation, concept development, creation, evaluation) 
  • Design Thinking (design thinking process phases: empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test) 
  • Philosophy of design 
  • Approaches to Design
  • Recognition and appreciation for design  
• DESIGNERS 
  
  • Design contributions to contemporary society  
  • Prominent designers and their design(s) (i.e., architecture, fashion, graphics, industry, interiors, product, textiles, and the decorative arts): their design significance within their context, their use of Elements and Principles, Use and application of the iterative design
  • process, designers as agents of influence or change 
• BECOMING A DESIGNER 
  
  • Career paths (education, skill sets, certifications, experience, etc.)   
  • Career opportunities within the design profession. 
  • Integrated design practices: a holistic approach to design bringing together specialties usually considered separate (e.g. teamwork structures and dynamics, participatory design )

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

Instructional strategies to include:

• lecture instruction 
• use of audio-visual materials 
• cooperative/group learning
• self-reflective activities
• student presentations from oral, written, and graphic communication activities

Goals and Objectives of the Course

Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:  

1. identify the elements and principles of design. 
2. apply design theory, including the elements and principle of design, to identify and evaluate good and bad design.
3. appreciate the world-changing power of design. 
4. recognize the value of design to the individual, community, public, and society. 
5. identify opportunities within the design profession. 
6. appreciate the collaborative nature of design. 
7. explore creative problem-solving within and beyond design practices. 
8. demonstrate communication techniques through multi-media, verbal, and oral formats. 

Assessment Measures

Grading procedures will be determined by the individual faculty member teaching the course but include the following:

• minimum of two exams 
• minimum of one cooperative assignment
• minimum of one critical evaluation of use of the elements and principles of design in designed application  
• minimum of one assignment identifying a notable designer, their design(s), and their design process  

Other Course Information

Facilities, Equipment and Supplies:

• Lecture style course

Review and Approval

05/2011

March 27, 2025

March 18, 2026