DSN 143

DSN 143: Design is a Business

Credit Hours: (3)

An understanding of the complex nature of the design industry as a business and consumer-centered practice. Students will explore professional career and growth opportunities that the world of design offers. 

Note(s): Students will not receive credit for both DSNF 133 and DSN 143.

Detailed Description of Content of Course

Official Course Description: An understanding of the complex nature of the design industry as a business and consumer-centered practice. Students will explore professional career and growth opportunities that the world of design offers. 

Major Topics: 

1. Individual/ Career path 
   
   1.  What is Design?  
   2. Career opportunities & exposure to design and their impact on people & environments 
2. BUSINESS  
   
   1. Systems/ Business formation  
   2. Business Organization and the Design Industry  
   3. Career Opportunities in Design  
   4. Elements of business practice: business flows  
   5. Stakeholders 
   6. market sectors,  
   7. client types, 
   8. Cogs of players interacting 
   9. People, profit and planet 
   10. How sustainable design practices  
   11. Ethics and social responsibility 
   12. Business Ethics, ethical Issues in the Workplace 
   13. Social Responsibility 
   14. Business Communication 
   15. Design Industry: Textile, Manufacturing, Retail 
   16. Sustainability 
3. Marketplace  
   
   1. Globalization of Design  
   2. Global Trade  
4. Product/ Supply Chain 
   
   1. Concept to Consumer – The Supply Chain 
   2.  Intro of product marketplace, product life cycle – production flows  
   3. activities necessary to buy & sell design products/ services at a profit 
   4. pricing policies: wholesale, retail, list price, gpm, mark up 
   5. How sustainable design practices & how they relate to profitability 
   6. Logistics and Technology  
   7. Ethics and social responsibility 
   8. Sustainability: Fashion, Clothing, and Interior Design  
5. Consumer
   1. Market Segmentation (demographics, psychographics, behavioristics, geographics) 
   2. Target market 
   3. Buying Motives (emotional, rational, patronage) 

 

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

• Lecture
• Use of audio-visual materials
• Guest speakers

Goals and Objectives of the Course

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

1. identify the elements of business practice (business development, formation, financial management, strategic planning, and various forms of collaboration and integration of disciplines, etc.).  
2. awareness of the breadth and scope of career opportunities in design.  
3. understand the relationship between product, material, and cost.  
4. demonstrate an awareness of the multiple disciplines and stakeholders involved in design. 
5. awareness of the supply chain and importance to the delivery of products and services. 
6. recognize design as a consumer-centered practice.   
7. recognize sustainable design practices benefit people, planet, and profit. 
8. demonstrate an awareness of globalization and the implications of conducting the practice of design within a world market.  
9. identify the role ethics plays in design business. 

Assessment Measures

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

• minimum of one exam 
• minimum of one cooperative assignment
• minimum of one assignment demonstrating critical thinking reflection of course topics 
• minimum of one assignment demonstrating the awareness of the design industry as a business 

Other Course Information
Facilities: Lecture Style Course

Review and Approval

01/2011

March 27, 2025