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DSNI 120

DSNI 120: Design Communication

Credit Hours: (3) Six hours studio

An introduction to visualization and presentation methods to communicate interior design ideas in a professional manner.


Detailed Description of Content of Course

An introduction to visualization and presentation methods to communicate interior design ideas in a professional manner.  

Content to include: 

  • Sketching 
  • Basic drafting conventions  
  • Perspectives 
  • SketchUp  
  • 3D visualization 
  • Biophilic Design concepts  
  • Design Process  
  • Elements and Principles of design with special focus on color  
  • Presentation layout (boards) 
  • Design concept statements 
  • Visual and oral presentation, including:
  • Sketching – start with in the first 3-4 weeks, then move into perspectives, then SketchUp 
  • Perspectives – understand where the one-points and two-points are in the perspectives so that they can navigate SketchUp, quick grid, sketching, quick rendering (verticals, horizontals, perspective vanishing points) 
  • Basic (mild) understanding of drafting conventions – plans, elevations, and line weight (include that in sketching discussions).   
  • 3D visualization (taking DSN100 concurrently – color, abstract thinking) 
  • Presentation layout – important to do here, include finish and color selection to support the digital board design and layout (maybe using Publisher or PowerPoint), physical material boards layout and identifying 
  • Sketchup – use SketchUp as a basis for learning basic drafting concepts, print out the SketchUp drawing and maybe add color rendering on top. They won’t have Photoshop yet.  
  • Color and Light – maybe not lighting 
  • Rendering and color in perspective sketching 
  • Oral and visual presentations 
  • Biophilic design – could fit into the tactical projects above – as a concept related to interiors 
  • This is more interiors focus – serve as a recruitment course – small interior spaces and interior concepts (more than style) 


Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

Instructional strategies to include: 

Activities/Projects that include: 

  • Discussions 
  • Hand-drawn perspective 
  • Sketch-up perspective 
  • Finish selection 
  • Rendering 
  • Presentation boards 
  • Critiques 
  • Verbal presentations  
  • Written design concept statements 


Goals and Objectives of the Course

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

  1. Understand biophilic principles as applied to interior design 
  2. Understand style as applied to interior design 
  3. Understand basic technical drawing for design communication 
  4. Develop visual and material presentations that balance functional and aesthetic considerations 
  5. Implement explorative design processes. 
  6. Apply the elements and principles of design, including color, to two- and three-dimensional design solutions.  

In addition to the learning outcomes identified above, this course will have a set of learning standards from the Council on Interior Design Accreditation that focus on "Design Process," "Communication," "Design Elements and Principles," and "Light and Color." Specific standards may be furnished upon request. 


Assessment Measures

Projects – visual communication of 2d and 3d contexts 

Oral presentations  

Visual presentations 

Sketching assignments 

Color and material exercises 


Other Course Information

None


Review and Approval

05/2011

February 21, 2024