DSNI 215: Schematic Design + Human Experience
Prerequisite: C or better in DSNI210, or permission of instructor.
Credit Hours: (3) Six hours studio
An interior design studio exploration of schematic design and human experience with
an emphasis on design process and problem solving.
Detailed Description of Content of Course
An interior design studio exploration of schematic design and human experience with
an emphasis on design process and problem solving. The student is guided through the
design process to develop solutions to small-scale interior design problems. Schematic
design process (i.e., concept development, space planning, and spatial visualization)
and the application of critical thinking skills are emphasized. Topics include space
planning, concept development, two-and three-dimensional studies, identification of
client/user needs, and presentation development, along with:
- Empathy
- Human-centered design
- Space planning of smaller interior design projects
- Design process (e.g., programming, adjacency diagrams, matrices, prototypicals, blocking,
space planning, ideation drawings, sketching)
- Concept development (inspiration, information gathering, conceptual development for
space planning, perspectives, finishes, materials, furniture)
- Presentation techniques (digital boards, use of Sketchup, reinforcement of AutoCAD,
board layout)
- Introduction to codes and ADA standards
- Introduction to social justice
- Human factors (clearances for commercial spaces)
- Introduction to design justification (e.g., justification of design decision making
in the form of annotations in process packet)
- Exploration of multiple ideas
- Application of principles and elements of design to two-and three-dimensional work
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
Instructional strategies to include:
- Studio experience
- Sketchbook assignment (could relate to any reading assignments on social justice issues)
- Two to three smaller interior design projects (one can be a building project that
is built to human scale)
- Two practice charrettes
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:
- Ability to gather and apply human-centered evidence.
- Understand the relationship between the designed environment and human experience,
wellbeing, behavior, and performance.
- Understand the phases of the interior design process: Programming, Schematic Design
and Concept Development, Design Development and Documentation, Presentation, Evaluation.
- Interpret and address the physiological, sociological, and psychological needs of
the end-user in interior design solutions.
- Express ideas and rationale developed in the design process through ideation drawings,
preliminary sketches, and completed orthographic drawings.
- Produce visual and verbal presentations to communicate interior design solutions using
the elements and principles of design.
In addition to the learning outcomes stated above, Interior Design studios will comply
with the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) learning outcome standards
pertaining to “Design Process,” “Communication,” “Design Elements and Principles,”
“Light and Color,” and “Regulations and Guidelines.” The map of those standards as
they relate to the above listed may be furnished upon request.
Assessment Measures
Sketchbook - semester-long exploration of design ideation, as related to projects,
reading assignments, and current trends
Projects - 2 to 3 smaller interior design projects of a variety of practice types
Charrettes - 2 practice charrettes (timed interior design exercises)
Review and Approval
March 14, 2024