Exploration of a topic (to be determined) not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.

Introduction to digital design software processes to create and manipulate vector and raster-based imagery and gain an understanding of publication software for layout and printed media.

Builds on the core concepts and skills learned in DES 101. This course introduces students to digital 3D rendering, motion graphics and basic online presence.

This course introduces students to two and three-dimensional visualization methods for the design fields. These methods will include hand drawing as well as modeling with paper/card, wood and plastic.

This course introduces students to the design process. Students will learn methods for ideation and realization of solutions to design problems, as well as practicing design presentation methods.

Lectures, readings, discussion, and written assignments develop visual literacy, critical, and communication skills integral to understanding design within its historical, social, and cultural context.

Evolution of exterior and interior architecture and decorative arts in relation to environment and mode of life throughout history. Traces design history through the lens of sustainable practices.

A gateway experience exploring the nature of design creativity and multi-disciplinary problem solving.

Drawing techniques in freehand sketching and rendered presentations for design practice. Problems in quick techniques and various media.

Orthographic Drawing techniques and practices for designing.

Concepts used in decision making and tools necessary for translating these concepts into visual statements.

Design relationships and coordinates as determinates of functional, structural, and aesthetic qualities of interior environments; the physical/cultural context and method for translating programmatic requirements into three-dimensional design decisions. Overview and application of elements and principles of design.

Character development and toy design. 3-D studio course. Toys used as subject matter to develop aptitude with: spatial thinking, concept development, physical prototyping, use of basic mechanics, and woodworking tools and techniques.

Exploration of a topic (to be determined) not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.

Overviews contemporary issues and trends in 21st century design.

This course will introduce students to the principles and practices of Design Thinking. We will focus on the application of design strategies to problems in businesses, organizations in a creative and strategic manner.

Use of the floor loom for exploration of making many kinds of cloth. Focus on color, pattern, texture, and a variety of interlacements of yarn.

Color theory for decorative design. Effect of color selection, media, and rendering techniques on production. Introduction to professional color research.

Issues of design in relationship with sustainable systems, technology, organic design, the humanities, social sciences, and natural/physical sciences. Interaction between design and other disciplines.

Medium-scale space planning, tenant development, interior design, and documentation for the humane work environment and public spaces. Corporate structure, sustainability, materials, lighting, and construction methods.

Overview of important textile fibers, yearns, and fabric constructions related to end-use applications in design.

Participation in a discipline or subject related experience. Student must be evaluated by written or oral reports or an examination. Permission in advance with the consent of the department chairperson, instructor, and dean. Limited to those in good academic standing.

Offered through SUAbroad by educational institution outside the United States. Student registers for the course at the foreign institution and is graded according to that institution's practice. SUAbroad works with the S.U. academic department to assign the appropriate course level, title, and grade for the student's transcript.

Visiting professionals examine and discuss design disciplines.

Exploration of a problem, or problems, in depth. Individual independent study upon a plan submitted by the student. Admission by consent of supervising instructor(s) and the department.

Exploration of a topic (to be determined) not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.

Introduction of major theories and writings about design within a historical context. Provide students with a theoretical toolkit for exploring design and other creative work.

Designer exploration of sewn products for production. Deconstruct/construct, pattern, fabricate, prototype, and analyze user interface for soft sewn non-apparel product design.

Collaborative Design focuses on inquiry-based learning that involves groups of designers from diverse backgrounds and interests to work together to design innovative and transformative spaces, services, and products in project based environment.

Explores the capabilities of industry-standard design software to develop and preflight multi-page layouts for printed distribution, with precise control over typography and composition. Projects stress essential design and pre-press techniques applicable to all design disciplines. Additional work required of graduate students.

Introduces students to the two central practices of today's designers, creating vector illustrations and manipulating digital imagery. Using industry-standard design software, assignments provide practical experience for generating professional illustrations and image-based work. Additional work required of graduate students.

Introduces students to the industry-leading programming environment for producing interactive content on the web, smartphones, tablets, and televisions. Assignments provide practical experience for generating professional animated work.

Students you will gather insights to explore challenges and opportunities related to Intellectual Disability; gain empathy and insights through a series lectures, in-class exercises, field research, and immersive experiences. As an incubator for innovation, the goal is to envision, prototype and test ideas that will have a lasting quality of life impact. Additinoal work required for graduate students.

Design of decorative patterns for residential and commercial interior environments. Emphasis will be on the psychological effects of pattern and color. Specific repeats, rendering and presentation techniques for furnishing appropriate to end-use market production. Additional work required of graduate students.

An overview of the Bauhaus, its important personalities, and its contribution to the development of twentieth-century design and architecture.

Explores the color, scale and design benefits of digital printing. Student designs become the impetus for learning computer-aided repeat and layout systems of fabric design development for multiple applications.

A unique look into the English alphabet. This interesting collection of lectures and assignments reveals personal relationships of sounds and shapes the alphabet offers. Students explore creative writing and typographic communication in an unusual design context.

Explores nature, money, power, ownership, friendship, and democracy in digital scenarios. The specific focus is online and networked situations.

Offered only in Florence. The class ¿Made in Italy¿ draws on developments and marketing trends in the Italian design industry and the production of luxury accessories. Special attention devoted to different aspects of traditional artisanship and specific marketing strategies to achieve success.

Creative problem solving enhances knowledge concerning creativity, increases creative ability, and fosters problem-solving skills that are essential across disciplines. Students challenge cultural, social, and personal norms to achieve meaningful and 'different' solutions for small- and large-scale problems. Additional work required for graduate students.

This course will examine how design and print media has informed social protest and activism in the United States.

Planning, Design, and Digital prototyping of mobile devices (smart phones, tablets, watches) for multiple operating systems. User experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) best practices. Wireframes, flow mapping, and user testing for mobile operating systems. Additional work required for graduate students. 

Introduction to wood and metal shop construction techniques for design fabrication. Additional work required of graduate students.

Introduction to computer generation construction techniques for design fabrication. Additional work required of graduate students.

Research for the design of interior environments: lighting, technology, furniture, materials, special populations, ergonomics, environmental and future needs.

Design Innovation using non-linear and iterative processes. Uncover and iteratively address user needs, challenge assumptions, redefine problems. Value creation with a bias toward action to address both wicked and tame problems in industry and society. Identification and exploration of possibilities over problems as a path forward. Additional work required for graduate students.

Offered through SUAbroad by educational institution outside the United States. Student registers for the course at the foreign institution and is graded according to that institution's practice. SUAbroad works with the S.U. academic department to assign the appropriate course level, title, and grade for the student's transcript.

Exploration of a problem, or problems, in depth. Individual independent study upon a plan submitted by the student. Admission by consent of supervising instructor(s) and the department.

Exploration of a topic (to be determined) not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.

Introduction to the historical and social context that gave rise to Art Nouveau, its various manifestations, and the important practitioners and promoters of this movement in Europe and the United States.

This course covers foundations of ethical design research with diverse methodologies. Focused on research sprints, students learn background knowledge application, protocol creation, data collection, analysis techniques, and deriving meaningful conclusions, ensuring research integrity and relevance.

Students conduct an immersive exploration about a design-related inquiry, producing evidence-based, socially impactful proposals for innovation and change. Students demonstrate readiness for leadership in design research and thinking.

Adaptive Design focuses on the creative relationships between people with disabilities, clinicians, and designers. This course centers on dialogue, interviewing, collaborative teaming, and co-design, creating custom solutions to meet specific needs for those in the disabled community. Additional work required for graduate students.

Focus on a community design project; residential, commercial, hospitality, institutional, retail and health care for the purpose of having the experience of working with real clients and developing collaborative skills.

Interdisciplinary design studio focused on branding and marketing. Additional work required of graduate students.

Participation in a discipline or subject related experience. Student must be evaluated by written or oral reports or an examination. Permission in advance with the consent of the department chairperson, instructor, and dean. Limited to those in good academic standing.

Offered through SUAbroad by educational institution outside the United States. Student registers for the course at the foreign institution and is graded according to that institution's practice. SUAbroad works with the S.U. academic department to assign the appropriate course level, title, and grade for the student's transcript.

Examine how to develop and grow ideas to create a viable design product. Explore the necessary steps to make a design suitable for production.

Examine how to take designs and create prototypes. Explore branding of design products and necessary steps to make a product feasible.

Project oriented design studio required of design and other majors admitted to the Florence Design Program.

Exploration of a problem, or problems, in depth. Individual independent study upon a plan submitted by the student. Admission by consent of supervising instructor(s) and the department.

Exploration of a topic (to be determined) not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.

Introduction to methodologies, research design and application, and the foundations of ethical research.

Design and development of experimental furniture and light fixtures. Experiences in prototype construction and industrial production methods.

Advance detailing and construction techniques, documentation, shop drawings, computer-aided construction methods for fabrication.

Exploration of a problem, or problems, in depth. Individual independent study upon a plan submitted by the student. Admission by consent of supervising instructor(s) and the department.