Areas of study are found within the several of the concentrations. Graduate students can select from three areas of study: Methodology, Theory and Criticism in Design; Facilities Planning and Management in Design; or Human Factors in Design. The areas of study normally relate directly to the student's intended research topic.
Facilities Planning and Management in Design
Facilities Planning and Management in Design focuses on the coordination of the physical workplace with the people and work of the organization. Planning and management practices combined with the most current professional and technical knowledge provide humane and effective work environments. Facility-related responsibilities supported by this area cluster into eight functional work units. They are: programming (long-range planning), facilities analysis, space management, interior planning and design, human factors, interior codes, public welfare and safety, and interior installation. This area is multi-disciplinary and integrates the principles of business administration, interior design, product design, architecture and the behavioral and engineering sciences. The student is given the knowledge and experience to address these interrelated concerns in practice, research, or teaching.
Human Factors in Design
Human Factors in Design identifies the problems, establishes the strategies, and develops the design solutions needed for issues surrounding the human-machine interface. While human-machine interface is the primary focus, the principles have wider application to other systems and environments. Special emphasis is placed on the relationship between the human and task performance factors. Areas of emphasis include qualities of function, methods of forming organizational relationships, and/or factors of environmental control systems (acoustics and illumination) and human factors in product and interior design. Subject matter stressed also includes the design of equipment, machines and spaces, ergonometrics and forms of ergonomic documentation, analysis of relationships between spaces, objects, and people as simulated through computer animation, imaging, and traditional modeling techniques. Because of the significant impact of human factors on the work environment, this area of study shares courses and faculty with Facilities Planning and Management in Design.
Methodology, Theory, and Criticism in Design
Methodology, Theory and Criticism in Design is recommended for students with strong backgrounds in design history, industrial design, interior design, architecture, sociology, environmental psychology, or programs with emphasis in research methods. Study in this area emphasizes the development of critical skills based on understanding the theories and philosophies that form the basis of contemporary design, and the ability to recognize and interpret emerging design issues and trends through impact identification and analysis. The use of qualitative and quantitative research methods is encouraged. The program examines successful design strategies used for problem solving and theories related to design forecasting. Careers include design education, design marketing and production decision, and design criticism.
Visual Communication Design
Visual Communication Design emphasizes the production and analysis of visual language systems in context. Students study the effects of visual media on society and investigate ways of employing that media to communicate information with increased sophistication. Critical to this process is the development of ideas and approaches independent of commercial and technological trends. Research and applied projects require innovative thinking, writing, and form giving that consciously integrate knowledge of aesthetics, perception, human factors, and technology. The arts and social sciences often inform the thesis or applied project. The learning content of this area of study is tailored to the needs of the student. Students may opt to work with faculty on current research projects.
Design and Experimental Media
Design and Experimental Media explores the design potential that exists at the interfaces of arts, media, and engineering. Because of the resources of Arts/Media/Engineering—both faculty and laboratories—students in the concentration will be directly involved in the exploration of new media and how they can impact design in all of its facets. Design experiences can range from the more applied kind of projects that are experiential in nature to those that are more theoretical and experimental.
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