|
GD 405 Senior Design Seminar Mon/Weds 8:30-11:10, 292 Cabot John McVey, instructor Senior Design Seminar focuses on the independent design projects of each student; this focus is complemented by crits, readings, discussion and writing. In a way, that focus runs counter to professional practice, which tends to be in the service of some else's communication, whether it be advertising, or instructions, or reference and interactive information design. In Seminar work, therefore, we need to be at once client and designer, as demanding of ourselves and each other as we can be. Seminar consists of one-on-one and group crits and discussions (some involving guest participants); three sets of reviews involving a panel of design (and invited other) faculty; discussions of and presentations relating to research and readings; and exhibitions in the 301 Cabot Gallery — one being a themed or work-in-progress show, the other showcasing completed work. This six-credit course is scheduled to meet only for two three-hour meetings per week: class time is not normally used for studio work. The instructor seeks to make seminar a valuable learning experience for every participant. This means that some individuals need more structure than others; it is up to the individual student and the instructor, and an outside advisor (if any) to determine how much structure — even assignments — is appropriate. The professional career considerations of Seminarians also are taken into account, particularly with regard to development of a body of work (a "portfolio") indicative of an ability to participate [in design] as a professional. Students should be thinking how their project might lead them to what they want to do in future. Seminarians document their work, and submit a printed and pdf version of a process book at the conclusion of Seminar. Design Seminar can be taken for either one or two successive semesters. The project that is the focus of one semester, can be changed to another topic in the second. |