Product Design

This 0 credit 2nd term review will take place during the term integrated into product 2 (PRD-201) class. Department chair and key faculty from other 1st and 2nd term level courses will review all aspects of skills shown by student in their process and final project.

Course number: PRD-150
Prerequisite: n/a

This course will teach product design students (and those who want to produce 3D ideas digitally) the fundamental tools of Solidworks to create objects that function with intent and present the aesthetic goals of the designer. Students will learn and practice using all methods of rapid representation available at ArtCenter (FDM, objet, starch and CNC) and methods of prototype creation with vendors outside of ArtCenter. preferred workflow, basic rendering and drawings will be taught to get comfortable with Solidworks to make simple multi part objects.

Course number: PRD-205
Prerequisite: n/a

Introduction to 3D CAD using leading edge technology software for product design and development. The class simulates a typical industrial design project in miniature by taking an existing product, utilizing its functional components, and presenting a re-defined new product.

Course number: PRD-255
Prerequisite: n/a

Build upon the skills learned in 3D modeling 2 by utilizing CAD as an essential tool throughout the design process. Students will use CAD to help create internal package layouts, low fidelity mock-ups and prototyping, high quality sketch renderings and a final "mock-up" ready CAD model with all of the necessary part breaks, engineering/manufacturing considerations and a full set of CMF specification sheets. Students will have the flexibility to create a completely new design concept or re-vamp a concept from a previous class or project. Although the focus is on consumer electronics, there could be a wide variety of potential products to design such as Virtual Reality Headsets, Personal Mobility, Drones, Mobile Devices, Smart Wearables, Home IOT, or even integrating technology into other products such as furniture or sports equipment.

Course number: PRD-315
Prerequisite: n/a

This 0 credit 4th term review will take place towards the end of the term. It is tied directly to the PRD-422 internship portfolio and review prep class. Department chair and key faculty will review all aspects of skills shown by student in their processes and projects. This will result in a pass/no pass grade.

Course number: PRD-250
Prerequisite: n/a

Required for all 6th term Product Design students. Consists of a portfolio review & successful review by the Dept Chair.

Course number: PRD-350
Prerequisite: n/a

Required for all 7th term Product Design students. Consists of a portfolio review & successful review by the Dept Chair.

Course number: PRD-400
Prerequisite: n/a

In this class students will design and make a line of accessories for one of the following brands: Hay (Denmark) - Danese (Italy) - Muji (Japan). Research will lead to understand the brand identity/values and their target, as well as understanding the current market trends. The design will include a range of small, functional objects - 3 to 5 objects, selected from a curated list - which fits the brand identity and considers the company's manufacturing techniques, as well their use of materials. This range will respond to a specific, targeted need, while reflecting its designer's approach. The final products will be in real scale,using the actual materials and colors .

Course number: PRD-377
Prerequisite: n/a

A complete walk through of the entire Adobe Substance 3D ecosystem. This class will focus on how to create materials and models; then light and render those assets. The class will focus on a wide range of objects, and will be open to any major who wants to learn digital material creation processes, or the Substance tool set. We will also have guests from Adobe talk about how these materials are used at companies like Nike, Epic Games, BMW, Zaha Hadid Architects, and many other companies & Industries.

Course number: PRD-316
Prerequisite: n/a

For students with advanced sewing skills who have taken Sewing Lab. Students may explore new ideas or expand on existing ideas to create themed projects such as: soft goods collections, performance costume, fashion, custom textile applications, or fine art soft installations. Get help with apparel and soft goods projects for other courses. You choose your project. Come to the first class with a proposal and sketches of your idea. Complete one or more projects during the semester.

Course number: PRD-475
Prerequisite: n/a

Exploring the future of the digital and physical experience of Alienware (a subsidiary brand of Dell Computers). Students will research trends in gaming hard ware needs and digital interface. Product offerings will include hard goods and opportunities for interaction software integration, but not limited to those features. The goal is to inspire the client into what the future could look like for complete experience integration. Students must be 5th term or higher. Class is by petition.

Course number: TDS-324C
Prerequisite: n/a

Students will learn the basic principles of patternmaking by flat pattern manipulation and draping on dress forms. They will create a sample book of flat pattern manipulation for a variety of designs including construction of a basic sloper and selected samples. The course will culminate with an Introduction to the application of computer patternmaking currently in use in the industry. Prerequisite: Sewing Lab sticker or (experienced sewers can test on machines)

Course number: PRD-275A
Prerequisite: n/a

This course is an introduction to Blender for Product Design as a powerful modeling tool to bring your concepts into the 3D digital world. You will follow step by step Demos to narrow down the vast functionality of Blender for a beginners approach onto building objects with confidence. We will focus on software interface, foundational tools, workflow, modeling from sketches and EEVEE as our Rendering Engine for our final visualizations. The final outcome from this course will give you the skills to build 3D objects in Blender using tools like Subdivide, Loop cuts, Bevels, Extrudes and Insert Faces. Students will have a good overview on setting up clean scenes with emphasis in lighting control to create strong 2D presentation images, applying Materials and Textures, and to create simple but effective animations for a well rounded beginner's course.

Course number: PRD-210
Prerequisite: n/a

3D software has increasingly become a powerful concept design tool. This introductory-level course covers the basics of Blender, a free and open-source 3D creation tool, with a focus on transportation, product design, world-building and illustration. Weekly projects explore design foundations such as iconic shape, detail level, contrast, and hardware modeling based on real world references, Blender's ideation design process, and real-time rendering engine. Prerequisite: beginning to intermediate digital skills, or by permission of an ArtCenter advisor.

Course number: PRD-240
Prerequisite: n/a

This TDS course focuses on creating strategic design innovation by learning a systematic brand and design strategy toolbox. Students will learn how world's leading brands and start-ups create compelling user experience, customer-centered value proposition and unrivaled brand equity, by connecting with target customers through strategically designed multi-touchpoint experiences. It's a start-to-finish, comprehensive process at the art and science of branding, from exploring macro trends, competitive landscape and diverse customer archetypes to create brand strategy, culture, identity, multi-touchpoint design, and customer experience. Trans-disciplinary students will work on team or individual projects for selected existing brands or creating new brands targeting specific archetypes.

Course number: TDS-392C
Prerequisite: n/a

This 0 credit course is required prior to enrolling in the Product Capstone Studio. This workshop style course will prepare students for their Capstone Studio and will help students think through their final term strategy. Students will identify their individual goals in a defined opportunity space that will allow them to showcase their design skills and processes. Students will be required to select an appropriate opportunity space, develop a high level research plan and project schedule in order to pass this course and enroll in the Capstone Studio.

Course number: PRD-450
Prerequisite: n/a

The course explores the dynamic interplay between architecture, interior design, graphic design, and product design. Students will engage with various ceramics design strategies, ranging from traditional hand-based methods to cutting-edge manufacturing techniques. A vital aspect of the course is researching "Jugaad," which involves frugal and sustainable fabrication methods. This includes studying various modes of development and stylistic integrations in a modern society with a traditional cultural background. Additionally, the course delves into the rich history of Thai culture, emphasizing its contributions to sustainable design. A particular focus is given to Thai cuisine, both traditional and contemporary, to design tableware. The expected outcomes are diverse, including wall tiles, vessels, and objects that serve dual purposes and act as both intermittently. Students are encouraged to apply their observations and learnings from Thailand to create ceramic tableware and interior fixtures suitable for a restaurant setting. The course emphasizes approaching everyday objects in unconventional ways and learning to effectively communicate design ideas to manufacturers, retailers, and consumers through use-case scenarios.

Course number: SAP-888
Prerequisite: n/a

This class will teach students a strategic approach to creativity that will stimulate, encourage and liberate their own creative potential. Through in-class exercises, they will learn how to break patterns, reframe problems and apply new conceptual thinking into their work. The homework assignments are designed to explore the theoretical components of creativity further and to discover their individual unchartered territories for new methods of problem solving. With the use of cross disciplinary evaluation techniques students will better understand their own learning process and be able to apply them to expand their range of creative thinking skills.

Course number: TDS-449
Prerequisite: n/a

The first of four advanced product design sections; this class will expose students to the complete design process from concept to production with an emphasis on brand.

Course number: PRD-309
Prerequisite: n/a

Design Lab 2 / Sustainability Design is an advanced level product design course that will build upon the key concepts of sustainability, principles of ecology, circular economy, and environmental life cycle assessment (LCA) introduced in DfS1 and prior design studios. Students will consider relevant environmental, social and economic factors, and apply comprehensive research and experimentation to the design of a product/service and/or system. Students will draw from their existing knowledge of the topic (of sustainability) along with their abilities to use the design process and creative methodologies to develop desirable, viable, feasible and ethical solutions that incorporate and reflect the sustainable focus of this course. Students will be expected to make informed decisions during the design process and present their solutions using professional and relevant topic terminology.

Course number: PRD-359
Prerequisite: n/a

Design Lab 3 / Design for Production is second of three advanced product design courses. This course will engage students in the complete design process from concept to production with an emphasis on product development for mass production. Students will take their design process to a level where the product(s) can be manufacturable/producible, fit inside a business eco-system and have a go to market strategy (outline of a basic business plan and a branding strategy) for a near future launch. Course will prepare students to be able to control design intent and ability to professionally communicate with vendors, engineers and factories through the creation of a final tech pack and/or style guide.

Course number: PRD-409
Prerequisite: n/a

Footwear Prototype Process 2, teaches students the knowledge and skill sets to design and produce a high fidelity prototype that displays the design concept. Students learn industry best practices for designing and prototyping footwear by going through the complete design process of; research, assessing benchmark products, ideation and exploration drawings, rapid study models, internal assembly design, material and color selection, and will develop orthographic control documentation. This is a hands-on design and build studio were students use traditional and advanced manufacturing techniques will provide them with a strong foundation for future FW studios. By the end of the course students will present a high-fidelity prototype, CMF board, control documents and process book.

Course number: PRD-177
Prerequisite: n/a

We explore and envision what alternative futures might look in the capacity as creative professionals and social influencers, ecological activists and technology disruptors that may trigger new paradigm shift. We will study cross-impact trends, research studies, science fiction and more that shape the futures. Rather than merely theorizing various futures, this course will prepare students in hands-on methods of future studies, creative exercise, speculative design and designing preferable futures.

Course number: TDS-370A
Prerequisite: n/a

Gravity Sketch for Designers will focus on digital footwear creation, digital material development, rendering and presentation storytelling. Primarily focused on Gravity Sketch, this course will also cover the basics of Substance a material authoring suite, and Keyshot for rendering. Experimentation across digital platforms will be pushed to explore a new way of creation and presentations.

Course number: PRD-258
Prerequisite: n/a

ID Graphics teaches baseline competency in areas of Graphic Design including typography, creating a logotype for a product/brand, and layout with type and image. Projects are suited to the long-term needs and graphic design insights of product designers.

Course number: PRD-254
Prerequisite: n/a

This course focuses on the information gathering, study, and analysis that product designers do to inspire and inform themselves at the start of, and during, the design process.

Course number: PRD-404
Prerequisite: n/a

The goal of this course is to help you build a web portfolio to apply for an internship and to prepare you for a comprehensive departmental gateway review. The material covered will form a foundation for your portfolio, which you will continue to develop as you progress through the program. You will present three of your best projects in your portfolio website, framing each project's message to illustrate your full design thinking and decision-making process. You will graphically design and produce a portfolio website and upload the website to the internet. You will focus on strengthening your written communication to describe your educational journey, outline your professional aspirations, and strategically position yourself as a qualified candidate for two different internship opportunities. In the second half of the semester, your portfolio, as a representation of your design work, will be reviewed by a panel comprised of the department chair and faculty. That review will allow the team to recommend your future class strategy, area of emphasis, and strengths and areas for improvement. That review will advise on your 4th Term Review pass/no pass status.

Course number: PRD-422
Prerequisite: n/a

Our industries are being disrupted by the convergence of ground breaking digital tools (computational design, machine learning, real time raytracing), exponential manufacturing technologies (new methods of make, additive manufacturing, 3D printing) and shifting consumer expectations (sustainable product made just for me, available right now). What does all this mean for our creativity ? How can we leverage these new tools and processes to create truly innovative products and experiences ? In this course, we will explore a number of tools that have the potential of transforming the way we create and bring ideas to life.

Course number: TDS-326A
Prerequisite: n/a

This course will focus on creating digital apparel + accessories, developing digital patterns, soft-good rendering, and visualizing digital presentation. Students will mainly focus on learning CLO 3D and creating apparel and accessories in different methods/digital platforms. The final goal of the class is to build 3D objects in different programs, combine and render them in Keyshot.

Course number: PRD-376
Prerequisite: n/a

The CMF Design course focuses on general key fundamental principles and processes of the use of colors, materials, and finishes as they apply to consumer products and consumer goods. It is also an overview of the different industries integrating CMF Design into their innovation process, the areas of expertise that professionals need to master, an overview of its emotional and functional context, and a step-by-step guide to the CMF process.

Course number: PRD-211
Prerequisite: n/a

For students Interested in wearables, soft goods and fashion as seen through the product design lens. Project topics include: bags, footwear, fashion and functional apparel. Projects focus on all the stages of the product design process: brainstorming, trend research, market research, fashion/product sketching, form/material experimentation, and problem solving with the final goal to create a finished mock up. Beginners welcome. In-class discussions will cover careers and opportunities.

Course number: PRD-178
Prerequisite: n/a

This is an elective course that will help students acquire rendering techniques and skills in KeyShot to more effectively communicate their designs and ideas in a compelling and believable way. This course is open to all levels and majors; no previous KeyShot experience is required. Previous experience or classes in CAD/SolidWorks, and product design is a plus but not required. This course will cover the basics of KeyShot workflow, materials, textures, lighting, and KeyShot animation. Projects will be focused on grasping the functionality of all features, workflow techniques, and achieving photorealism. The first 10 weeks will revolve around rendering still images while the last 4 weeks will be focused on creating animated videos. This class will meet once per week for instruction and discussion on the class topics, in-class assignments, and one-on-one breakout sessions. Projects will use given models and assets for recreating an image and animation inspired by photo real images. Students can also use their own CAD models if they so choose.

Course number: PRD-208
Prerequisite: n/a

This is an elective course that will help students master rendering techniques in KeyShot to more effectively communicate their designs and ideas in a compelling and believable way. This course is open to all majors; previous experience in KeyShot is required. Previous experience or classes in CAD/SolidWorks, photography, and product design is also required, unless instructor judges CAD competency based on a case by case basis. This course will cover how to optimize your KeyShot workflow, advanced materials, textures, and lighting, photorealism, and animation techniques. This class will dive deep into creating more compelling compositions in KeyShot, advanced materials, and material/texture creation. The first several weeks will be focused on improving skills for rendering still images (including Photoshop tips), while the majority latter weeks will focus on animation in KeyShot - introducing other software tools (such as Premiere, Blender, and iMovie). This class will meet once per week for instruction and discussion on the class topics, in-class assignments, and one-on-one breakout sessions. Projects will range from recreating an image with given models and assets to making photo real images and animations of your own 3D models in your own style.

Course number: PRD-328
Prerequisite: n/a

LalaLand: This W+SG course is intended to provide practical knowledge of footwear and bag making in a factory setting to students from 3rd Term and above. Lower term students can gain insights into the production process and upper term students with previous W+SG coursework (Product 4 and/or 5) will learn the application of their previous coursework.

Course number: PRD-378
Prerequisite: n/a

Students will work in The Sewing Lab and off-site meetings to visit LA Arboretum and other local gardens to gather inspiration, research, and materials. Students will design and create projects inspired by nature. Projects can include products such as wearables, accessories, toys, textile and surface design, and fiber art. The final outcome includes a process workbook of sketches, research, and design experiments plus 1 or more finished objects. During class sessions, students will have access to sewing machines, and other making methods in The Sewing Lab.Beginners are welcome to use the home machines during class with supervision. This course does not provide a sticker for Sewing Lab equipment use during extra lab hours. ACX students who have taken Sewing Lab in the past will be able to use the equipment during Lab hours only while they are registered for this course.

Course number: PRD-281
Prerequisite: n/a

Reinvent and create an advantageous tech and material-forward running experience. Design a concept that challenges athletes to run farther, faster, and more inclusively. Students will work in teams to create a shoe concept that pushes the current New Balance experience of running.

Course number: TDS-335E
Prerequisite: n/a

Participate and Learn professional design visualization tips, techniques, and application for product design development. Projects will feature quick sketching tips, use of thumbnails and wireframes, line weights, sketching in gradient values, user interaction sketching, and strategic use of perspective views, infographics, and overall page composition.

Course number: PRD-209
Prerequisite: n/a

This course provides a broad overview of essential packaging design basics, including materials, production methods, and experimental investigation.

Course number: PRD-441
Prerequisite: n/a

This elective course focuses on packaging systems as relevant branding mechanisms in contemporary consumer packaging design and development. Students will be exposed to creative concepting as it relates to strategic planning and thinking appropriate to the client?s goals and intent as well as the market in which the client is positioned. Additional emphasis will be placed on developing students ability to conduct meaningful research and analysis. Students will address projects involving the revitalization of existing brands as well as creating a brand image vis-224-vis a product, identity and subsequent packaging applications within a cogent marketing program.

Course number: PRD-442
Prerequisite: n/a

PKG Design 3 focuses on one advanced packaging system involving the retail consumer experience utilizing interactive strategies. The process and methodologies used to innovate and create extensive packaging systems complete with retail merchandising experiences to promote the brand, it's product offerings and story will be key in how one develops, strengthens defines a marketing and brand strategy. Through considered and thoughtful assessment of a brands global equity and portfolio needs, you will learn to influence, persuade and sell the packaging strategy through advanced audit, manufacturing, sustainability, evaluation & presentation techniques. Sub-branding, Co-branding, global considerations, and retail systems such as end caps, counter tops, freestanding retail and interactive displays will add to the understanding of the complete packaging & branded experience.

Course number: PRD-312
Prerequisite: n/a

The Product Design Capstone studio is the last of three advanced product design courses; In this course, students will develop a final project employing the skills they have mastered to date as well continuing to develop skills they still need. The Capstone studio is primarily a self-guided studio with focus on decision making, communication, and creating products that are functionally and aesthetically relevant for the identified customer. Students will work on establishing the business context and developing a go-to-market strategy and/or brand strategy for their project. The course will require the creation of a final tech pack and/or style guide. Advanced storytelling and narrative skills will be taught and mastered as well as the integration of sustainable design where feasible.

Course number: PRD-455
Prerequisite: n/a

Product Design 1 offers an introduction to the design process from basic research through to mock-ups. It is a foundational level design course focused on developing iterative design skills for creativity, problem solving, and critical thinking primarily through hand sketching and physical model making. This course will provide an experiential entry to design through hands on material exploration, Orthographic Drawings and making and testing of design concepts. It will also touch upon resources and techniques for research and analysis, as well as communication and presentation of design ideas using visual and verbal tools.

Course number: PRD-151
Prerequisite: n/a

This is an introductory level product design course that focuses on a single comprehensive industrial design project. The project and course instruction will introduce students to problem-solving and form development exploration, as they relate to "form-follows-function" Industrial Design protocols. Students will strengthen their use of the design process and develop more advanced prototyping skills to test and prove out concepts. Instruction about and practice of storytelling and presentation skills will be covered as well. Students are expected to document their process and work throughout the term.

Course number: PRD-201
Prerequisite: n/a

This is an intermediate level product design course that will focus on human centered design principles by strengthening foundational design skills used in professional practice to generate a product/solutions that improve performance around a task(s) or desired outcome. Students will learn to utilize multiple research methods, critical thinking and trial and error to develop, test and refine product solutions. Heavy emphasis will be on rapid prototyping and role playing testing to facilitate decision making. Students will compare their final solutions to existing solutions in order to identify the benefits and advantages they have developed. Students are expected to document their process and work throughout the term.

Course number: PRD-251
Prerequisite: n/a

Product 4 / Design Innovation is an intermediate product design class with a focus on innovative thinking, concept development and presentation skills. Students will create a product and/or service design solution, employing the design process, focusing on user research, market and trends research, sustainable concept development, prototyping and testing for refinement and developing basic control drawings for prototyping. Appropriate form and functional development, CMF (color materials and finishes), packaging, sustainability strategy and control drawing development will be covered. The final deliverables include a high-quality appearance model (where appropriate), a video to explain the concept, control drawings or a digital framework for service applications and a deliverable that communicates the project's design process and scope.

Course number: PRD-215
Prerequisite: n/a

Course number: PRD-900
Prerequisite: n/a

Product Prototype Process 2 Based on the foundation knowledge from 3D Fundamentals-1, you will experience design and fabrication projects using stock materials and standard shop methods. Fabrication planning and time management skills will be reinforced for your successful completion of this course. An introduction to the industrial clay medium and techniques will provide you with a basic knowledge of the clay model making process and a foundation to create and develop clay models of your designs. This course will explore basic principals of form development while reinforcing your understanding of 2D to 3D design translation, presented in a finished, painted hard model.

Course number: PRD-176
Prerequisite: n/a

Product VFX is a technical class that focuses on the digital tools necessary for advanced ID design / rendering. Different digital tools/processes will also be explored in this class. Artistic experimentation is encouraged within the framework of visual cohesiveness and communication.

Course number: PRD-336
Prerequisite: n/a

This class will prepare your portfolio for review, prepare you for the graduation show and cover an overview and discussion of the following topics: 1.Principles of Design Leadership and Being a Leader 2.Principles of Design Project Management 3.Planning a Project 4.Managing a Project 5.Being an Effective Leader to Lead a Project Team 6.Project Organization 7.Starting a Design Career 8. Prepare your portfolio for industry review 9. Prepare Strategy and Execute Grad Show.

Course number: PRD-080
Prerequisite: n/a

This class provides an overview and discussion of the following topics: 1.Principles of Design Leadership and Being a Leader 2.Principles of Design Project Management 3.Planning a Project 4.Managing a Project 5.Being an Effective Leader to Lead a Project Team 6.Project Organization 7.Starting a Design Career with Your First 145Launch Pad146 Job

Course number: PRD-461
Prerequisite: n/a

This class will prepare your portfolio for review, prepare you for the graduation show and cover an overview and discussion of the following topics: 1.Principles of Design Leadership and Being a Leader 2.Principles of Design Project Management 3.Planning a Project 4.Managing a Project 5.Being an Effective Leader to Lead a Project Team 6.Project Organization 7.Starting a Design Career 8. Prepare your portfolio for industry review 9. Prepare Strategy and Execute Grad Show.

Course number: PRD-480
Prerequisite: n/a

The role of the designer has evolved significantly over the last 3-5 years. It is critical for graduating design students to identify specific personal and professional goals in order to create a concise career strategy and have a strong voice in a competitive marketplace. Building on The Design Professional and The Business of Design, this class involves a series of workshops and guest speakers focusing on how to be an effective leader in collaborative teams, creative environments, corporate organizations and start-up culture. Students will also learn and apply techniques to better prepare them for entry into the professional world, including finding and expressing personal voice, refining final portfolio and collateral materials, effective interview strategies, and preparing for graduation (including Graduation Show). 0 Credits.

Course number: PRD-061
Prerequisite: n/a

Introduction to the ArtCenter Technical Skills model shop and 3 Dimensional design development (model making). Instruction includes shop safety, types of materials, power equipment and hand tool usage, fabrication skills, mold making, casting, detailing and finishing. This class emphasizes hand skills, proper and safe process, accuracy and craftsmanship. Demonstrations of model shop equipment are given by model shop staff; successful completion of all tool demonstrations is required for use of the model shop facility.

Course number: IDFN-102
Prerequisite: n/a

Design Gen Z/A's ideal collaboration partner for Samsung that will excite young people. New opportunities for the brand in sports, luxury, transportation, soft goods and beyond. Students will be asked to research Gen Z and Gen A. Based on the insights gathered, students will (in teams) create bold and forward thinking concepts to help broaden opportunities for the Samsung brand beyond the traditional wearable tech and mobile phones they are known for. A strong interest in CMF and trend forecasting is a must.

Course number: TDS-392E
Prerequisite: n/a

Learn to sew or advance your current sewing skills. Get help with your apparel and soft goods projects. Learn how to read and understand commercial patterns. Create your own designs by combining, adjusting and redesigning commercial patterns. This is a multi-level class. For beginners, design and make new projects. For advanced students, expand on existing projects to create additional prototypes. Use CMTEL home sewing machines to sew fashion fabrics, light weight upholstery fabrics, denim, and light weight leather or vinyl. Heavy weight leathers will require the use of industrial sewing machines which are available to rent through sewing resources in the area or through the use of sample makers. You choose your project. Come to the first class with a proposal and sketches of your idea. Complete one or more projects during the semester.

Course number: PRD-278
Prerequisite: n/a

Course number: PRD-975
Prerequisite: n/a

This class is designed to teach students basic skills and concepts necessary for the application of their product, illustration, and graphic work in the field of Toy Design. With a focus on play patterns and storytelling students will create a product concept or world of characters, plots and environments. From this concept or world they will design a line of marketable and manufacturable toys. Each week different aspects of product development are covered from the design and business perspective including developing a business plan, manufacturing and production strategies, marketing methods, financial planning, sales and contract negotiations. Outcomes: Students will: -Build a prototype and packaging for one design in the line. -Develop a professional licensing proposal to distribute to potential manufacturers. -Have a final exam on the business content of the class. Topics included in class Toy design: Play Patterns, validating toy concepts, character design and story building, style guides. Research: Toy industry, competitive products, intellectual property, focus groups Marketing: Distribution networks, marketing strategies, sales Modeling and prototyping: Materials selection, packaging design Manufacturing and production: Manufacturing process overview, working with vendors Financing: Sources of investment money, terms of the deal for licensing Intellectual property Character licensing, copyright, patent, and trademark Required texts: Toy and Game Inventors Handbook by Richard Levy and Ronald O. Weingartner

Course number: PRD-276
Prerequisite: n/a

Introduction into the basic principles of ID sketching. Key points of focus will be on perspective, visualization of 3D forms, and the familiarization of basic ID mediums. Students will visualize and sketch geometric forms (i.e. cubes, cylinders, spheres, and cones), and implement building blocks into their design language.

Course number: PRD-102
Prerequisite: n/a

This class focuses on descriptive product sketching while drawing with line economy, sketch composition, color and contrast. This course brings together all the skills and media from the foundation Vis Comm classes and applies them to the skill of design visualization.

Course number: PRD-152
Prerequisite: n/a

Vis Com 3 focuses on dynamic sketching techniques to effectively communicate design concepts. Emphasis is on the development of vivd freehand drawing skills and the ideation process. Assignments range from visualizing products with simple geometry to complex industrial shapes and organic forms. Additional topics include user scenarios, storytelling, creative exploration, aesthetics and craftsmanship.

Course number: PRD-202
Prerequisite: n/a

Review of Photoshop tools and processes of rapid rendering. Students will be taught how to use basic brushes, layer effects, sketching in Photoshop, and shortcuts. Assignments will include how to sketch products, render materials,lighting, and graphics.

Course number: PRD-256
Prerequisite: n/a

Vis Com 6 is an industry-level, presentation, and storytelling class. It focuses on how to visually communicate your projects and process succinctly through various techniques other than sketching and rendering.Techniques include the use of graphics, photography, videography, 3D rendering, and motion in order to convey considered stories of your work and you. Throughout the term, you will learn how to best utilize these techniques to showcase your work in an exciting and emotionally compelling way on your website and in presentation decks. This will be done for the purpose of learning targeted storytelling, creating a unique point of view for each of your projects, and connecting with peers and professionals in preparation for internships, design awards, and, eventually, full-time positions.

Course number: PRD-352
Prerequisite: n/a

The Visual Communication 5 course is built on finding and using the best methods for effectively communicating an idea to a target audience. Methods such as freehand sketching and rendering using traditional media such as marker, pen, watercolor, and pencil to digital means such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and other tools will be used throughout the course; Other non-traditional means such as paper prototyping, wireframing, keynote/powerpoint, and cloud based services will also be covered.

Course number: PRD-302
Prerequisite: n/a

This course explores the frontiers in the development, use and manufacture of new materials for wearables and soft goods. New textiles are being developed all the time so this course will offer new topics as they arise. Through lecture and in-class material exploration students will learn about the advances in 3-D printing, bio-grown materials, wearable tech, digital printed imagery, and a whole host of other new methods in development. Through access to ArtCenter Shop facilities and Sewing Lab resources, students will research, innovate and create samples of new experimental textile materials. A full term Research Book will be required with research, notes, sketches, photographs and material samples students create.

Course number: PRD-476
Prerequisite: n/a