Course Information
COMD 3701 Design Studio
Working independently, each student researches, conceptualizes, and develops an in-depth project, across media channels, which uses design-thinking to address a contemporary issue.
Credits, Hours
3 Credits, 6 hours (2 lecture, 2 lab)
Prerequisite: COMD 2400
Section
E026
Course Site
https://openlab.citytech.cuny.edu/bassjrcomd3701fa2022
Class Meetings
Wednesdays @ 6 to 9:20pm — Pearl 115
Faculty Information
Professor Andrew Bass Jr.
Andrew followed his creative instincts to graduate from Pratt Institute with a BFA in Communications Design. He’s worked for companies like Essence, Black Enterprise, McGraw-Hill, CMP Media and Nielsen. During the day he works for RIMS, the risk management society as their Art & Production manager of their member publication, Risk Management, and after hours runs Straight Design LLC, his freelance consultancy. To see my work, visit str8tdesignllc.com.
Course Objectives
Through hands-on experiments, collaborative learning, and individual projects, students will demonstrate:
Learning Outcomes
For the successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate the ability to develop strategy based on independent research.
- Think critically and creatively to solve visual communication problems. Design and/or produce images and text that effectively communicate intended content.
- Identify, evaluate and effectively respond to ethical issues as a citizen and a professional.
- Present and defend his or her work to a client.
Teaching/Learning Methods
Readings and discussion, Groupthink / Sprint sessions, Project-based labs, Research assignments, Blackboard / Slack, or other LMS.
Grading Policy
Research, independent/ critical assessment, and presentation skills are an all-encompassing part of establishing a design solution. Therefore, grades will be determined as follows:
• Process Books – 25%
A chronological flow of thinking, research, notations, feedback, sketches, notes, writing, visual planning, and iteration. Must be placed in the book AND reviewed throughout the semester. 5 check-ins required, with a showcase of ample work in-between. Failure to show process throughout the semester will results in “O” for that weeks check-in.
( Process Check-Ins 10% + Final Process Book 15%)
• Breakout Sessions – 15%
In-class or HW-related exercises to expand your research techniques and category knowledge.
• Midterm Research Summary Report – 10%
• Senior Project Research Proposal – 15%
Research, writing and why the topic is important/impactful.
• Final Concept Presentation – 20%
• Discussion and Participation – 15%
Peer feedback, discussions, quizzes & comments through out the semester. Need a minimum total of 10 interactions over the course of the semester for full credit. Anything less than 10, 15% will be deducted from full grade.
Homework/submissions Policy
For in-person instruction: all work is DUE at the beginning of the class.
- Late assignments may be penalized.
- All submissions must be submitted digitally as a PDF and formatted correctly. (lastname_firstinitial_projectname.pdf)
- All submissions must be submitted to my CityTech email. Multiple uploads and/or duplicate files will ONLY be accepted if clearly indicated. Otherwise, it is considered late.
- Any late projects will be devalued one (1) full letter grade.
- Late assignments will only be accepted up to one week after the deadline and by the same due the week prior.
- Assignments more than 1 week after the deadline will result in an “F / O.” Please refer to the college’s student handbook for the numerical values of grades.
*Please note that absence or lateness DOES NOT excuse the submission of a project on the specified deadline.
Required Text
A Designer’s Research Manual, 2nd Edition by Jenn + Ken Visocky O’Grady (Download PDF)
Writing and Research for Designers, Steven Heller
(Off-Campus Access @ City Tech)
Supplemental Reading
Field Guide to Human-Centered Design, IDEO
Graphic Design Thinking (Design Briefs), Ellen Lupton
(Off-Campus Access @ City Tech)
E-resources
Academic One File has always been an excellent general database for undergraduate research. The depth of full text offerings has recently been improved and Academic One File is now more robust than ever!
Ebook Central is an expansive collection ebooks that can be searched either through the catalog or as a standalone database.
The Wall Street Journal is free to the entire City Tech Community. Activate your free subscription today!
We continue to offer access to The New York Times. Sign up for your free academic pass or renew your subscription.
Attendance
Attendance is taken and is important to success in this class. Both absences and arrival more than 15 minutes after the start of class will be marked. If excessive, the instructor will alert the student that they may be in danger of not meeting the course objectives and participation expectations, which could lead to a lower or failing grade.
— ATTENDANCE (COLLEGE) AND LATENESS (DEPARTMENT) POLICIES
If you’re having problems or issues, please talk with me sooner than later so I can do whatever I can to help you through the class.
Class Recordings
Students who participate in this class with their camera on or use a profile image are agreeing to have their video or image recorded solely for the purpose of creating a record for students enrolled in the class to refer to, including those enrolled students who are unable to attend live. If you are unwilling to consent to have your profile or video image recorded, be sure to keep your camera off and do not use a profile image. Likewise, students who un-mute during class and participate orally are agreeing to have their voices recorded. If you are not willing to consent to have your voice recorded during class, you will need to keep your mute button activated and communicate exclusively using the “chat” feature, which allows students to type questions and comments live.
Academic Integrity (Cheating/Plagiarism)
Students and all others who work with information, ideas, texts, Students and all others who work with information, ideas, texts, images, music, inventions and other intellectual property owe their audience and sources accuracy and honesty in using, crediting and citation of sources. As a community of intellectual and professional workers, the college recognizes its responsibility for providing instruction in information literacy and academic integrity, offering models of good practice, and responding vigilantly and appropriately to infractions of academic integrity. Accordingly, academic dishonesty is prohibited in The City University of New York and is punishable by penalties, including failing grades, suspension and expulsion. More information about the College’s policy on Academic Integrity may be found in the College Catalog.
Class Etiquette & Netiquette
Learning is a group activity. The behavior of each person in class affects the overall learning environment. As a COMD student you are expected to act in a professional manner; to be respectful of the learning process, your instructor, and your fellow students.
- OpenLab Community Guidelines.
- Netiquette Guide (CUNY School of Professional Studies)
