As this part of my review was not approved last year (I had a different topic, although it still focused on design methodology and design thinking), I’ve revamped my direction, with it still being broad. So, in a way, I don’t have a thesis application yet (I’m kind of having to start from scratch). To narrow my topic down, I want to explore the advantages and disadvantages of teaching design methodologies in undergraduate curriculum and courses. However, this is proving challenging as I could get myself into trouble. I need to find another “twist,” or will end up changing my focus to something new.
I completed my candidacy review this last spring, but am still struggling with a thesis topic. I have a general idea and need to clarify some more. That’s when I found out about this class and thought, “What perfect timing!” While I’m not fond of writing in general, I tend to write strong works about topics I’m passionate about. I hope to get more passionate about the thesis process, and therefore don’t have to struggle as much.
I keep leaning towards design methodology and its effect on higher education and designers. I did not receive this type of education in undergrad, and have become fascinated with the topic thanks to my education at SCAD. I started exploring how designers (who also didn’t have this education) can have access to this type of information, and how it can strengthen their work (you can see an in-progess wheel I developed for Print Studio II – www.ajeimagination.com/images/full/gradwork/wheel.jpg). I have also learned that some SCAD classmates of mine also missed out on this vital part of the design process, but they received their undergraduate education at different schools. Lately, I’ve been wanting to explore why schools teach/not teach this aspect, how it affects a designer’s thought process, and how designers can learn more about creating their own design methodology. I know some art schools have an accreditating process, but are there accreditating agencies that look at course curriculum and methodologies? This is something that will also be explored in my ideas.
References, Inspiration, and Interests:
Right now, I’m fascinated by the design methodology process and its effect on designers. Are those who are missing out on this in their education falling behind? How can they get access to this information? These are two of my many questions of my topic ideas.
I’m also interested in web design and how people need to access information in easy ways, and on multiple devices. The audience is a key element in designing for the web (and in print) and all devices. The goals for each device changes, and a website needs to accommodate this.
I also have a small interest on how persons with disabilities interact with design and technology. I worked in a College of Education before, and there is dedicated department to assistive technology. I got my hands on an iPad that uses software to allow those with communicative disabilities to ‘speak.’ However, it used Comic Sans and the design was a little lacking, but the usability was great. But, think this topic may have been difficult as assistive technology is still an upcoming idea. Research is still being performed in this area.
I tend to favor writings by Ellen Lupton and Tim Brown, among other various ones. I’ll expand on this later as I don’t have my list in front of me, and my brain is on overload from moving.
List:
Design Methodology, the process itself and process books
Design Thinking
Design Education in Higher Education (especially Design Methodology in course curriculum)
Web Design: Responsive Design, Adapting to Devices
Bridging the gap between Print and Web Design
The Future of Print Design – will it cease to exist?
Design in Assistive Technology and software