IMA 725
design direction
spring 2004
mary flanagan
hunter college
This course explores concepts in design direction, art direction, and project management, specifically for interactive design and product design projects.
This course explores concepts in design direction, art direction, and
project management, specifically for interactive design and product design
projects.
Design Direction is a course which explores the many aspects of creative
project planning and leadership, invention/prototyping, and documentation
for all kinds of creative acts, with a focus on the integration of digital
media.
Graduate students will find the course a productive, think-tank environment to prepare them to work in both commercial and art world contexts, focusing on proposing, planning, and managing large scale projects. This is a course about being a clear, organized, and potentially fundable creative leader.
The course
content will primarily focus on process, organizational aspects, and the
design and documentation of digital media projects. But we do not limit
our work to screens. One project, called “the boomerang,”
has groups of students quickly design and prototype idealized products
for other “client” groups, and vice versa. The course includes
a good deal of writing, but it is writing geared to enhance the students'
creative pursuits in both professional and artistic situations. The course
will cover the following areas: Creative direction management skills,
writing (especially writing clearly about creative work), research skills,
budgeting and timelines, and organizational structures. Methodologies
appropriate to the student's research will be investigatd. Visiting lectures/visits
with local project managers, art directors, budget officers, and lawyers
will be scheduled. Documentation of process, ideas, and activities is
essential. Students will hand in documentation of their work/experiments
at the end of class.
Students will practice creative direction management skills, writing clearly
about creative work, research and writing of proposals, budgeting and
timelines, and understanding organizational structures. Visiting lectures
from local project managers, art directors, and lawyers will be scheduled.
The class also provides a forum for students to engage in thought-provoking
issues related to digital media management and the social responsibility
of the artist. Most of the students’ writing will be created digitally
and sent digitally to the instructor and other students. There will be
special emphasis on vocabulary for the art direction and project management.
This course will help prepare students to work in both commercial and
art world contexts and will give students a firm grounding in the customs,
skills and techniques of digital project management and art direction.
It also provides an opportunity for students to engage in thought-provoking
issues related to digital media management and the social responsibility
of the art director.
nanotech dream home, preliminary work