About the Course
GDES.412 . Real World Design
Real World Design is a senior-level graphic design course at the University of the Arts School of Design.
Students work in teams with real non-profit organizations from the Philadelphia area as their clients. Together, the students and client will frame and define design problems through an understanding of content, audience, context, and human factors.
Through a process of research, discovery, strategy and design, students will work collaboratively with the representative from the non-profit organization to get a true understanding of their business. They will pinpoint challenges and goals in order to identify solutions and opportunities.
Students respond to client briefs, develop design proposals, prepare presentations, and learn the collaborative process of responding to feedback while meeting deadlines and providing effective, practical, and creative design solutions.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Practice real-world client interaction through introductory meetings and the development of briefs, presentations, communication and feedback, and the revision process
Solve practical design problems based on client requests using critical thinking and collaborative work processes
Apply audience-based research to define and solve client design problems
Assemble prototypes and execute digital and print design solutions to client problems
RESEARCH
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DISCOVERY
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STRATEGY
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DESIGN
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RESEARCH — DISCOVERY — STRATEGY — DESIGN —
PROCESS GOES LIKE THIS
Research
PHASE 1
Students will research the client based on the existing website, social, or collateral of the organization. The goal is to begin understanding the non-profit in order to draft a list of questions that guide the discovery phase with the client.
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Students only ( internal )
Discovery
PHASE 2
This phase kicks off with an in-person client discovery workshop. Students will conduct an in-depth interview to get a better understanding of the business while defining the current challenges and desired goals of their organization.
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Client Meeting 1: ( Fri. 02.09 )
Strategy
PHASE 3
After the discovery session, students analyze their findings to define an appropriate scope of design services and deliverables. This comprehensive plan, addressing existing challenges and goals, is presented to the client for feedback.
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Client Meeting 2: ( Fri. 03.08 or Fri. 03.22 )
Design
PHASE 4
Once the strategy and scope of work have been approved, students implement appropriate design solutions that address the organization’s vision for the future. The project concludes with a final presentation to the client’s organization.
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Client Meeting 3: ( Fri. 05.03 )