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DS 150

VISUAL THINKING - PIXELS AND PENCILS

3 credits.

Explores visual media as a means of describing what exists, as a method for generating ideas for what could be, and for professionally communicating a design concept. Use hand drawing techniques and professional design software. Supports the proficiency of technical skills while teaching essential methods for creative practice. Learn to move fluidly across platforms to visually explore possibilities, refine ideas, and professionally communicate design plans.

Prerequisites & course information

Requisites: None Course Designation: Core GenEd - Humanities & Arts Repeatable for Credit: No Last Taught: Spring 2026 Learning Outcomes: 1. Develop heightened attention to detail, light and form through observational drawing while developing coordination between hand and eye. Audience: Undergraduate 2. Use hand drawing and digital tools to visually explore multiple design solutions. Audience: Undergraduate 3. Create professional visuals to communicate a complex design idea, mood and concept. Audience: Undergraduate 4. Increase fluency of commonly used design software Audience: Undergraduate 5. Critically analyze individual work and the work of classmates using appropriate terminology related to the design field. Audience: Undergraduate 6. Develop studio habits that support a consistent, rigorous, reflective work ethic. Audience: Undergraduate Learning Outcomes: 1. Develop heightened attention to detail, light and form through observational drawing while developing coordination between hand and eye. Audience: Undergraduate 2. Use hand drawing and digital tools to visually explore multiple design solutions. Audience: Undergraduate 3. Create professional visuals to communicate a complex design idea, mood and concept. Audience: Undergraduate 4. Increase fluency of commonly used design software Audience: Undergraduate 5. Critically analyze individual work and the work of classmates using appropriate terminology related to the design field. Audience: Undergraduate 6. Develop studio habits that support a consistent, rigorous, reflective work ethic. Audience: Undergraduate

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