Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design - Graphic and Information Design

Northeastern University

Design is the practice-based discipline that poses important questions about-and provides significant answers to-how we live. Designers are needed when we don’t know what is needed as well as when we think we do. Designers propose alternative futures and create new choices using principles and processes to create, compose, and construct meaning in diverse knowledge fields. Designers seek a broad understanding of principles and systems of perception, communication, and action. Graphic designers exploit rules of visual composition, form, and pattern to construct narratives or to command attention. Their work often has a persuasive intent. Information designers visualize concepts and data to enhance human understanding of complex and vital knowledge. Their work often has an enlightening or instructive intent.Learning Outcomes Apply iterative design processes to create, revise, evaluate, and develop effective prototypes and innovative solutions. Engage human-centered design research methods and systems thinking to identify and understand values, goals, motivations of intended audiences as a mode of inquiry, question framing and guide to action. Develop a high level of craft and technical skills in a relevant range of media and tools and effectively weigh applicability for intended audiences and outcomes. Develop and realize intent, concept and content with awareness of context and consequence. Implement visual patterns incorporating text, image, diagram including temporal and spatial representations to recognize, categorize, and articulate significant form and meaning Employ and embody ethical practices, team and cross-disciplinary collaboration, and effective communication and presentation skills. Apply relevant communication theories and principles and appreciate the pervasive and long-term impact of design decisions on people and societies.