James TerMeer

We will work with the processes by which product designers develop compelling objects that communicate ideas, values, functions and purpose. Projects are designed to study the language of form through an analysis of user interaction, the implications of material choice, finishes, and craftsmanship on the success of a product concept, and how these choices support and promote function, desirability and perceived value. There is also an emphasis on expanding student material exploration and making techniques for optimal results, and the value of iterative prototyping in a successful design process.

The course will address universal product design issues and methods, starting with defining and understanding the project, considering form and function, appropriate material selection, construction techniques, finishes, iteration, and well-crafted final products. We will cover concepts such as semiotics, ergonomics, families of objects, multi-functional products, and emphasize clear communication of finished design ideas through schematics, and graphic representation using descriptive photography.

Relevant contemporary design examples are provided as reference for each project, and students will spend additional time researching contemporary designers such as Front Design, Raw Edges, Nendo and Ron Arad. Students will be introduced to high-end professional design sources in a business setting through a field trip to the Merchandise Mart.

The course is built around 3 main projects, each with instructional presentations, Design research assignments, ideation and sketching, group discussions, and iterative prototyping, resulting in the creation of a final product and printed graphic document, all presented and discussed in a group critique.

This course requires students to have a laptop that meets SAIC's minimum hardware specs and runs the AIADO template.

We will work with the processes by which product designers develop compelling objects that communicate ideas, values, functions and purpose. Projects are designed to study the language of form through an analysis of user interaction, the implications of material choice, finishes, and craftsmanship on the success of a product concept, and how these choices support and promote function, desirability and perceived value. There is also an emphasis on expanding student material exploration and making techniques for optimal results, and the value of iterative prototyping in a successful design process.

The course will address universal product design issues and methods, starting with defining and understanding the project, considering form and function, appropriate material selection, construction techniques, finishes, iteration, and well-crafted final products. We will cover concepts such as semiotics, ergonomics, families of objects, multi-functional products, and emphasize clear communication of finished design ideas through schematics, and graphic representation using descriptive photography.

Relevant contemporary design examples are provided as reference for each project, and students will spend additional time researching contemporary designers such as Front Design, Raw Edges, Nendo and Ron Arad. Students will be introduced to high-end professional design sources in a business setting through a field trip to the Merchandise Mart.

The course is built around 3 main projects, each with instructional presentations, Design research assignments, ideation and sketching, group discussions, and iterative prototyping, resulting in the creation of a final product and printed graphic document, all presented and discussed in a group critique.

This course requires students to have a laptop that meets SAIC's minimum hardware specs and runs the AIADO template.

Whatnot Studio is a year-long advanced course in which students design and produce a collection for whatnot, the school¿s in-house product brand. The course emphasizes three major goals: developing a product based on an annual theme, producing it using small-batch manufacturing methods, and collaboratively creating a retail environment to showcase the collection. Students refine their individual design voice while working as a team to produce a cohesive, high-quality collection for public exhibition. Past work from the Whatnot Studio has been shown at international venues including the Salone del Mobile in Milan and Wanted Design in New York City. Admission is selective and open to upper-level undergraduate and graduate students through a portfolio review. By year¿s end, students will have produced a pilot run of their design and collaboratively created a branded store installation, presented at a major design trade show in the spring. To be considered for this course you will need to apply using the form linked here: https://airtable.com/app10LexPLHEqM7mV/pagcVlilryi7Xn4Or/form

Whatnot Studio is a year-long advanced course in which students design and produce a collection for whatnot, the school¿s in-house product brand. The course emphasizes three major goals: developing a product based on an annual theme, producing it using small-batch manufacturing methods, and collaboratively creating a retail environment to showcase the collection. Students refine their individual design voice while working as a team to produce a cohesive, high-quality collection for public exhibition. Past work from the Whatnot Studio has been shown at international venues including the Salone del Mobile in Milan and Wanted Design in New York City. Admission is selective and open to upper-level undergraduate and graduate students through a portfolio review. By year¿s end, students will have produced a pilot run of their design and collaboratively created a branded store installation, presented at a major design trade show in the spring. To be considered for this course you will need to apply using the form linked here: https://airtable.com/app10LexPLHEqM7mV/pagcVlilryi7Xn4Or/form