MDES.INTD - Master of Design in Interdisciplinary Design

The Master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Design creates opportunities for the student to transform into a unique, creatively charged, practice-ready professional concerned with how we communicate to consumers and to each other, the spaces we inhabit, the products we use and interact with, and the perception and interaction among people, objects and ideas—they will become “lifestyle and experience designers” designing innovative consumer products, user experiences and lifestyle relevant solutions.

Working within a collaborative educational environment that mirrors the profession, students will create compelling real-world experiences between user and thing, occupant and space, and consumer and brand. They will understand how design can be used to communicate meaningful messages, craft functional and beautiful objects, create compelling experiences, influence behavior, make our interactions more efficient and enjoyable, and our communities more livable.

Students will develop a perspective that is broad and powerful, learn to implement design strategies for more competitive and productive commercial and social enterprises, and understand how design can drive business decisions and entrepreneurial efforts.

Portfolio Requirements/Candidacy Reviews

A final critique of projects occurs at the end of each semester. Candidacy Reviews are held at the end of the Spring semester in year one, including a presentation and final critique of a thesis abstract, problem statement, bibliography and plan of action, as well as relevant studio and seminar work from both Fall and Spring of the first year. Students are expected to present their process and research methodology: definition, ideation, synthesis, realization (production) and implementation (placing the work in context) phases of the work. The final thesis project exhibition and defense will be held at the completion of the fourth semester.

Formative Assessment Experiences

Students will receive ongoing feedback in both verbal and written form through class critiques, studio visits/rounds by faculty and invited professionals, and peer-to-peer critique and discussion outside of class time.

Summative Assessment Experiences

Students will receive ongoing feedback in both verbal and written form.