Design Fundamentals: Training in both analog and digital technologies, covering the fundamentals of design and composition, narrative development, typography, interaction design, and drawing and composition specifically for designers. Students develop a strong foundation in these areas, preparing them for versatile and innovative work across various design fields.

Project-Based Curriculum: Hands-on experience designing a wide range of deliverables and systems for various applications. These include brand identities, animated GIFs, printed and digital publications, packaging, signage, campaigns (such as posters, broadsides, ads, flyers, and social media content), wearables, album covers, menus, websites, and mobile apps. Students are encouraged to explore and create unexpected and innovative deliverables, reflecting the diverse nature of the design field and the world around them.

Emerging Media: Exploration of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence (AI), and other cutting-edge technologies in design. All aspects of virtual space design are currently under review, encouraging students to engage with the latest advancements and consider the evolving landscape of digital and interactive media.

Printmaking and Traditional Media: A blend of traditional and contemporary techniques, including skills in printmaking, bookbinding, letterpress, and screen printing, combined with digital technologies such as laser cutting and animation. Students explore innovative approaches like integrating digital tools with risograph printing and other traditional methods to create unique, mixed-media projects.

Social Engagement and Activism: Integrating design skills with social responsibility and activism by teaching students how to use the powerful tools of persuasion to understand their environment and contribute to a better world, one step at a time. Through projects focused on societal issues, students learn to apply their design expertise to create meaningful, positive change in their communities and beyond.

Industry Partnerships: Engaging with Seattle’s design industry through internships, guest lectures, site visits, and our Collaborative Studio program. The Collaborative Studio brings industry professionals into the classroom to work directly with students on real-world projects, fostering hands-on learning and valuable networking opportunities.

Professional Practices: Focused on career development, portfolio creation, and networking in the design industry. Through the Design Agency course, students dedicate an entire semester to preparing their exit plan, which includes research, development of their visual identity, and portfolio pieces. In addition, students receive a solid foundation in thinking at a higher level through their history classes, enabling them to conduct academic research, deliver professional presentations, and communicate their ideas clearly and effectively.

The program is structured into two distinct phases:

First Two Years: These foundational years are directed, focusing on imparting technological literacy, craft, and workflow skills, alongside cultivating a systems-thinking approach. Students explore connections to other disciplines, preparing them for a multidisciplinary design landscape.

Final Two Years: The latter half of the program is self-directed, allowing students to specialize in areas such as experience design, illustration, interior architecture, motion graphics, emerging technologies, game design, writing, fine arts, and more. This phase is tailored for self-driven individuals and includes a broad spectrum of creative exploration, from packaging and book arts to children’s book illustration and graphic novels.