Design Visualization offers students a unique opportunity to acquire a new (visual) language over the span of one short quarter. Imagine a process where you can close your eyes, and, after a few short weeks, leveraging established Design Principles, open them, and imagine/draw virtually anything that comes to mind. This is our pledge to you, independent of your previous sketching experience. This course melds basics with Industrial Design discipline, dividing the skillset into three parts; the ability to representationally draw in three-dimensions, exploring the nuances of form & materials, and storytelling using the juxtaposition of those forms. DESIGN172 initially focuses on the first component, building the structural foundation for perspective drawing. We then introduce basic lighting and shading theory to 'complete the picture'. Finally, we delve into storytelling and figure drawing, embracing the human element of conveying new products and services. As confidence builds, analysis gives way to individual choice. While we express & explore solutions with traditional analog medium, we often bridge 'the digital divide', expressing final projects in several media choices, introducing "sketch rendering" in AI, and stirring in portfolio & professional advice en route. NOTE: When taken in conjunction with DESIGN DESIGN 173 (Digital Design Principles and Application), this pair of courses can satisfy the visual expression elective requirement for undergrad Design majors. DESIGN DESIGN 172 should be taken first before enrolling in DESIGN DESIGN 173.
2 units · Letter or Credit/No Credit
Design Visualization offers students a unique opportunity to acquire a new (visual) language over the span of one short quarter. Imagine a process where you can close your eyes, and, after a few short weeks, leveraging established Design Principles, open them, and imagine/draw virtually anything that comes to mind. This is our pledge to you, independent of your previous sketching experience. This course melds basics with Industrial Design discipline, dividing the skillset into three parts; the ability to representationally draw in three-dimensions, exploring the nuances of form & materials, and storytelling using the juxtaposition of those forms. DESIGN172 initially focuses on the first component, building the structural foundation for perspective drawing. We then introduce basic lighting and shading theory to 'complete the picture'. Finally, we delve into storytelling and figure drawing, embracing the human element of conveying new products and services. As confidence builds, analysis gives way to individual choice. While we express & explore solutions with traditional analog medium, we often bridge 'the digital divide', expressing final projects in several media choices, introducing "sketch rendering" in AI, and stirring in portfolio & professional advice en route. NOTE: When taken in conjunction with DESIGN 173 (Digital Design Principles and Application), this pair of courses can satisfy the visual expression elective requirement for undergrad Design majors. DESIGN 172 should be taken first before enrolling in DESIGN 173.
Offered in Autumn 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027 at Stanford University.