Stanford Root

Schedule

Stanford Root

Schedule

DESIGN 173

Digital Design Principles and Applications

UNITS:2
GRADING:Letter or Credit/No Credit
LEVEL:Undergrad
GER:—

Leveraging foundational design principles, we use analytical problem-solving approaches to facilitate digital media creation. In class, we explore these techniques in real time and engage in group-based critique and encouragement. We embrace the latest Generative AI platforms and teach designers how to maintain creative control in a rapidly evolving technological space. The curriculum covers image generation, compositional references, storyboarding, animation, and 3D model outputs. This class emphasizes strengthening students' storytelling abilities and selecting the appropriate tools to tell the tale(s). A series of diverse, rapid projects are brought together with an eye to related student project portfolio development. NOTE: When taken in conjunction with DESIGN DESIGN 172 (Digital Sketching), 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.

Syllabus for selected term:
View Autumn 2026 Syllabus

Sections

3 Terms
Practicum 1Open
ID: 2044
0 / 25 enrolled
DAYS:Thursday
TIME:6 PM – 7:20 PM
LOCATION:Departmental Room
INSTRUCTOR:
Willow, Justin, Scott, William
2units

DESIGN 173: Digital Design Principles and Applications

2 units · Letter or Credit/No Credit

Leveraging foundational design principles, we use analytical problem-solving approaches to facilitate digital media creation. In class, we explore these techniques in real time and engage in group-based critique and encouragement. We embrace the latest Generative AI platforms and teach designers how to maintain creative control in a rapidly evolving technological space. The curriculum covers image generation, compositional references, storyboarding, animation, and 3D model outputs. This class emphasizes strengthening students' storytelling abilities and selecting the appropriate tools to tell the tale(s). A series of diverse, rapid projects are brought together with an eye to related student project portfolio development. NOTE: When taken in conjunction with DESIGN 172 (Digital Sketching), 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.

Autumn 2026 sections

  • Practicum — Thursday 6:00 PM – 7:20 PM — Departmental Room — Willow, Justin, Scott, William (Undergrad)

Winter 2027 sections

  • Practicum — Thursday 6:00 PM – 7:20 PM — Departmental Room — Willow, Justin, Scott, William (Undergrad)

Spring 2027 sections

  • Practicum — Thursday 6:00 PM – 7:20 PM — Departmental Room — Willow, Justin, Scott, William (Undergrad)

More DESIGN courses

  • DESIGN 161A: Advanced Design: Capstone 1
  • DESIGN 161B: Advanced Design: Capstone 2
  • DESIGN 162A: Advanced Design: Impact Studio Capstone
  • DESIGN 162B: Advanced Design: Impact Studio Capstone
  • DESIGN 170: Visual Frontiers
  • DESIGN 172: Design Sketching
  • DESIGN 183N: How Can Generative AI Help Us Learn? (CS 53N)
  • DESIGN 187: How to Shoot for the Moon (AA 107)
  • DESIGN 191: Independent Study and Research
  • DESIGN 191A: Curricular Practical Training
  • DESIGN 192: Introduction to Research in Design
  • DESIGN 204: Forbidden Design

All DESIGN courses · All departments