Areas of concentration
The D. Des offers three broad areas of concentration—each rooted in the context of design that supports public health, safety, and welfare, as well as the sustenance of life-support systems. Each area fulfills specific needs within design, while building upon the expertise of WSU faculty and encouraging interdisciplinary collaborations.
History, theory, and criticism
- This area allows an examination of cultural and theoretical issues in the history of design.
- It enables the development of new knowledge and methods for promoting critical inquiry and assessment into the history of design and provides informed insights into the various influences that have shaped design decisions over time.
- Students may study contemporary criticism and analysis as well as other areas that advance design theory.
Physical design
- Physical Design emphasizes critical evaluation of the spatial (three-dimensional) and temporal arrangement of spaces and objects in micro and macro environments.
- It provides the opportunity for students to examine how structures and objects are designed, produced, and used.
People and place
- People and Place focuses on the interactions among people and their relationship to the environment—analyzing such interactions for their behavioral and psychological effects.
- Special attention may be paid to specific user groups as defined by ethnicity, culture, gender, age, or other characteristics.
