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Design and Applied Arts

The Art of Product Design 1-2

The Art of Product Design is a project based course that explores form, function and aesthetics. We will explore a variety of materials and techniques such as:  leathercraft, woodworking, hand and machine sewing, textile weaving/dyeing/printing, garment design, mold making and casting. Students will create prototypes as well as refined final products for each design challenge. Class sessions are primarily workshop based and include hands-on activities, group discussion, demonstrations, and slide-presentations to reinforce the key ideas. Topics covered include identifying consumer needs, investigating problems in design, refining ideas, material use, the environmental impact of production, designing for production and manufacturing, production costs and retail pricing. We will meet with local designers and visit a variety of local production facilities to learn about their process and products. Students will learn about a broad range of design related careers and gain an understanding for the impact and influence that craft and design can have on the world.

Instruction and assessment is standards based. Each unit of study is presented with specific criteria in technical skills, design and compositional requirements, and content exploration. Proficiency is assessed using a quarterly portfolio scoring guide.

The Art of Product Design 3-4

The Art of Product Design 3-4 is a continuation of the 1-2 curriculum giving students the opportunity to delve deeper into the world of design and their personal aesthetics. In this course we will explore fine metals/jewelry design, garment patterning and making, woodworking/joinery and furniture building, advanced leathercraft techniques, and brand identity. Class sessions are primarily workshop based and include hands-on activities, group discussion, demonstrations, and slide-presentations to reinforce the key ideas. This course pairs well with the IB Multidisciplinary Visual Arts course and prepares students to study  Visual Arts, Product Design and Industrial Design at the college level, as well as preparing students for careers in the trades. We will meet with local designers and visit a variety of local production facilities to learn about their process and products. We will also take regularly scheduled visits to the Portland Art Museum for guided tours of exhibits that relate to the topics we are covering in class.

Instruction and assessment is standards based. Each unit of study is presented with specific criteria in technical skills, design and compositional requirements, and content exploration. Proficiency is assessed using a quarterly portfolio scoring guide.

The Art of Product Design 5-6

The Art of Product Design 5-6 gives students the opportunity to delve deeper into the world of design, their personal aesthetics, and design interests. In addition to assigned projects, students will have the opportunity to explore their own ideas through supported independent projects and full access to the classroom studio shop and equipment. Class sessions are primarily workshop based, and include hands-on activities, group discussions, demonstrations and slide-presentations to reinforce key ideas. This course pairs well with the IB Multidisciplinary Visual Arts course and prepares students to study Visual Arts, Product Design and Industrial Design at the college level, as well as preparing students for careers in the trades. We will meet with local designers and visit a variety of local production facilities to learn about their process and products. We will seek out internship and job shadowing opportunities for students who are interested in furthering their exploration into product design related career paths.

Instruction and assessment is standards based. Each unit of study is presented with specific criteria in technical skills, design and compositional requirements, and content exploration. Proficiency is assessed using a quarterly portfolio scoring guide.