DES 203 Syllabus

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Josef Albers “White Circle”

Spring 2026
Location: Watt Hall, Room 6
Time: Tuesday, 9:00 - 11:40 am
Instructor: Breanna Browning-Wilson
Office Hours: by appointment Email: breanna.browning@usc.edu

Course Description

The advanced exploration of digital processes for art and design, with a focus on interactivity, motion, sound, and AI-driven content creation in the virtual realm. 2.0 units. Prerequisite: DES 202 and DES 203.

Overview

Digital Design Fundamentals is a studio-based course that teaches digital design through making. Rather than treating software as a set of tools to master, this course approaches digital processes as ways of thinking - each tool embeds particular logics, constraints, and possibilities that shape what becomes imaginable and makeable.

Students progress through three interconnected projects that build technical proficiency while developing critical literacy about digital tools. Beginning with radical constraint (composing with only line, square, and rectangle), moving through systematic transformation (tracking how images change across analog and digital translation), and culminating in speculative assemblage (combining research artifacts with AI-generated imagery). Across these projects, emphasis is placed on iteration, multi-media and material thinking, and intentional decision-making within digital workflows.

By the end of the semester, students will have working proficiency of industry-standard software (Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and layout tools), understand how to prepare files for multiple output methods (screen, print, laser cutting, vinyl cutting, etc), and have developed their own approach to digital making that treats tools as collaborators in their practice. The course prepares students for advanced study in digital media while cultivating a critical awareness of how technology shapes visual form and creative practice.

Learning Objectives

Apply elements of art (line, shape, value, color, texture, hue, saturation) and principles of design (unity & variety, emphasis & economy, balance & harmony, tension, rhythm & repetition, scale & proportion) to digital work.
Differentiate between vector- and pixel-based programs, including their advantages, limitations, and file formats, and master tools specific to each.
Manage resolution, file size, scanning, and color modes (RGB, CMYK, PMS, HEX, grayscale, halftones) for professional output.
Prepare digital files for diverse outputs including printing, vinyl cutting, laser cutting, and plotting, using industry-standard software.
Integrate AI image creation and prompt writing into design workflows, combining traditional digital design skills with emerging technologies.

Course Notes

Grading system: letter grades.

Teaching Methodologies

This course is structured as a studio-based environment. Students are expected to participate actively in group discussions and critiques, learning both from their own work and from the perspectives of their peers.

The course will have several components:

Talks: Presentations that frame the critical use of digital tools, survey historical and contemporary precedents, and introduce foundational design concepts.
Tutorials: Hands-on workshops where students will build technical skills in digital design.
Projects: Three major phases spanning the course of the semester. (Written briefs will be provided for each project)
Readings: Readings will be assigned throughout the course to support technical and conceptual development.

Teaching tools:

In addition to Brightspace, the course will have a dedicated website where students can download PDFs of talks, tutorials, and assignment briefs, as well as access other reference materials. The link to this website will be posted on Brightspace.

Technological Proficiency and Hardware/Software Required

Students are expected to have regular access to a computer capable of running digital design software.. Students must bring a laptop and mouse to each class and are expected to follow along with in-class tutorials.

Computer loans are available through the USC Computing Center Laptop Loaner Program. Additional USC Technology Support Links: Zoom information for students, Brightspace help for students, Software available to USC Campus.

We will be using the following software (details provided in class and on the course website):

Adobe Creative Cloud (primarily Photoshop and Illustrator)
AI image generation tools (e.g. Midjourney, Gemini, Nano Banana, and more)
Supplemental design tools (as needed)
LLMs (ChatGPT, Claude, etc)

Software Costs

Students will be required to purchase or subscribe to certain software tools for this course. Adobe Creative Cloud is available to USC Roski students for free. AI generation tools may require paid subscriptions, which typically range from $10-30/month and may be cancelled at any time after the course. Students should plan to budget for software subscriptions over the course of the semester. Free, discounted, or trial versions may be available for some tools, but it may be necessary to use upgraded versions of tools to successfully complete projects.

Required + Optional Readings and Supplementary Materials

Any required readings assigned throughout the semester will be provided by the instructor in PDF format via the course website (Resources page).

Students should budget for some plotting/printing costs and raw material costs (cardboard for laser cutting, paper, glue, rulers, etc) throughout the course of the semester.

Assessment of Assignments

Overall learning outcomes for students in this course will be assessed through their demonstrated understanding of foundational design concepts, technical proficiency with digital tools, and ability to critically reflect on their work. Evaluation will consider both effort/dedication and technical execution across all projects.

Participation

Active participation is essential in a studio-based course. Students are expected to attend all class sessions on time, bring the required tools (laptop and mouse, project materials as required), and be ready to follow along with any tutorials. Participation also includes contributing to group discussions, critiques, and collaborative exercises, as well as sharing progress and offering constructive feedback to peers.

Grading Breakdown

Assessment Tool (assignments)	% of Grade
Project 1	25%
Project 2	25%
Project 3	25%
Final Presentation	10%
Participation	15%
TOTAL	100

Grading Scale

Course final grades will be determined using the following scale:

Letter grade	Corresponding numerical point range
A	95-100
A-	90-94
B+	87-89
B	83-86
B-	80-82
C+	77-79
C	73-76
C-	70-72
D+	67-69
D	63-66
D-	60-62
F	59 and below

Assignment Submission Policy

Late work will not be accepted. Students should complete each project on time, with submission before class on the date it’s due. Check the course website for the most updated schedule and deadlines. Should extenuating circumstances arise, please alert me to the situation and we will work together to find a solution.

Grading Timeline

Grades will be updated at the middle and end of the semester.

Course Specific Policies

We will be using technology throughout the semester as an essential part of classwork, but laptops and devices should only be used for course-related activities. During lectures, workshops, and critiques, students are expected to stay focused on the work at hand and avoid distractions such as internet browsing, email, or social media. Staying present and engaged is part of the studio environment, and off-task use of technology will count against participation.

Attendance

Regular attendance is required. Studio courses depend on hands-on work, peer feedback, and participation.

Two absences of any kind are permitted without penalty
Three absences will lower your final grade by one letter
Four or more absences will result in a failing grade
Arriving more than 20 minutes late counts as a half absence

Contact me directly if you're dealing with serious circumstances and must miss more than two classes.

Classroom Norms

This is a studio-based class, which means that respect for one another’s work and time is essential. Bring your required tools to every class, stay engaged during workshops, and participate actively in critiques and discussions. Collaboration and constructive feedback are part of the learning process, and everyone is expected to contribute. You are expected to respect the opinions, perspectives, and creative approaches of your peers, even when they differ from your own, and to maintain a supportive and professional studio environment.

Zoom Etiquette

Zoom classes will not be offered except for in extenuating circumstances, such as instructor illness, which will be communicated in advance. Students are expected to attend in person and participate fully.

Academic Integrity

The University of Southern California is foremost a learning community committed to fostering successful scholars and researchers dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and the transmission of ideas. Academic misconduct is contrary to this fundamental mission and includes any act of dishonesty in the submission of academic work (either in draft or final form), as well as cheating, plagiarism, fabrication (e.g., falsifying data), knowingly assisting others in acts of academic dishonesty, and any act that gains or is intended to gain an unfair academic advantage. Students are expected to uphold the highest standards of academic integrity in all coursework.

This course follows the expectations for academic integrity as stated in the USC Student Handbook. All students are expected to submit assignments that are original work and prepared specifically for the course/section in this academic term. Students may not submit work written by others or “recycle” work prepared for other courses without obtaining written permission from the instructor(s). Students suspected of academic misconduct will be reported to the Office of Academic Integrity.

Academic dishonesty has a far-reaching impact and is considered a serious offense against the university. Violations will result in a grade penalty, such as a failing grade on the assignment or in the course, and disciplinary action from the university, such as suspension or expulsion.

For more information about academic integrity see the Student Handbook, the Office of Academic Integrity’s website, and university policies on Research and Scholarship Misconduct.

Please ask your instructor if you are unsure what constitutes unauthorized assistance on an exam or assignment or what information requires citation and/or attribution.

Use of AI

Use of AI is allowed and encouraged unless specified otherwise. Some course assignments will require the use of AI.

Course Content Distribution and Synchronous Session Recordings Policies

Recording a university class without the express permission of the instructor and announcement to the class, or unless conducted pursuant to an Office of Student Accessibility Services (OSAS) accommodation. Recording can inhibit free discussion in the future, and thus infringe on the academic freedom of other students as well as the instructor. (Living our Unifying Values: The USC Student Handbook, page 13).

Distribution or use of notes, recordings, exams, or other intellectual property, based on university classes or lectures without the express permission of the instructor for purposes other than individual or group study is prohibited. This includes but is not limited to providing materials for distribution by services publishing course materials. This restriction on unauthorized use also applies to all information, which had been distributed to students or in any way had been displayed for use in relation to the class, whether obtained in class, via email, on the internet, or via any other media. Distributing course material without the instructor’s permission will be presumed to be an intentional act to facilitate or enable academic dishonesty and is strictly prohibited. (Living our Unifying Values: The USC Student Handbook, page 13).

Course Evaluations

Students should submit course evaluations.

Course Schedule

To ensure the course aligns with the needs and pace of the class, the schedule is subject to change. Please refer to the “Working Schedule” page of the course website for the most up-to-date information, including project deadlines.

Detailed instructions and expectations for assignments and projects will also be provided on the course website.

Statement on University Academic and Support Systems

Students and Disability Accommodations:
USC welcomes students with disabilities into all of the University’s educational programs. The Office of Student Accessibility Services (OSAS) is responsible for the determination of appropriate accommodations for students who encounter disability-related barriers. Once a student has completed the OSAS process (registration, initial appointment, and submitted documentation) and accommodations are determined to be reasonable and appropriate, a Letter of Accommodation (LOA) will be available to generate for each course. The LOA must be given to each course instructor by the student and followed up with a discussion. This should be done as early in the semester as possible as accommodations are not retroactive. More information can be found at osas.usc.edu. You may contact OSAS at (213) 740-0776 or via email at osasfrontdesk@usc.edu.

Student Financial Aid and Satisfactory Academic Progress:
To be eligible for certain kinds of financial aid, students are required to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) toward their degree objectives. Visit the Financial Aid Office webpage for undergraduate- and graduate-level SAP eligibility requirements and the appeals process.

Support Systems:
Counseling and Mental Health - (213) 740-9355 – 24/7 on call Free and confidential mental health treatment for students, including short-term psychotherapy, group counseling, stress fitness workshops, and crisis intervention.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline - 988 for both calls and text messages – 24/7 on call The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States. The Lifeline consists of a national network of over 200 local crisis centers, combining custom local care and resources with national standards and best practices. The new, shorter phone number makes it easier for people to remember and access mental health crisis services (though the previous 1 (800) 273-8255 number will continue to function indefinitely) and represents a continued commitment to those in crisis.

CARE-SC: Confidential Advocacy, Resources, and Education Support Center - (213) 740-9355(WELL) – 24/7/365 on call. Confidential advocates, prevention educators, and professional counseling teams work to promote a universal culture of consent, as well as prevent and respond to sexual assault, intimate partner violence, stalking, or other relationship harm. Services available to all USC students at no cost.

Office of Civil Rights Compliance - (213) 740-5086 Information about how to get help or help someone affected by harassment, discrimination, retaliation on the basis of a protected characteristic, rights of protected classes, reporting options, and additional resources for students, faculty, staff, visitors, and applicants.

USC Report & Response - (213) 740-2500 The USC Report & Response website is the university’s central reporting portal for concerns arising in the academic space or workplace. All concerns will be assessed and referred to the appropriate university office for resolution. Any questions about USC Report & Response or reporting, in general, can be referred to the Office of Professionalism and Ethics at ope@usc.edu.

USC Campus Support and Intervention - (213) 740-0411 Focuses on student success by assisting students in navigating and resolving complex issues through problem solving, presenting options, and connecting to resources.

USC Emergency Information Latest updates regarding safety, including ways in which instruction will be continued if an officially declared emergency makes travel to campus infeasible.

USC Department of Public Safety For 24 hour emergency assistance or to report a crime: UPC: (213) 740-4321, HSC: (323)-442-1000. For 24 hour non-emergency assistance or information: UPC: (213) 740-6000, HSC: 323-442-1200.

Office of the Ombuds - (213) 821-9556 (UPC) / (323-442-0382 (HSC) A safe and confidential place to share your USC-related issues with a University Ombuds who will work with you to explore options or paths to manage your concern.

Occupational Therapy Faculty Practice - (323) 442-2850 or otfp@med.usc.edu Confidential Lifestyle Redesign services for USC students to support health promoting habits and routines that enhance quality of life and academic performance.

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