American University of Sharjah Associate Professor Dr.

Zinka Bejtic
College of Architecture Art and Design zbejtic@aus.edu
SPRING 2019

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MUM406 DESIGN STUDIO V

PROJECT 2 | Capstone
Brief Date January 31, 2019
Due Date March 26, 2019

INTRODUCTION: Students produce creative projects that demonstrate the depth and breadth of
their learning within the major of Multimedia Design leading to exhibition of this work. The
capstone project will explore new methods for communicating with current and emerging
technologies. Drawing on previous experience in new media, students produce projects that
communicate message in a media-rich framework of various components. Students will design
strategically, critically, ethically and creatively for specific audiences, and contexts while
demonstrating abilities to recognize and articulate the essential communication design research
methodologies and processes. The capstone project will demonstrate students’ abilities to apply
tools for not only analysis and synthesis of ideas but also for communications of ideas and
messages. The self-driven projects will be derived from students’ personal interests enabling them
to passionately engage with the topics of their choice.

DESCRIPTION: This is a multifaceted assignment that serves as a culmination of students’ academic

and creative experience. You will conceptualize and develop a comprehensive multimedia design
project of your choice by addressing the role of research, analysis and synthesis within professional
design practice. You will select a topic or a problem that is of your interest, conduct the research on
the subject, maintain a portfolio of findings and create a final project demonstrating your
conclusions. Capstone project is designed to encourage you to think critically, solve challenging
problems, and develop skills such as oral communication, public speaking, research skills, media
literacy, teamwork, planning, self-sufficiency, goal setting and delivering a comprehensive,
conceptual and aesthetically powerful multimedia design project. You should apply skills or
investigate issues across many different subject areas or domains of knowledge. Ideally, connect
your projects to community issues or problems, and integrate outside-of-university learning
experiences, including activities such interviews and observations. Capstone project is to be
executed across multiple platforms prompting students to employ elements of responsive design,
narrative, and messaging, as well as introducing students to the tasks and responsibilities
encountered in large-scale projects, comprehensive project management and physical production.
Students will be encouraged to explore various mediums and techniques based on the contexts of
the student-driven projects.

PROJECT OUTCOMES:
–To strengthen educational and career aspirations;
–To improve student confidence and self-perception;
–To provide students with the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills to a specific
problem or issue;
–To allow students to extend their academic experience into areas of personal interest, working
with new ideas, issues, organizations, and individuals.
THEMES / TOPICS Choose topics that are relevant for today’s world and inspire you to spend time
addressing them. Some initial starting points for brainstorming may include topics in social
innovation or TED talks. You may select a general (universal) or specific topic. Select topics that are
culturally meaningful and profound. Good places to start the research of topics:
https://www.creativeapplications.net/
https://www.designspiration.net/
https://archive.org/

MEDIUMS As this is a student-driven project feel free to use any of, or combination of the following
mediums:

1. Time-based / Narrative, Documentary, Experimental, Video Art

2. Installation
3. VR
4. Data-visualization
5. Animation / Stop-motion / 2D / 3D

GRADE DISTRIBUTION

25% Phase 1 / Research, Studies & Concept

35% Phase 2 / Iterations & Prototypes
40% Final Outcome reflecting the following: Aesthetic quality; Creative and Technical quality;
Engaging Content; Professional execution.

–This project is worth 40% of the overall grade

PROCESS:
1. Select Project Topic; Project Definition and Rationale;
2. Concept Draft;
3. Research Activities and Summary;
4. Implementation Phase;
5. Research process Book;

SUGGESTED READING:

Visual Research: An Introduction to Research Methodologies in Design by Ian Noble and Russell
Bestley, VA Publishing; 2nd Edition, 2011

A Designer's Research Manual, 2nd edition, Updated and Expanded: Succeed in design by knowing
your clients and understanding what they really need By Jenn Visocky O'Grady, Ken Visocky O'Grady

Universal Methods of Design: 100 Ways to Research Complex Problems by Bruce Hanington and
Bella Martin, Rockport Publishers, 2012

Design Methodologies and Processes by John Bowers, Wiley, 1st Edition, 2011
USEFUL RESOURCES:

Resources for inspiration

https://www.creativeapplications.net/blog/]

https://max.adobe.com/sessions/max-online/?scid=5bb71391-917e-475a-a066-
c8dd15fe098e&mv=social&mv2=owned_social

Free stock Photos

https://unsplash.com/

Free mock-ups

https://www.mockupworld.co/all-mockups/

Free color scheme maker

https://coolors.co/

Research:

https://www.visualthesaurus.com/trialover/

https://www.designspiration.net/

https://www.ted.com/

https://archive.org/

https://eyeondesign.aiga.org/

http://thinkingwithtype.com/

https://www.underconsideration.com/brandnew/