Post Graduate Programme in Digital Design

“The core idea is to use a multidisciplinary approach to introduce the knowledge, technology and skills graduates need to succeed in the digital industry today. This is what the Digital Design Programme set to achieve.”

ISDI’s Digital Design is a one year programme where students work in an innovative environment with the current technologies to develop awareness of today’s rapidly changing image market.

During this intensive year, students will be exposed to a host of technical skills ranging from web development, graphic design and 3-D digital modeling. Management and marketing topics like branding, advertising, market research, managing intellectual property and creative talent management will also be taught during the course.

By the end of the programme students will be able to solve design problems and produce successful digital solutions, demonstrate proficiency in real world studio environments with the professional best practices, understand social media and its increasing role in the Digital Design practice.

Programme Structure

The Students can focus as per the Studio Course Curriculum:

Critical Studios (integrating critical thinking and theory into a studio environment) will be required each semester, and will cover the most fundamental and critical issues of the certificate programme. Topics and themes of Digital Design will be highlighted through concept-, context- & project-driven approaches.

Skill Workshops are designed in a manner which shall provide the students a practical overview of the curriculum and give them hands-on training for building their future. The core idea will be to provide a useful insight on how to progress in Digital Design.

Semester 1 – 15 Credits

• Critical Studio: Visual Design

• Critical Studio: Conceptual Development, Visualisation & Planning

• 3 Skill Workshops

Semester 2 – 15 Credits

• Critical Studio: Interface & Interaction

• Critical Studio: Design Strategies & Methods

• 3 Skill Workshops

DD Critical Studio Course

Each Semester comprises of 15 credits where 6 credits are for the two Studio Courses and 9 credits for Skill Workshops

Semester 1 - 2 Courses

Visual Design

This studio teaches students the fundamental skills, theories and history of visual design. They will learn the process, tools, materials, and techniques used to solve specific design problems, while tracing key styles and designers of the 20th century. 2D Design principles, type and letter forms, color, layout, grids, and the basics of branding & identity will be examined. Through a variety of projects, students explore the relationship between ideas, language, form, and communication.

Conceptual Development, Visualisation and Planning

Students will develop a working knowledge of the fundamentals and principles that are an integral part of the creative process. Students will learn methods of brainstorming, ideation, design research, storyboarding, and learn to conceptualize, visualize and plan in multiple mediums. Students will participate in a variety of creativity and design strategy exercises, identify target audiences, and learn how to communicate concepts effectively.


Semester 2 - 2 Courses

Interface and Interaction

This studio covers the fundamentals of Interface & Interactivity from games, to websites and social technologies, to "smart objects" and wearable interfaces. Systems that respond to a user's choices rely both on technological innovation and on the design of meaningful interaction. Students in this studio may focus in the design of "screen-based" experiences, or on discovering new ways of allowing people to interact with the physical world. The course will explore the potential disconnect between user experience and designer intent and investigates various means of preventing regrettable mishaps with everyday design through analysis of potential users, possible testing methods, and various means of analyzing test results.

Design Strategies and Methods

This studio examines human centered design approaches, from usability, user experience and participatory design to prototyping and iterative process. Methods of collaboration and team-work will be a central part of the studio. An introduction to ways in which the practices of research and design inform one another, this course surveys commonly used research and design methodology with an emphasis on relationships between the contexts and conditions in which such methods are applied and the theoretical frameworks in which they are grounded. A range of techniques for observing and describing existing phenomena are addressed.

DD Skill Workshops

Semester 1 - Workshop Titles

The Workshop Titles carry 9 credits for each semester

1. Web Development

• HTML & CSS

• JQuery & Javascript

• Data Visualization

• Information Architecture

• Wordpress

• Database Development in PHP & MySQL

• Audio/Video

2. Typography & Print Design

• Layout using InDesign

• Digital Imaging with Photoshop

• Graphic Illustration with Illustrator

• Digital Prepress

• Digital Photography

• Typeface Design

3. Motion Graphics & Broadcast Design

• Motion & Animation

• Title Design

• Modeling with Maya

• Maya - advanced

• After-Effects - intro

• After-Effects - advanced

• Audio/Video

Semester 2 - Workshop Titles

1. Film/Video

• Storytelling and Narrative Form

• Editing

• Sound Design

• Screenwriting

• Videography - Intro

• Videography - Advanced

• Pre-Production

2. Entrepreneurship

• Social Media Marketing & PR

• Brand & Advertising Strategy and Management

• Market Research Methods

• Entrepreneurship & Innovation

• Managing Creative Talent

• Intellectual Property & Contracts

3. Workshops common across all Digital Design focus areas

• Portfolio Development

• Project Management

DD Skill Workshop Details

Semester 1 - 9 Credits

1. Web Development

HTML & CSS

Students learn how to hand-code Web pages with HTML5, CSS3 and beginning Javascript. They discuss and master the elements of good Web design, the basics of user interface, and recommended standards. Toward the conclusion of the course, each student designs a cohesive website.

Jquery & Javascript

Students will learn the essentials of jquery and javascript for front-end development allowing more robust interactivity in their website design.

Data Visualization

The course explores the design of interfaces and systems that will draw on generated data to show compelling stories, patterns, and points of view. This course will allow students access to a variety of data sets and APIs from the public domain such as article text, metadata (keywords, geotags, etc.), and archival data. Using these APIs, students will develop generative interfaces and data visualization projects that create dynamic views into the news and data of the present and the past.

Information Architecture

This course will develop students' abilities to conceptualize and visualize information architecture within various organizational frameworks and dimensions of space. Students will learn to articulate and propose new design methods for mapping, navigating and visualizing projects and learn how to create wireframes and other documentation used in the development of websites.

Wordpress

WordPress is an introduction to this powerful open-source content management system. Students will learn how to implement and customize this system in order to create dynamic websites.

Database Development in PHP & MySQL

The course will examine how to design and develop database driven internet functionality with PHP & MySQL. Possibilities are endless for students interested in game design, data visualization,collaborative environments, experimental net art, commerce, interactive narrative, or those simply interested in integrating user functionality into websites.

Audio/Video

This course is an introduction to the design issues involved with time-based media, focusing on the conceptual, technical and historical aspects of digital film and video. Students will produce, shoot and edit their own videos on a regular basis. Weekly in-class screenings are focused on helping students understand the dimensions of establishing a visual language across time.

2. Typography & Print Design

Layout using InDesign

In this class, students explore the fundamentals of InDesign, including all aspects of the page layout process. Importing, creating type, and working with imagery are covered extensively. Production shortcuts for print, PDF, and the Web are discussed.

Digital Imaging with Photoshop

Acquire a working knowledge of this industry-standard software used for print, Web pages, animation, presentation, video production, and enhancement of traditional and digital photography. Explore scanning and color correction, tools and layers for image compositing, elemental retouching, and type treatments. Learn the fundamentals of this digital image manipulation and customize palettes, control layers, tweak scans, and master selections to create professional imagery.

Graphic Illustration with Illustrator

Learn the fundamentals of this powerful illustration and vector-based graphic design program. Draw and design using the basic tools and features. Create curves, lines, and shapes to make objects. Manipulate, copy, and color your objects and arrange them into final artwork.

Digital Prepress

A must for every graphic designer, this course guides students through the changing landscape of digital and conventional printing techniques. This hands-on class explores state-of-the-art printing techniques as well as traditional methods, including offset, screen, and letterpress.

Digital Photography

This course will provide hands-on experience in digital camera controls, image creation and workflow, from capture to print output. Students will be introduced to non-automatic shooting modes, image storage capabilities, file types, menus, exposure, light, shutter effects, optimal image development, organization and output.

Typeface Design

Designing typefaces is an art and a skill that marks the difference between an expert and an amateur typographic designer. This course gives students a general overview of the history of type design and an introduction to current methods and tools. Students will design letterforms, carefully convert them to digital form, and compose them into working digital fonts.

3. Motion Graphics & Broadcast Design

Motion & Animation

The class focuses on understanding the principles of animation, character animation and the creation of believable motion. Storyboarding, layout, key framing, in- betweening, animating characters with a basic knowledge of timing, spacing, stretch and squash, anticipation, easing in and out, overlapping action, secondary action, exaggeration and the walk cycle are explored. The semester culminates in the production of simple pencil test animations.

Title Design

Students will learn the history and practice of commercial film and video titles using Adobe After Effects. Emphasis will be placed on the original design of imagery, sound, motion, and typography while addressing issues of the dynamic relationships taking place on the screen

Modeling with Maya

Autodesk’s Maya is the leading 3D software used by artists who create games, movies, architectural visualizations, and motion graphics. Students develop the skills to model, animate, and create characters, environments (buildings and landscapes), industrial objects (vehicles and products), 3D effects and particle systems, and dynamically driven animations.

Maya - advanced

A continuation of Maya-intro, students become more advanced in their skills and learn more sophisticated techniques of modeling and animating.

After-Effects - intro

This introductory yet intensive course explores the fundamental of time-based graphic motion, with particular emphasis on typography, image, and narrative sequence. Students are challenged to develop concise yet powerful presentations, literal or abstract ideas, and move step-by-step through the development process, from storyboard to final rendering.

After-Effects - advanced

This course helps students build precision, control and fluency of expression within time based digital environments. Students will gain a solid foundation of motion graphics and effects techniques that will support their creativity and enhance their digital skill-set. Complementary relationships between commercial and fine arts work will also be explored.

Audio/Video

This course is an introduction to the design issues involved with time-based media, focusing on the conceptual, technical and historical aspects of digital film and video. Students will produce, shoot and edit their own videos on a regular basis. Weekly in-class screenings are focused on helping students understand the dimensions of establishing a visual language across time.

Sound Design

This course provides an overview of nonlinear audio production and sound culture with an emphasis on integration with other narrative formats. Sound is one of the most profound ways to convey ideas, sensations, and information; and, since it complements and enhances visual experience rather than excluding it, it can be one of the most flexible too. In this introductory-level course, students gain familiarity with the basic tools and techniques of nonlinear audio production. Projects improve listening skills, raise awareness of our aural experience and sonic environment (yes, we have ears too), integrate sound with narrative visual media, and allow us to communicate and conceptualize with sound.

Semester 2 - 9 Credits

1. Film/Video

Storytelling and Narrative Form

Traditional linear storytelling in film and video is increasingly supplanted or replaced by hybrid 'transmedia' approaches that function across platforms and formats. The rise of short-form and user-generated content online, video gaming, interactive technologies and virtual worlds have broadened possibilities for audience participation in the creation of stories. New funding and distribution models enable the 'makers' to cultivate and reach their audiences directly, not only through industry intermediaries. This course allows students to experiment with these new forms and strategies, construct their own project and apply transmedia approaches in their own work. Students are asked to formulate a concept, which they then develop through multiple storylines and forms of media, such as film or video, social media, blogs, websites, as well as live performance and interactions. Particular attention is paid to how these storylines translate and transform through different media. The class discusses various case studies and current developments in this rapidly changing environment, as well as ways to integrate funding and distribution into a project’s overall concept.

Editing

This course begins with a focus on the analysis of structure and editing style and concludes with some advanced techniques in digital postproduction. Major topics include: rhythm, continuity editing, mise-en-scene, montage, cinematic time and space, among others. The class focuses on basic principles of digital editing – documentary organization, structure, workflows, logs, timelines, basic trim procedures, etc. – and introduces more advanced techniques such as: working with music and composers; preparing the sound mix; creating video titles and graphics; color correction; generating output; and conforming and transferring projects, among other topics.

Screenwriting

This course for the beginning screenwriter introduces the tools, vocabulary, and techniques used to tell a screen story and put an original idea into outline form. Assignments illustrate basic three-act structure, economical use of dialogue, visual storytelling elements, development of complex characters, revelation of background information, and effective use of dramatic tension.

Videography - Intro

Students are introduced to production techniques, including use of the digital camera, storyboarding, and basic lighting and sound. Several short video projects are completed during the term.

Videography - Advanced

Experienced film students are guided in shooting their own narrative, documentary, or experimental films, using HD digital video. All students in the class crew on one another's productions as a way of practicing the teamwork that is part of filmmaking and in order to maximize the learning experience. The course covers preproduction (budgeting, casting, scheduling, locations, permits, releases, film stocks), directing (including script analysis and rehearsals), camera and lighting, sound (use of professional microphones and digital sound recorders), and editing (synching dailies and an editing approach).

Pre-Production

Student filmmakers learn how to lay the groundwork for an advanced narrative, documentary, or experimental film or digital motion picture project.

2. Entrepreneurship

Social Media Marketing & PR

In this hands-on course, students will learn to strategically use the most current social media for marketing and PR. Students will engage critically with many participatory design methods and test out theory by putting it into practice.

Brand & Advertising Strategy and Management

This course is an intensive overview of brand and advertising strategy in the 21st century. An understanding of both new and traditional advertising and branding techniques will be applied to planning and managing a campaign. Topics such as demographics and targeting, market research, consumer insight and social media, brand position, executing a strategy, and evaluating a campaign’s effectiveness are covered. How can media companies achieve and maintain a competitive edge in this radically changing and converging media environment? And what part does the development and communication of a differentiated brand play in that challenge? This course will apply techniques and tools for analyzing industries, companies and competitors and understanding the context in which competitive strategy and positioning is formulated.

Market Research Methods

This course will cover research methodologies used to gather and report insights in the Media Industry. Principles of audience research and ratings will be discussed, leading to a deep understanding of media sales, buying, planning and research. New Media techniques will be explored with a critical analysis of the theoretical implications and the framework of techniques and tools that get beyond Likes / Clicks / Friends / Followers to true engagement and return on investment.

Entrepreneurship & Innovation

This course explores innovation through Entrepreneurship and strategies for successful new venture creation. It will encourage the development of leadership skills for entrepreneurs and will examine prevailing frameworks of innovation such as reverse, open, and disruptive innovation to identify and categorize contemporary innovations.

Managing Creative Talent

Dramatic changes in technology and in the media's role in converging technologies require new management and leadership techniques and paradigms. This course aims to give students a survey of some of the latest management and leadership theories, including those encouraging a new sense of social responsibility. It also gives students the opportunity to apply these theories to a number of different competitive, structural, motivational, strategic, and organizational issues in the media world, by writing original case studies and solving problems in existing case studies.

Intellectual Property & Contracts

This course focuses on the role intellectual property (e.g., patents, trade secrets, copyrights, trademarks, etc.) and contracts play in the management of a new venture. Current case studies will be used to cover the key concepts.

3. Workshops Common acros all Digital Design focus areas

Portfolio Development

Students build and refine their portfolios to a professional level and learn the process of preparing for life after school. They explore employment opportunities, and write and design their resumes and business cards.

Project Management

This course focuses on managing media-based projects, ranging from small scope, short-term projects, to large-scale ongoing development using complex technological systems. It covers topics such as feasibility and risk analyses, budgeting, project selection, administrative and organizational structures, coordination and scheduling of activities, personnel, negotiations and contracts, cost estimating and controls.

Entrance Exam

All Candidates interested in pursuing full time Under Graduate Diploma Programmes, Post Graduate Diploma Programmes and Post Graduate Certificate Programmes are required to complete out Entrance Test known as the ISDI Challenge.

The ISDI Challenge is an adapted version of the Parsons Challenge and it helps the Admission Committee understand how a prospective student develops ideas, translates them to good design and form, communicates that , and defends the work in writing

Fee Structure

Post Graduate Programme