Interaction design is an emerging field for visual communication designers. There has been a big demand for designers especially in Silicon Valley and in the software industry in general. In instances that I investigated, visual communication design curriculum has not been updated to teach students the interaction design skills they will need in their future jobs. To support this emerging area, visual communication design education needs to evolve into more technical and behavioral knowledge and less of artistic and manual skills.
One point that needs to be explored in academic settings is the collaboration with other disciplines. Since the software industry is the emerging field for visual communication designers, the collaboration with computer science and engineering is extremely important. There are misconceptions from both design and computer science students that can be demystified while they are still in college. The benefits from such collaboration will not only lead to a better understanding of professional practices, but it will also stimulate different ways of thinking and allow for students to start building their professional network.
After the analysis of visual communication design curricula from different programs in the United States, this thesis proposes changes to the current curriculum at The Ohio State University, as a case study. Every curriculum in the country is different, but the recommendations to the Ohio State program can be adapted according to the needs at each school.
Instead of a proposal for the perfect curriculum, this thesis is a call to action for Design Departments to think about their mission, the future of the field of visual communication design, and how it is best situated in a growing collaborative environment.