The Master of Design (MDes) program exists within a multidisciplinary setting across the Communication Design, Fashion Design and Industrial Design programs housed in the Ullman School of Design at the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP). The program is rooted in an evidence-based approach that emphasizes design research methods and strategies to address complex sociocultural, environmental, educational, and health challenges. MDes students materialize these challenges through writing, visualization, and prototyping techniques that result in published scholarship and exhibition.

MDes students design interventions through strategic investigation and rigorous research protocols. They engage in research methods within their first semester in partnership with faculty from the Ullman School of Design. A thesis topic is identified and developed throughout continued direction in theory, primary, secondary, and applied research, and chair-directed studies. Required courses expand student capability in design research methods and strategy, design discourse, and visual strategies for the dissemination of research.

The objectives of the MDes program are to:

Focus on Methods: designing understanding
Focus on Strategy: designing innovative paradigms
Focus on Systems Thinking: designing dynamic structures to complex problems
Focus on Evidence: designing applied solutions with measurable results
Focus on Empathy: designing for social impact

Thesis project topics may focus on — or blur the lines between — Communication Design, Fashion Design, and Industrial Design. Graduate students work under the guidance of faculty to target domain-specific design applications in real contexts, such as design for aging populations, design for health and wellness, and design for education. The final thesis work is presented and defended visually and in writing. Thesis projects are also exhibited at the annual DAAPworks show. MDes students are expected to work with a high level of independence, motivation, and competence through their education. Students with undergraduate degrees from design-related fields are invited to apply to the two-year Master of Design program. Read Less