Heather Shaw stresses the importance of critical thinking especially when it comes to current trends in design. She also pushes her students to diversify their knowledge to aid in their transition from one part of the discipline to another.
Professional Title: Associate Professor of Design
Areas of Academic Focus and Expertise: The integration of dynamic media with traditional design pedagogy. Emphasis on information architecture, motion, and interactive media.
Area of Work and Concentration at Lesley: Design
Representative List of Recent Courses Taught: Introduction to Web Design, Design Systems
Education: BFA Visual Design, University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth (1994), MFA Dynamic Media Institute, Massachusetts College of Art + Design (2003)
Fun Facts: I worked several odd jobs to pay for my undergraduate education including: delivering phone books, water aerobics instructor, and my favorite—second-shift barista at a 24-hour coffee shop. I learned that the meaning of "drive thru" is completely open for interpretation.
A strong design education can prepare students with higher-level critical and creative thinking tandem with a strong technical skill set. It should also cover a diverse range of vocabularies to enable students to seamlessly transition into various areas of the discipline.
I encourage students to challenge current trends, foster independent and critical thought process, edify theory and practice related to all kinds of communication media, and instill sensitivity to craft in their work. A comprehensive design curriculum introduces students to essential principles, practices, and technologies threaded within the development of their own voice and values.
Visit Heather Shaw's personal website: www.heathershawdesign.com
Graphic Design BFA
Interactive Design BFA
Design for User Experience (online) BS
Graphic Design Minor
Book Art Minor
Graphic Design APC Certificate
All Art and Design Majors and Minors
Design Student Work
First Year Foundation Student Work
Studio InFlux - A Design Department Course
Leah Miller - Design Alumni
Liberal Arts and General Education
Animation and Motion Media
Design for User Experience (online)
BFA and Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Teacher of Visual Art
All Undergraduate Minors
Undergraduate Tuition and Fees:
One-Year Cost: Full-Time
One-Year Cost: Part-Time
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Argus, BFA Graphic Design alumnus Lucas Guerra's design and communications firm, has been awarded a 2013 EMMY for “Survivors” PSA for the State of Massachusetts' Stop. Think. Let it Go campaign.