The exhibitions and experience design concentration at UC Davis includes:
Exhibition Design (DES185): Design of cultural and commercial exhibition environments (10-week course). Exhibition research, concept development, object selection and spatial planning. Design of display furniture, object staging, architectural finishes, exhibition interpretive strategies and graphics. bibliography
Environmental Graphics (DES186): Design of informational and directional graphics for the built environment (10-week course). Application and integration of typography, imagery and symbols into the architectural landscape. Developing universal wayfinding and graphic navigational systems to help people find their way. bibliography
Narrative Environments (DES187): Design of storytelling environments and multi-sensory experiences (10-week course). Interpretive planning and design for specific exhibit audiences in cultural, commercial, entertainment and public spaces. The manipulation of objects and the communication of complex ideas in the exhibition environment. bibliography
Design in Europe (DES 187/198 summer abroad program): survey of European design and exhibition environments (4-week international program in England, Scotland, and Netherlands). Design of products and multi-sensory experiences for cultural, commercial and community spaces, and the historical trajectory and evolution of modern European design expression. bibliography
Design in Britain (DES 187/198 summer abroad program): survey of British design and exhibition environments (4-week international program in England and Scotland). Design of products and multi-sensory experiences for cultural, commercial and community spaces, and the historical trajectory and evolution of modern British design expression. bibliography
Museum Practicum (DES191): Professional museum standards and exhibition design techniques (10-week internship). Located in the UC Davis Design Museum. contact
Thesis Exhibition & Studio Critique (DES 227) is for second year design graduate students to help them strengthen and complete their individual thesis projects through phases of prototyping, refining, and building an installation to disseminate their MFA Thesis. This class is also intended for cohorts to work collectively to develop strategies for the final exhibition with a focus on audience engagement and accessibility.
Current Course Syllabi
DES185_W23_exhibition design_syllabus
DES186_W23_environmental graphics_syllabus
DES187_S23_narrative environments_syllabus
DIBN 2023_design in europe_syllabus
DES227_S23_thesis exhibition_syllabus