EDPA Designer Certification Outline
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STUDIO 1: Technical Skills Advancement
Remote Online: two weeks and would include 6 evenings 7pm-9pm EDT and one weekend
day 11am-2pm EDT
(three evenings per week and one weekend day 11am-2pm EDT)
DESCRIPTION
This course will include a survey of industry software and documentation techniques.
It will serve all entering into the EDPA Designer certification program who need to
improve their technical software skills as well as those who are technically savvy
yet would like to learn new and cutting edge techniques to improve their skill level.
This studio will be a combination of technical software training, demonstration and
studio-based project work with exercises that both familiarize students with industry
standard software and explore the various ways these software and specific techniques
are used in the experiential exhibit and event design industry.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon completion of this seminar, participants will:
- Understand various presentation techniques that are unique to the exhibit and event design industry
- Utilize various industry standard software in order to prepare to generate original work in the EDPA certification program and the industry
- Understand industry standard drafting, rendering, graphic and documentation standards
STUDIO 2: Concept and Ideation
Remote Online: two weeks and would include 6 evenings 7pm-9pm EDT and one weekend
day 11am-2pm EDT
(three evenings per week and one weekend day 11am-2pm EDT)
DESCRIPTION
This studio course will explore different models for concept development, process-oriented
diagrammatic thinking and ideation strategies. Students will learn how to analyze
and work with their clients and internal teams to create goals, key and supporting
messaging, and concepts and then translate these into concept diagramming, floor and
space planning and audience engagement methods.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon completion of this seminar, participants will:
- Understand how audience, client, story and narrative are the underpinnings that drive experience-based designed environments
- Identify and apply an awareness of end-user motivators and expectations in concept development
- Make powerful use of the client's mission as integral to telling the story, designing the narrative experience, and forming personal connections between the end user and the environment’s message
- Utilize a variety of brainstorming and ideation methods towards the development of main messages, key concepts, and conceptual and spatial bubble diagrams
- Manage effective interpersonal communications during creative team-based concept development and group ideation processes
STUDIO 3: Design Development: Domestic and International
Remote Online: two weeks and would include 6 evenings 7pm-9pm EDT and one weekend
day 11am-2pm EDT
(three evenings per week and one weekend day 11am-2pm EDT)
DESCRIPTION
In this studio participants will explore the industry’s most innovative and cutting
edge practices to evolve concepts into presentation and drawings to then be realized
domestically and internationally. The course will include units in design development
documentation, fabrication, construction and shipping standards across the exhibit
and events industry and well as specifications and best practices in experiential
graphic design for all types of branded activations, including but not limited to—exhibits,
pop ups and events. The course will include studio-based project work and exercises
exploring design processes and documentation techniques used in the experiential exhibit
and event design industry. The course will also address budgeting techniques across
the industry along with various methods and case studies for value engineering and
client management globally.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon completion of this seminar, participants will:
- Understand the differences—regulations, costs, trends, expectations for designing domestically vs. internationally
- Generate exhibition design work appropriate to the needs of various venues, clients and audience types
- Understand design processes and documentation techniques used in the experiential exhibit and event design industry
- Learn advanced techniques in estimating, budgeting and value engineering techniques
STUDIO 4: Media Integration & Emerging Technologies
Remote Online: two weeks and would include 6 evenings 7pm-9pm EDT and one weekend
day 11am-2pm EDT
(three evenings per week and one weekend day 11am-2pm EDT)
DESCRIPTION
This studio courses would introduce participants to emerging technologies, digital
interactives and cutting- edge digital integration techniques used in the experiential
exhibits and events industry. Through studio-based course work and exercises students
will explore methods of audience engagement and brand recognition through technology.
Students will also understand the trades necessary to specify and produce installations
involving technology as well as learn about integration best practices, cost considerations
and alternative sustainable methods for implementing technology in experiential exhibits,
pop ups and events.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon completion of this seminar, participants will:
- Be introduced to emerging technologies and learn various methods of implementation
- Understand the trades and best practices necessary to realize digital installations
- Learn value engineering techniques for digital media engagements
- Learning techniques to emotionally engage audiences and enhance brand awareness through the use of technology
- Apply human-centered design principles to digital interactives
SEMINAR 1: Presentation Skills
Remote Online: 4 evenings, 7pm-9pm EDT
DESCRIPTION
This seminar course will guide students in analyzing and improving their presentation
skills and outline a variety of presentations types and needs. The course will review
skills and techniques to both create and conduct effective presentations to a variety
of audience types. From addressing clients and internal teams to fabricators and suppliers—students
will learn to convey their message and design intentions in a powerful, authentic
and succinct manner. The seminar also includes units in client and vendor management
and communication skills.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon completion of this seminar, participants will:
- Understand various presentation types that are unique to the exhibit and event design industry;
- Define various presentation audiences and ultimate goals for each presentation;
- Hone each participant’s personal presentation style and techniques;
- Explore methods for effective client and vendor management and communication.
SEMINAR 2: Professional Practices and Business Development
In-Person: 3 consecutive days at FIT
SEMINAR DESCRIPTION
The final course in the EDPA Designer Certification is Professional Practices & Business
Development in exhibit and event design. It is an intensive three-day on-site seminar
at FIT in New York City. The seminar introduces participants to cutting-edge business
practices, including project and team management strategies in the exhibit and event
design industry. Participants will gain unique insights into business practices and
expand their leadership and management skills. As the demand across the industry increases
for designers who are also skilled project managers with an understanding of business
strategies including contract development and negotiations, budget management, project
schedules, team management as well as business development practices—this seminar
will convey valuable real world strategies for the management of design teams, projects
and business development. Students will understand how business and corporations are
structured and learn strategies to foster business centric relationships that drive
new and continued work.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon completion of this seminar, participants will:
- Understand business and corporate structures, functions and legal principles in the exhibits industry;
- Understand various project, budget and team management techniques across the exhibits industry;
- Gain real world business development and client acquisition skills;
- Become fluent in professional business terminology.
CERTIFICATION
Upon completion of the on-campus three-day seminar and all prior online courses, students will receive The EDPA Designer Certification.
If you have any questions please reach out to: Dasher Lowe [email protected] or [email protected]