Our Mission
The Design and Industry Department offers a strong, well rounded, interdisciplinary education to a diverse population with an emphasis in Design and Technology, Visual Communication, Industrial Technology, and Product Design and Development. Our program prepares students to make valuable contributions to their fields through communication, innovation, function, management and production. We strive for a global approach towards design that includes social, ethical and environmental responsibility.
Advising Resources
Scheduling a meeting with a DAI Adviser
To schedule a meeting with an adviser appropriate to your field of study, stop in to the department office (Fine Arts 121) or call (415) 338-2211 to schedule an appointment, handled by one of the office staff. Advising appointments are arranged first-come, first-served; some advisers may also have drop-in hours, ask the office staff if that is the case. Keep in mind that as the semester progresses, it can become increasingly difficult to obtain a meeting with an adviser as the number of appointments are limited. If you need to cancel an appointment, please be sure to call the office and adviser ahead of time. If you miss your appointment, you will need to reschedule and are not guaranteed a spot. What to bring to an advising appointment You must plan to bring your personal academic advising folder to each advising appointment. Additionally, once you have made an appointment with an adviser, you should contact the adviser, briefly describe the nature of your forthcoming appointment and specifically ask if there are additional items that you will be expected to bring. This is especially important when attempting to transfer credits onto your major contract from other institutions as that operation requires a variety of documents that you will need to obtain. Your personal academic advising folder Every student is expected to maintain a personal advising folder and to bring it to every advising appointment — It is a guide to assist you in your studies. At minimum, your personal advising folder should contain the following (and may contain other items pertinent to you):
- Grade reports/Unofficial prior college/university transcripts.
- Evaluations of transfer credit (Advance Standing Evaluations/ASE)
- DARS, GE and Graduation checklists.
- SF State Semester Grade Reports.
- Any tentative/sample schedules or contracts filled out with advisers before formally declaring the major.
- Notes and documents from previous advising sessions.
- Copies of pertinent paperwork: incomplete grade forms, probation releases, course withdrawal forms, transfer agreements, etc.
- Once declared as a major, a copy of your current official DAI contract. (must be signed by Department Chair, Adviser and Yourself)
DAI 370 | Colloquium
If you are a recently declared DAI major, or plan on becoming a DAI major, you should enroll in DAI 370 | Colloquium. It is the first class in the department that every major and prospective major must take. Student Advising Responsibilities Keep in mind that the onus to plan and maintain your education is largely upon you. San Francisco State University expects you to:
- Be knowledgeable of all degree requirements and ensure their completion.
- Purchase and read an SF State Bulletin upon entering the University. Carefully read the class schedule each semester and obtain department or major brochures, handbooks and information.
- Declare your major in a timely manner. (It is recommended that students who enter SF State as freshmen declare a major no later than the end of the sophomore year and those students who enter as junior transfers declare a major by the end of the second semester in attendance.)
- Seek academic advising at appropriate times. Minimally, to include:
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- When entering and/or transferring into the major.
- When experiencing academic difficulty, including probation and possibility of disqualification.
- When moving into upper division standing.
- When getting closer to graduation. (Contracts can not be modified in the semester you plan to graduate).
- When preparing to graduate from SF State.
- Maintain an active personal academic advising folder and bring it with you to every advising appointment.
General Education Adviser
As you will more than likely be taking courses outside the department as regular part of your studies at SF State, it is often difficult to envision how all the pieces fit together. In addition to regular advising, you may wish to contact the General Education Adviser at the department, Dr. Yu-Charn Chen, who can assist you in choosing GE courses that compliment your studies within the department.
Advising Center
The SF State Advising Center is a worthwhile resource to touch bases with; you will likely use their services near the beginning of your studies as you complete your GE requirements.
DOIT Software Workshops
Enhance your software skills in a low-anxiety setting
SF State's Department of Information Technology (DOIT) offers computer-related short courses and workshops to all SF State students, staff and faculty throughout the year. Each short course is one to two hours. There is no pre-registration, as these classes are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. DOIT's course listing is extensive and includes many of the more popular software applications. Because class size is limited and sessions begin promptly, show up early to ensure you get a seat. Training at DOIT is concentrated around five thematic areas: Beginning Computers, Computer Graphics, Data Analysis, Microsoft Office and Web Development. These workshops offer an excellent way to further round out your software skill set.
Facilities
Office
The office serves as a central hub for many of the department’s activities. Office staff and faculty help coordinate department affairs. In this room, students can regularly access the department’s library of design-related reading materials. The office is housed in Fine Arts 121.
Fine Arts building, room 121 (Department Office)
The office serves as a central hub for many of the department’s activities and functions. Office staff and faculty within this space help coordinate department affairs. Additionally, students can continually access the department’s library of design-related reading materials.
Resources:
- Design Library
- Faculty Offices
Lecture
DAI facilities include several lecture-based classrooms. These rooms encourage teacher/student interaction and provide a platform for discussion at higher academic levels. Fine Arts 117, 123 and 193 comprise the department's lecture classrooms.
Fine Arts building, room 117 (Lecture Room)
This room hosts a variety of DAI lecture classes that predominantly relate to digital media and graphic design. The room fosters students’ creative processes by providing tackable wall spaces, a computer workstation and digital projector. The room’s size and layout encourage group dialogue and close interaction with professors.
Resources:
- Teacher Workstation
- LCD Projector
- Mac G4 Computer
- WiFi Access
Fine Arts building, room 123 (Lecture Room)
This classroom provides a seminar style class environment. Several graduate-level classes meet in this intimate classroom setting each semester. Its large wall spaces, with tacks, and digital teacher workstation enhance student discussions and design critiques.
Resources:
- Teacher Workstation
- LCD Projector
- Wall Spaces with tacks
Fine Arts building, room 193 (Lecture Room)
This commanding lecture hall seats a sizable group of students. The room hosts lecture-based classes like The History of Design and Technology. Its large projection system lets students view and discuss the many facets of the designed world.
Resources:
- Teacher Workstation
- LCD Projector
Labs
DAI offers two comprehensive computer labs within its premises. Each offers indispensable computer software and hardware that pushes students to the forefront of today’s design technologies. Computer labs occupy rooms Fine Arts 119, 141 and 163.
Fine Arts building, room 119 (PC Lab)
This computer lab houses many PC workstations that feature a comprehensive suite of software that specializes in three-dimensional modeling and animation. Students work with professional grade programs such as Alias, SolidWorks Office Professional, and CAMWorks either during class sessions or open lab hours.
Resources:
- Teacher Workstation
- Dell PC Workstations
- LCD Projector
- WiFi Access
Fine Arts building, room 141 (Mac Lab)
The Mac Lab offers the latest tools for creating cutting-edge digital-based design. Students have access to some of the latest hardware and software during classes or open lab hours. This lab hosts an assortment of Mac computers that enhance any digital media student’s design aspirations.
Resources:
- Teacher Workstation
- Mac G4 Workstations
- LCD Projector
- WiFi Access
Fine Arts building, room 163 (Lab Room)
This computer lab houses many PC workstations that feature a comprehensive suite of software that specializes in three-dimensional modeling and animation. Students work with professional grade programs such as Alias, SolidWorks Office Professional, and CAMWorks either during class sessions or open lab hours.
Resources:
- Classroom Space
- LCD Projector
- Dell PC Workstations
- WiFi Access
Shops Throughout the semester, students have access to a variety of specialized shop machinery. These facilities allow for precise machining and woodworking. Students regularly design and fabricate within these industrial spaces. Labs occupy rooms Fine Arts 115, 153, 161 and 170.
Fine Arts building, room 115 (Lab)
In the Electronics lab, students design, test, and build custom circuit boards using a range of sensitive electronic equipment. With close Instructor guidance, students develop functional and sophisticated circuit systems that serve a range of creative purposes.
Resources:
- Digital Multimeters
- Breadboards
- Printed Circuit Boards
Fine Arts building, room 153 (Technology Lab)
This room houses a comprehensive plastics lab in which students study the materials, processes and design of plastics. The lab provides a platform for a variety of hands-on activities that thoroughly address plastics manufacturing techniques and technologies.
Resources:
- Injection Molder
- Vacuum Former
- Rotational Oven
- Buffing Wheels
Fine Arts building, room 161B/161A (Metal Fabrication Lab/Rapid Prototyping Lab)
A number of professional-grade tools within the metal shop allow students to shape and realize intricate metal designs. Full time lab monitors oversee sheet forming equipment and an array of other metalworking machinery. Additionally, the Rapid Prototyping Studio offers cutting-edge prototyping tools to students.
Studios
The studio spaces in the department allow students to cultivate their creative skills by building and developing their own design projects. The spaces help advance a student’s appreciation and understanding by offering a distinctive hands-on approach to the design process. Our primary studios spaces include Fine Arts 124 and 151.
Fine Arts building, room 124 (Studio Room)
This studio space offers tools that enhance a student’s production and illustration skills. The room’s many drawing tables accommodate sketching and rendering of both product and graphic design ideas.
Resources:
Drafting Desks
Fine Arts building, room 151 (Studio Room)
This studio space offers tools that enhance a student’s production and illustration skills. The room’s many drawing tables accommodate sketching and rendering of both product and graphic design ideas.
Resources:
- Large Worktables
- Graduate Studio
- Wall spaces with tacks
Equipment
DAI continually updates its facilities with new technologies so students can establish hands-on experience with industry tools and practices. Our students have access to cutting-edge equipment including a 3D Scanner, Plazma Cutter, Haas Minimill, Shopbot and 3D Printer.
Picza 3-D Scanner
This scanner utilizes non-contact, 3D laser scanning to convert physical models into functional computer files. The machine allows students to quickly modify computer-generated scans within a Solid Modeling software interface.
Plazma Cutter (Cutmaster 101 Plazma Cutter)
This precise metal cutting system delivers ample cutting power for a student’s metal fabrication needs. The machine provides students with a variety of cut types and strengths to aid metal fabrication in the metals shop.
Shopbot pRTalpha
This machine adapts advanced motor technology to high-performance CNC systems. As a result, students are able to use the Shopbot's design and tool-pathing software to implement high-level and intricate design plans.
Haas Minimill
This super-compact machine features a generous work envelope with a wide array of speeds and settings. The Mini Mill is ideal for small-parts finishing work and cutting aluminum but has enough low-end torque to cut steel.
3-D Printer (Dimension 3D Printer)
This machine brings CAD files and design ideas to life directly from a student’s desktop. The printer quickly builds small plastic models so that a student can work with physical iterations of their ideas. This proves to be an indispensable tool in a product designer’s creative process.
