Department of Information Design
Ushering in next-generation art and culture through creative work using highly developed information technology
One of Tama Art University's newest departments, the pioneering Department of Information Design was the first in its field to be established at a Japanese university. Creating art and culture, and forging rich social and inter-human relationships out of shapeless "information" is what we call Information Design. With the fruits of dramatically advancing information technology penetrating all parts of society, today the world of new, outside-the-box art and design is flourishing in all colors. The Department of Information Design trains students in both fine art and design on a foundation of art education as cultivated for many years at Tama Art University, with the aim to foster boldly thinking creators who carry the torch in art and culture of the next generation.
Curriculum
For the entrance exam, students choose between the "Art and Media Course" and "Interaction Design Course", both of which center around practical training and workshops in small groups. The theoretical and practical education in professional training subjects unique to the Department of Information Design dynamically exceeds existing frameworks.
Art and Media Course
In addition to media art, computer graphics, sound art, photography, video and animation, the course also covers such topics as community art, targeting a wide range of fields from entertainment to art utilizing cutting-edge technology. The curriculum is divided into the four stages "introduction", "development", "application" and "synthesis". In the introductory courses, students acquire essential knowledge and techniques for the creation of media art through exercise in the four basic subjects "video/photography", "interaction", "sound + performance" and "digital craft". In the specialized courses, they deepen their theoretical knowledge and explore at once their own individual creative styles in technically-focused workshops and fieldwork.
Interaction Design Course
This course with the primary aim of discovering and nurturing "design skills in the realm of information design" is divided into three areas of specialization: "experiential design", designing the activities and experiences of people engaged with information; "expansive media", giving shape to cutting-edge technology for anyone to use and enjoy; and "media design", dealing with communication using a variety of printed and online media. In the introductory courses, students are trained in web design, infographics and programming as basic techniques of interaction and information design – fundamental concepts in which the subject matter at large is summed up. In the specialized courses, students dig deeper into the matter in a field of specialization of their choice.
Prospects after graduation
Media Art Course: Graduates work as media or video artists, or are otherwise active in a wide range of media-related areas including web design, software, games, editing/production, etc. Information Design Course: Next to joining companies in the information industry involved with information services, web design, games, production, advertising, video and publishing among others, the various prospects for graduates include entering a manufacturer‘s design department, or working for a public research institution, university, art museum, etc. In both courses, the number of graduates who continue studies at a graduate school or study abroad is increasing.