Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Spring Semester 2026

3-D Design - Digital (Face-to-Face)

ART 1130-03

Course: ART 1130-03
Credits: 3
Term: Spring Semester 2026
Department: ARTD
CRN: 10193

Course Description

This course introduces design students to the principles of three-dimensional design through the lens of user-centered visual communication. Rather than emphasizing self-expression or sculptural realism, the course treats form, space, structure, and material as functional tools for problem-solving and message delivery.

Using industry-standard digital modeling software, students will translate two-dimensional ideas into three-dimensional forms. Emphasis is placed on understanding how virtual models (bits) become physical objects (atoms) through prototyping, fabrication, and additive manufacturing processes such as laser cutting and 3D printing.

Through a series of hands-on projects, you will learn how simple 3D concepts build upon one another to create increasingly complex forms, systems, and environments.

 (Fall, Spring) [Graded (Standard Letter)]

Required Texts

There are no required texts for this course. Required readings and reference materials for in-class discussions will be available on Canvas, the university’s online Course Management System. Due to the constant and rapidly evolving nature of digital software, students will be required to learn directly from online sources such as user groups, forums, or software manufacturer's websites. This process is an integral part of being able to keep up with technology and software. 

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Spatial Reasoning: Analyze how form, volume, and negative space operate in three dimensions.
User-Centered Form: Design objects and environments that account for ergonomics, scale, and human interaction.
Digital Modeling: Create accurate 3D models using industry-standard software.
Structural Thinking: Understand basic principles of stability, balance, and material behavior.
Prototyping Workflow: Translate digital models into physical artifacts using laser cutting and 3D printing.
Iterative Process: Refine designs through testing, critique, and revision.
Design Vocabulary: Use terms such as Affordance, Tolerance, Ergonomics, and Constraints during critiques.
Strategic Intent: Justify design decisions based on function, audience, and context.

Course Requirements

Computer capable of running required 3D modeling software
Access to cloud storage

While not required, it is strongly recommended that students maintain backup copies of their work using one or more of the following:
USB storage device ~4GB
Portable or desktop hard drive >256GB

Students will be responsible for some material costs associated with fabrication, including 3D printing filament and laser cutting materials, as specified in individual project briefs.

Course Outline

ProjectWeeksFocusKey Learning Goal
  1. Zoetrope Project (Laser Cutting) | 1–2 | Motion & Mechanism | Understanding sequential form and physical interaction.
  2. Simple Object Creation (Digital Only) | 3–4 | Basic Form | Translating simple ideas into clean, functional 3D models.
  3. 3D Printed Letterforms or Decorative Stamps | 5–6 | Typography & Relief | Designing readable, tactile forms for physical output.
  4. SUU Sports Memorabilia | 7–8 | Branding & Symbolism | Creating meaningful objects tied to identity and audience.
  5. Figure Modeling | 9–10 | Organic Form | Understanding proportion, gesture, and complexity in 3D space.
  6. Capstone Project | 11–13 | Systems & Experience | Applying the full workflow to a self-directed design problem.

Capstone project directions may include, but are not limited to:
Wayfinding system
Creature or character design
House, fort, or small environment creation

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

DEADLINES ARE SERIOUS! All work is to be completed by the due date and delivered as specified in each project outline. You may lose up to 10% of your project grade for each missed in-class critique. Projects will lose 5% off the final grade for every day the project has not been turned in. Projects will not be accepted more than 15 days after the due date.

Attendance Policy

Studio courses are experiential in nature and rely heavily on in-class instruction, collaboration, and critique. As such, attendance is mandatory.

A student who misses more than 25% of scheduled class time (including unexcused absences and tardiness) will receive a final grade no higher than a “C–”, and may fail the course, regardless of performance on assignments.

Excused absences—such as those due to documented illness, university-sponsored activities, or other legitimate circumstances—may be made up with appropriate documentation (e.g., a doctor's note or official university communication). It is the student’s responsibility to inform the instructor before the absence when possible and to make arrangements to complete missed work promptly.

Consistent attendance and active participation are essential to your success in this course and in your development as a designer.

Course Fees

Content for this section will be provided by the instructor.

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.