DES 213
Digital Tools in 3D Design
USC Roski School of Art & Design
Fall 2025
Harris Hall, Room 112D
Tuesday 12:00 – 2:40 PM
Instructor: Breanna Browning
Office Hrs: By appointment
Email: breanna.browning@usc.edu
DES 213
Digital Tools in 3D Design
USC Roski School of Art & Design
Fall 2025
Harris Hall, Room 112D
Tuesday 12:00 – 2:40 PM
Instructor: Breanna Browning
Office Hrs: By appointment
Email: breanna.browning@usc.edu
2.0 units. Prerequisite: DES 102.
Moving beyond technical proficiency, the course challenges students to understand not only how to use our ever-expanding repertoire of tools, but when and why specific processes can best articulate ideas or support design goals. Students will explore the translation between physical and digital constructs, observing what is lost, gained, or reimagined with each transformation. Refusing the rigid division between “virtual” and “physical” work, the course treats modeling, fabrication, and rendering as entangled modes of thinking and practice.
Final projects will synthesize physical and digital processes into parallel series of renderings, physical objects, and photographs, demonstrating how ideas are shaped by their passage through different material and computational logics. Through this work, students will see how hybrid models of 3D making open new possibilities in design.
- Use digital 3D graphic software, including vector and pixel-based programs, to create dimensional objects in virtual space.
- Apply parametric strategies and digital sculpting/molding tools to develop complex 3D forms.
- Prepare and optimize digital 3D files for output via 3D printing or CNC machining, understanding additive and subtractive processes.
- Render dimensional environments and spaces, integrating AI-based tools for 3D graphic creation.
- Critically evaluate and apply workflows for moving between modeling, rendering, and real-world fabrication.
The course will have several components:
- Talks: Presentations framing the critical use of digital and physical tools, explorations of historical and current precedents, and approaches to 3D practices.
- Tutorials: workshops where students will build industry-standard technical skills to apply
directly to their semester-long projects. - Homework Assignments: Weekly tasks that build on the skills introduced in talks and/or tutorials.
- Final Project: A culminating project that synthesizes the semester’s work. By completing the weekly assignments on schedule, students will incrementally build their final project.
Teaching tools:
- In addition
to Brightspace, the course will have a dedicated website (THIS) where students can
download PDFs of talks, tutorials, and assignment briefs, as well as access
other reference materials.
Grading system: letter grades.
Technological Proficiency and Hardware/Software Required
Students are expected to have regular access to a computer capable of running 3D modeling and rendering software. A dedicated graphics card is strongly recommended. Students must bring a laptop and mouse to each class and are expected to follow along with in-class tutorials.
Computer loans are available through the USC Computing Center Laptop Loaner Program. Additional USC Technology Support Links: Zoom information for students, Brightspace help for students, Software available to USC Campus.
We will be using the following software (details provided in class and on the course website):
- Rhino3D (free trial and discounted student license, seats available in Galen Lab) + Grasshopper
- Blender (free)
- Various 3D scanning tools
- Various AI image generation tools
- Various AI text-to-3D tools
- 3D printing slicers
- CAM software for CNC programming (students will not program final files)
Required + Optional Readings and Supplementary Materials
Any required readings assigned throughout the semester will be provided by the instructor in PDF format via the course website and/or Brightspace.
Assessment of Assignments
Overall learning outcomes for students in this course will be assessed through their knowledge of essential ideas, theories, and applied skills, as well as their understanding of 3D modeling, rendering, and the digital making of both screen-based and physically produced objects.
Participation
Active participation is essential in a studio-based course. Students are expected to attend all class sessions on time, bring the required tools (laptop and mouse), and be ready to follow along with tutorials. Participation also includes contributing to group discussions, critiques, and collaborative exercises, as well as sharing progress and offering constructive feedback to peers.
Attendance
Attendance is mandatory. If you must miss class for unavoidable reasons, you must email me before class begins for the absence to be excused. More than three unexcused absences will lower your final grade by one letter. Six or more absences of any kind will result in a failing grade. Please contact me directly if extenuating circumstances arise, such as prolonged or severe illness.
Two instances of arriving more than 20 minutes late to class will count as one unexcused absence. Students are expected to be set up and ready to work at the start of class.
Classroom Norms
This is a studio-based class, which means that respect for one another’s work and time is essential. Bring your required tools (laptop and mouse) to every class, stay engaged during workshops, and participate actively in critiques and discussions. Collaboration and constructive feedback are part of the learning process, and everyone is expected to contribute. You are expected to respect the opinions, perspectives, and creative approaches of your peers, even when they differ from your own, and to maintain a supportive and professional studio environment.
Zoom Etiquette
Zoom classes will not be offered except for in extenuating circumstances, such as instructor illness, which will be communicated in advance. Students are expected to attend in person and participate fully.
Course Specific Policies
We will be using technology throughout the semester as an essential part of classwork, but laptops and devices should only be used for course-related activities. During lectures, workshops, and critiques, students are expected to stay focused on the work at hand and avoid distractions such as internet browsing, email, or social media. Staying present and engaged is part of the studio environment, and off-task use of technology will count against participation.
Use of AI
Use of AI is allowed and encouraged, unless specified otherwise. Some course assignments will require the use of AI.Course Evaluations
Students should submit course evaluations.
|
Assessment Tool (assignments) |
% of Grade |
|
Weekly Assignments |
60 |
Participation |
10 |
|
Final Project |
25 |
|
Final Critique Presentation |
5 |
|
TOTAL |
100 |
Grading Scale
Course final grades will be determined using the following scale:
|
Letter grade |
Corresponding numerical point range |
|
A |
95-100 |
A- |
90-94 |
|
B+ |
87-89 |
|
B |
83-86 |
|
B- |
80-82 |
|
C+ |
77-79 |
|
C |
73-76 |
|
C- |
70-72 |
|
D+ |
67-69 |
|
D |
63-66 |
|
D- |
60-62 |
|
F |
59 and below |
Assignment Submission Policy
Late work will not be accepted. As the skills that you will be learning each class build on each other, it will be very difficult to be successful in the course without completing each of the homework assignments. Students should complete each assignment on time, with submission before class on the date it’s due. Check the course website for the most updated schedule and deadlines.
Should extenuating circumstances arise, please alert me to the situation and we will work together to find a solution. Additionally, extra credit opportunities will be provided and can be used to make up any points missed for late/incomplete work throughout the course of the quarter.
Grading Timeline
Grades will be updated at the middle and end of the semester.
This course follows the expectations for academic integrity as stated in the USC Student Handbook. All students are expected to submit assignments that are original work and prepared specifically for the course/section in this academic term. Students may not submit work written by others or “recycle” work prepared for other courses without obtaining written permission from the instructor(s). Students suspected of academic misconduct will be reported to the Office of Academic Integrity.
Academic dishonesty has a far-reaching impact and is considered a serious offense against the university. Violations will result in a grade penalty, such as a failing grade on the assignment or in the course, and disciplinary action from the university, such as suspension or expulsion.
For more information about academic integrity see the Student Handbook, the Office of Academic Integrity’s website, and university policies on Research and Scholarship Misconduct.
Please ask your instructor if you are unsure what constitutes unauthorized assistance on an exam or assignment or what information requires citation and/or attribution.
Course Content Distribution and Synchronous Session Recordings Policies
Recording a university class without the express permission of the instructor and announcement to the class, or unless conducted pursuant to an Office of Student Accessibility Services (OSAS) accommodation. Recording can inhibit free discussion in the future, and thus infringe on the academic freedom of other students as well as the instructor. (Living our Unifying Values: The USC Student Handbook, page 13).
Distribution or use of notes, recordings, exams, or other intellectual property, based on university classes or lectures without the express permission of the instructor for purposes other than individual or group study is prohibited. This includes but is not limited to providing materials for distribution by services publishing course materials. This restriction on unauthorized use also applies to all information, which had been distributed to students or in any way had been displayed for use in relation to the class, whether obtained in class, via email, on the internet, or via any other media. Distributing course material without the instructor’s permission will be presumed to be an intentional act to facilitate or enable academic dishonesty and is strictly prohibited. (Living our Unifying Values: The USC Student Handbook, page 13).
To ensure the course aligns with the needs and pace of the class, the schedule is subject to change.
Please refer to the “Schedule” page of the course website for the most up-to-date information, including homework and project deadlines. Detailed instructions and expectations for assignments and projects will also be provided on the course website (THIS WEBSTIE).
Course Overview (subject to change)
This course moves between hands-on making, digital modeling, and storytelling with 3D tools. We’ll start with physical experiments and Rhino fundamentals, expand into generative design and fabrication, and finish by building worlds and images in Blender. By the end of the semester, students will have a final project that combines digital and physical work into a cohesive body of design.
Refer to SCHEDULE page for most updated course schedule.
USC welcomes students with disabilities into all of the University’s educational programs. The Office of Student Accessibility Services (OSAS) is responsible for the determination of appropriate accommodations for students who encounter disability-related barriers. Once a student has completed the OSAS process (registration, initial appointment, and submitted documentation) and accommodations are determined to be reasonable and appropriate, a Letter of Accommodation (LOA) will be available to generate for each course. The LOA must be given to each course instructor by the student and followed up with a discussion. This should be done as early in the semester as possible as accommodations are not retroactive. More information can be found at osas.usc.edu. You may contact OSAS at (213) 740-0776 or via email at osasfrontdesk@usc.edu.
Student Financial Aid and Satisfactory Academic Progress:
To be eligible for certain kinds of financial aid, students are required to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) toward their degree objectives. Visit the Financial Aid Office webpage for undergraduate- and graduate-level SAP eligibility requirements and the appeals process.
Support Systems:
Counseling and Mental Health - (213) 740-9355 – 24/7 on call
Free and confidential mental health treatment for students, including short-term psychotherapy, group counseling, stress fitness workshops, and crisis intervention.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline - 988 for both calls and text messages – 24/7 on call
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States. The Lifeline consists of a national network of over 200 local crisis centers, combining custom local care and resources with national standards and best practices. The new, shorter phone number makes it easier for people to remember and access mental health crisis services (though the previous 1 (800) 273-8255 number will continue to function indefinitely) and represents a continued commitment to those in crisis.
CARE-SC: Confidential Advocacy, Resources, and Education Support Center - (213) 740-9355(WELL) – 24/7/365 on call.
Confidential advocates, prevention educators, and professional counseling teams work to promote a universal culture of consent, and prevent and respond to gender- and power-based harm. Services available to all USC students at no cost.
Office of Civil Rights Compliance - (213) 740-5086
Information about how to get help or help someone affected by harassment, discrimination, retaliation on the basis of a protected characteristic, rights of protected classes, reporting options, and additional resources for students, faculty, staff, visitors, and applicants.
USC Report & Response - (213) 740-2500
The USC Report & Response website is the university’s central reporting portal for concerns arising in the academic space or workplace. All concerns will be assessed and referred to the appropriate university office for resolution. Any questions about USC Report & Response or reporting, in general, can be referred to the Office of Professionalism and Ethics at ope@usc.edu.
The Office of Student Accessibility Services (OSAS) - (213) 740-0776
OSAS ensures equal access for students with disabilities through providing academic accommodations and auxiliary aids in accordance with federal laws and university policy.
USC Campus Support and Intervention - (213) 740-0411
Focuses on student success by assisting students in navigating and resolving complex issues through problem solving, presenting options, and connecting to resources.
USC Emergency Information
Latest updates regarding safety, including ways in which instruction will be continued if an officially declared emergency makes travel to campus infeasible.
USC Department of Public Safety
For 24 hour emergency assistance or to report a crime: UPC: (213) 740-4321, HSC: (323)-442-1000.
For 24 hour non-emergency assistance or information: UPC: (213) 740-6000, HSC: 323-442-1200.
Office of the Ombuds - (213) 821-9556 (UPC) / (323-442-0382 (HSC)
A safe and confidential place to share your USC-related issues with a University Ombuds who will work with you to explore options or paths to manage your concern.
Occupational Therapy Faculty Practice - (323) 442-2850 or otfp@med.usc.edu
Confidential Lifestyle Redesign services for USC students to support health promoting habits and routines that enhance quality of life and academic performance.