Design Management is the art of bridging the disciplines of management, design, and production. An essential component to successful business strategies, design management creates the conditions in which successful new ventures may be conceived, designed, produced, and consumed. The Design Management program at The Art Institute of Colorado is designed to prepare students to manage creative projects and teams, and utilize the analytical skills necessary to identify opportunities for innovation. Operating on a business level, Design Management serves as a powerful strategic tool to differentiate a company through innovative and creative products, services, and brands.

Design Management requires a depth of conceptual skills including:
? Identifying, analyzing, and solving design problems and implementing design concepts
? Demonstrating competency in design business strategy from concept to completion
? Working knowledge of business practices, including accounting, marketing, public relations, and promotion
? Critical thinking regarding current trends and business practices
? Application of professional, leadership, and team standards related to industry

Students have the opportunity to begin by establishing a vision and conceptualizing ideas that can be put into practice within an organization. They can become proficient in project management and brand strategy to help create new business, develop new products, and fuel investment.

In today?s highly competitive marketplace, Design Management blends strategy, communication, marketing, technology, and design to support various industries as they grow and succeed. Students are introduced to the fundamentals of design and design applications. Before students can delve deeply into business practices, they have the opportunity to build a strong foundation of design knowledge and proficiency.

Students are introduced to the fundamentals of business and management, and are expected to apply these practices to design and its application. Business behavior, standards, and practices are the primary focus as students work to integrate strategy and creativity.

Students can continue to hone their business skills and incorporate brand strategy and global perspectives. Students have the opportunity to gain industry-related experience by participating in required externships and compiling complete projects to be presented in a portfolio.