Syllabus

ART 494/540 VizProto (Visualization and Prototyping) Syllabus

Instructor: Dan Collins, MFA, PhD
Arizona State University / School of Art
Fall Semester 2025
Course numbers: ART 494 #84826 & ART 540 #85770
Class meetings: no required meetings
Location: iCourse
Credits: 3 hours
Office: TBD
Office Hours: by appt. and TBD
e-mail addresses: dan.collins@asu.edu
Class website: https://sites.google.com/view/vizproto/home
Shared Google Drive:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1A4Qflbo2cBBNTb4eb8tvNJDpNEOuSfM1?usp=drive_link
Session C: Thursday, 8/21/2025 – Friday, 12/5/2025 (Final Exams 12/8/2025 - 12/13/2025)

Description

This studio / seminar will explore advanced concepts of computer visualization, modeling, and rapid prototyping in an interdisciplinary manner. They will model and prototype objects of their own design using 3D computer modeling techniques and 3D printing. Theoretical and historical lecture/discussion will be supplemented with visiting artists/engineers/scholars and field trips.

Prerequisites

Prior computer experience is required. 3D modeling experience is recommended. While not required, the 200 level “3D Tools” class (ART 218) is recommended.

Required Equipment & Certification

Computer (recommended): Students are encouraged to use their own laptop--PC or Apple.
Software (see Module 1 for more detail):
a. Tinkercad. Introductory 3D CAD software from Autodesk. Runs in browser.
b. Fusion360. Download the latest free educational version of Fusion360 from Autodesk. https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/students-teachers-educators
c. Blender. Free open source 3D modeling environment. Great alternative to Maya and Z-Brush. Download the latest version here: https://www.blender.org/download/
d. Other softwares will be introduced to support student-driven research as needed.
External hard-drive: 1 terabyte recommended
Current ASU SunCard (for swipe access to Library Facilities and Equipment Checkout)
Safety video, quiz & COVID updates. https://canvas.asu.edu/courses/30377

Objectives of the course

survey of techniques for data acquisition, computer visualization/modeling, and digital prototyping/fabrication;
exploration of the history and theory of visualization, modeling, and prototyping to provide a context--and possible alternative--to current practice;
experience working as part of a collaborative team comprised of artists/scientists;
engagement with current research in the Industry (both in the arts and sciences) employing data acquisition techniques of various kinds, visualization, 3D modeling and/or rapid prototyping. Prep for possible career opportunities.

Learning Outcomes. (Students will…)

--gain practical hands-on experience with the tools for 3D data capture, modeling, and prototyping.

--produce original research based on required and related lectures and lab experiences

--gain confidence in discussing the key issues concerning "visualization and prototyping" in ways that are both articulate and persuasive.

--develop a set of research methodologies and approaches to the design process and prototyping that will serve in other areas of research.

Grading

You are expected to maintain a personal set of web pages--part of the larger class Google Site that we have set up--that provides overall documentation of your work for the class.

Grades will be based on a combination of factors: success in working as part of an interdisciplinary team; quality/quantity of objects produced; demonstration of competence with "benchmark" technical projects; participation in class discussion; completeness and clarity of personal class web pages; your two “Big Projects”...(one collaborative; one personal)

Here’s a breakdown of the grading structure (with 100 points possible):

IDea Collage (5 pts).
3D Software Tutorials (10 pts).
3D Digital Self Portrait Using 3D Capture Technology (4 pts).
Laser cut luggage tag (0 pts).
Benchmark 1: Laser Cutting (4 pts)
Benchmark 2: 3D data capture (4 pts)
Benchmark 3: Exploration of NEW 3D modeling application (4 pts)
Benchmark 4: 3D printing (4 pts)
2 Projects (20 pts each = 40 pts)
Personal Web Page (10 pts)
Discussion / Attendance / Participation (15 pts).

Topics (tentative)

Critical / theoretical / historical issues from the arts /design /engineering fields will be introduced. Examples of interdisciplinary issues of relevance to both artists and scientists: the problem of the copy versus the original; scanned information derived from real-world objects vs. synthetically generated objects; fine art objectives with engineering tools--engineering objectives with "fine art" attitudes; reverse engineering; static vs. dynamic 3D modeling; morphing of conventional material for various purposes such as exploration of vantage point; form/fit analysis; critique of current industrial design objects; generative forms using Rhino/Grasshopper and AI; architectural and landscape prototypes with CNC milling; RP to hi-tech molding and foundry techniques; practical topics related to engineering/computer science; animation / motion-capture; bio-medical applications. Current projects from the PRISM lab will be shared.

Course Requirements

Without exception, all assignments are due at the beginning of class on the due date specified on the class calendar. Each due date is listed in the calendar and will be also included on the digital assignment sheets linked therein. If your assignment is unfinished, you are still expected to present what you have to the class. All students are expected to participate in online discussions.

Each student will have a class Google Web Page set-up by the Instructor within the structure of the class site. All projects should be linked to this personal web page. The main class site can be found here: https://sites.google.com/view/vizproto/home

Class Fees

None. However, there may be expenses related to the production of work using the Hayden MakerSpace or other facilities needed to realize physical objects with 3D printing or other processes.

Attendance Policy

The instructor will maintain participation via the Canvas system. Every effort will be made to accommodate extenuating circumstances. Discussion / Attendance / Participation constitutes 15% of your overall grade.

Students required to miss classes due to university sanctioned activities will not be counted absent. However, absence from class or examinations due to university-sanctioned activities does not relieve students from responsibility for any part of the course work required during the period of the absence. Students should inform the instructor early in the semester of upcoming absences. Reasonable accommodation to make up missed exams or other required assignments will be made. Consult the instructor BEFORE the absence to arrange for this accommodation. When contacting your instructor please address your emails with the course and specific subject matter in the subject line of the email--for example: “Hand-held Artec Scanner not recognized.” Emails that do not contain the subject heading can easily get lost in our bulk mail. I will attempt to answer emails as soon asreceived, but do allow at least a day.

Lab Use and equipment access for the class

The recommended lab for completing 3D printing and other physical output is the Makerspace Lab on the 3rd floor of Hayden Library. However, any facility you can access is acceptable. Some of you may own your own equipment, which is also an option.

Reserving Machines or Time in the MakerSpace Lab

Go to this link: https://lib.asu.edu/makerspace. For the most part, the use of machines in the lab is on a first-come-first-served basis. We have a relatively small group, so coordinating machine use should not be an issue. However, if you need to utilize a machine for an extended period of time--say a 3D print taking 24 hours--do plan ahead for availability of machines. See the Libary Makerspace link above for available equipment and open lab times.

Media Storage and Wiki Pages

You are responsible for the storage and back-up of your own files/projects. While there is temporary work space available in the shared folder on each machine, this space is cleared regularly. Do not attempt to use the shared folder as a permanent storage solution. You will need your own storage media device (see next section). Do not keep your projects on the desktop or else they will be deleted automatically. You will be creating your own set of pages within the official Vizproto website--and there should be plenty of room

(https://sites.google.com/view/vizproto/home). You will need to have a Google account to access the “edit” functions of the Google website. Be sure that Professor Collins has your correct email address as this will be used to invite you to the Google Site.

Materials, Equipment, and Media Storage Devices

Materials for each assignment will vary. There will be times when you are expected to purchase materials (e.g, birch ply for laser cutting or thermoplastic filament for larger 3D printing jobs). There is also some essential equipment that you must own or have immediate access to:

A PC compatible external hard drive (1 TB) is highly recommended. At the very least you must have a flash/thumb drive for saving your work on a daily basis. Be warned, armed with only a thumb drive you will have a very hard time saving all of your projects. It is highly recommended anyone considering continuing with digital art purchase a larger 500+gig - 1 TB external hard drive. When you're buying, try to get one with USB 3.0 or Thunderbolt compatibility in addition to plain vanilla USB2.0 ports. Format it as "exFAT" for compatibility with both Mac and PC. A valid and current Sun Card for access to Library facilities is mandatory. An ASU e-mail account and regular access to he Canvas class evaluation system.

Graphics and 3D prototyping materials can get expensive. You should set aside a $50 - $100 for your supplies for your final Personal and Group projects. While we can underwrite smaller scaled projects, if you are wanting to work large or in alternative methods like fiberglass or foundry, you will have to come up with a way to pay for these processes.

Disabilities: Rights and Responsibilities of Students

If a student desires accommodation for a disability, he or she must be registered with SAILS (formerly Disability Resource Center - DRC) and submit the appropriate documentation from the DRC to the instructor. To request academic accommodations due to a disability, please contact SAILS – Phone: (480) 965-1234. This should be done in a timely manner because accommodations cannot be made retroactively.

Student Code of Conduct and Student Disciplinary Procedures

The ABOR Student Code of Conduct is designed to promote and protect an environment that encourages reasoned discourse, intellectual honesty, openness to constructive change and respect for the rights of all individuals. In keeping with this mission, the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities staff seeks to balance the rights and needs of the individual with responsibility of the individual to meet the needs of the community. In addition, it reviews allegations of student misconduct, determines whether a violation has occurred and if applicable, imposes appropriate sanctions. Students are expected to adhere to the ABOR Student Code of Conduct. Self-discipline and a respect for the rights of others in the classroom or studio and university community are necessary for a conducive learning and teaching environment. Threatening or violent behavior will result in the administrative withdrawal of the student from the class. Disruptive behavior may result in the removal of the student from the class. See Student Rights and Responsibilities: http://students.asu.edu/srr/code

ASU’s Academic Integrity Policy

The highest standard of academic integrity is expected of all students. The failure of any student to meet these standards may result in suspension or expulsion from the university and/or other sanctions as specified in the academic integrity policies of the individual colleges. Violations of academic integrity include, but are not limited to, cheating, fabrication, tampering, plagiarism, or facilitating such activities. The university and college academic integrity policies are available online at http://provost.asu.edu/academicintegrity

All use of non-original materials is discouraged. However, if non-original material is used, you are responsible for the proper citation and legal usage of the resource. Violations are punishable by assignment failure, class failure (E), or failure due to academic dishonesty (XE) depending on the severity of the infraction. Your instructor will sanction any incidents of academic dishonesty in the course using University and HIDA guidelines. Should you have any question about whether or not something falls subject to this clause, feel free to contact your instructor or review the university policy on academic integrity at the above link.

Classroom Code of Conduct

You are expected to behave in a responsible manner that allows everyone in the class access to resources and learning. Behavior that disrupts learning will not be tolerated. If your actions are disrespectful to the Instructor or to other students, you will be asked to logout and counted absent.

The Computer, Internet and Electronic Communications Policy http://www.asu.edu/aad/manuals/acd/acd125.html

Potentially Offensive or Dangerous Course Material

Some course content may be deemed offensive. Reasonable advance warning will be made of potentially offensive material by the instructor. If such material would violate the sensibilities of the student, it is the individual’s responsibility to remove him/herself/theirself during those Unites in which potentially offensive content is shared. Generally, there will be nothing that exceeds the standards of any PG13 movie. One important point: no weapons of any kind can be built in the ASU Makerspace.

Intellectual Property Rights

The course content, including lectures and other handouts, is copyrighted material. Students may not record lectures or sell notes taken during the course.

Disclaimer

The information in this syllabus, other than grade and absence policies, may be subject to change with reasonable advance notice.

Calendar (tentative)

While the course follows a logical sequence, the order of activities will be determined in part by events, the character of in-class discussion, and the availability of guest speakers / lab access. We reserve the right to change the activities outlined below to respond to unforeseen circumstances.

Spring 2024 Class Calendar

Session C: Monday, 1/8/2023 – Friday, 4/26/2023 (Final Exams 4/29 - 5/4, 2024)

First day of classes - University wide

Aug. 21 (Thursday)

Overview of Class. Website access and IDea Collage--personal web-based self-portrait. MakerSpace lab overview. Group Project Brainstorm. Safety video and Quiz (required).

Body scanning. Body Scanning (self portraits) with Kinect DIY machine. Tinkercad intro.

Aug. 21 - 31

Last Day to Drop the class

Sept. 3

LABWORK

ONLINE LECTURE / READING / DISCUSSION

Sept. 1 - 7

LABWORK