Whenever I go to the VCU Brandcenter's recruiter session, I get so inspired when I talk to the Creative Technologists. They make some crazy-cool stuff. Tangible, with real-world applications. To be honest, the thought has crossed my mind... "Dang, I should go back to school and learn to do what these cats are learning."
So it's exciting to hear the news that the CT track is evolving. It will now be called Experience Design. The curriculum concentrates on the conception, design, prototyping and building of brand experiences - pushing the envelope on what is technologically possible.
From the Brandcenter:
"We are experience designers. We dream things. We make things. We break things. And then, we do it again. We don't define ourselves by the things that we make. We do define ourselves by how those things make others think and feel and act. That is why, on any given day you might find us making any number of things: ads, interfaces, apps, wearables, robots, flying machines, ... whatever it takes."
Last year's students were in high demand. They will continue to be so as agencies and brands see their increased value. Students interned and were hired by companies like Coca-Cola, The Barbarian Group, BBH, The Martin Agency, AKQA, Deutsch LA, and R/GA, to name a few.
The track is run by Andrew Levasseur. Here's what he has to say about it.
If you're interested, here's some more info. This is without a doubt where the industry is headed. It's not surprising to see the school one step ahead.