Design elements of NEXT – including exhibition graphics, print and online collateral - were developed by Design Lab, an undergraduate course that works as an in-house design studio, offering a select group of students the unique opportunity to design and oversee production of projects for the Corcoran Gallery of Art and College of Art + Design.
"When I took on teaching this class, I felt it was particularly important for a student group to work specifically on NEXT," said Maria Habib, the Corcoran's director of design and the instructor of Design Lab. "As a true collaboration between the Gallery and College this exhibition should be designed for students, by students, specifically to showcase the wealth of talent in our College."
Students gain experience interacting with clients, managing deadlines, understanding and working within the limitations of their projects, and scheduling timelines. Elements of the design process covered in the course include writing design briefs and contracts, conceptual and design development phases, producing print-ready artwork, and fabrication coordination and supervision. The team consists of student designers in their junior year, along with a Design Lab Manager position filled by a graduate – a senior – from the previous semester.
