Introduction
Digital Media at the University of Houston is paving the way for new innovations in the industry. While the program is relatively new and continues to undergo changes, many see this as an opportunity for the program to grow along with the remarkably fast paced technology industry.
The program has pioneered programs that are the first of their kind while providing a comprehensive understanding of the graphic communication field. Digital Media alumni are given the knowledge to handle what is perhaps the most universal problem businesses face today: getting the right message to the right person at the right place and time. In this increasingly globalized world, Digital Media at UH is helping students to craft a good story for the people that are willing to listen.
Isn’t Digital Media just a fancy term for Graphic Design?
Digital Media is housed under the University of Houston’s College of Technology. Unlike Graphic Design (from the College of the Arts) or Media Production (from the School of Communication), Digital Media prioritizes function before form. Digital Media is wholly a program of technologists and problem solvers. It is a program about creating leaders and collaborators. Students in the program learn to create not for the sake of creation, but rather for the sake of solving communication problems. Digital Media is easily defined by the program’s coordinator, Dr. Jerry Waite: “Digital Media is the creative convergence of digital arts, science, technology, and business for human expression, communication, social interaction, and education. The program prepares college students with the necessary skills to communicate the stories that individuals and businesses want to tell to their audience. Digital Media graduates are able to pull together the talents of graphic designers, videographers, and even marketing researchers to orchestrate a targeted communication effort; all while still making something that looks good!
Okay I get it, Digital Media is the future. But why should I hire from UH?
The history of the Digital Media program is a testimony to the resilience and passion of our faculty, staff, and most especially our students. Our program is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Collegiate Graphic Communications (ACCGC). With experienced faculty, the world’s first transmedia marketing certificate, a large network of internship opportunities, and a brand new building to call home, UH Digital Media sets itself apart from other programs.
What kinds of skills can I expect from a Digital Media graduate?
Taking just one glance of the Digital Media degree plan can be dizzying. The curriculum is very extensive. However all of these pieces come together toward one main goal.
- Multimedia knowledge
Digital Media majors are given an edge over marketing and graphic design students with their specific knowledge of the industry. The graphic communications industry relies on different forms of media. Digital Media students graduate college being able to speak intelligently in different fields. These fields include print, packaging, eCommerce, and gaming among others.
- Media production process
Digital Media Students are well equipped with media production knowledge. Anyone who’s ever tried to create custom printed graphics knows that there are a whole bunch of hoops to jump through to get it right. From the resolution to the file format, working the technology is unsurprisingly technical. If you want to avoid making costly mistakes in production, hire a Digital Media major and save yourself the headache.
- Storytelling and Personal Branding
The program is structured in a way where Digital Media majors build their portfolio through to their senior year. Students develop their own logo, tone, and style. These concepts become fundamental to their ability to tell the stories of other companies. Digital Media students learn how to get to the core of the message, develop it into a story, and get that story to the people who will listen.
- Variable Data
Variable Data (also Variable Data Printing) has been around for quite some time. However the extent of its use is only just being explored and expanded. Variable Data Printing is the process of creating personalized documents that are specific to each recipient. The information on each document varies depending on certain factors. The information that changes could be anything from an event schedule to a photograph. Many businesses are looking to Variable Data to help get a customer’s attention more directly. Variable Data can produce anything from personalized discounts based on demographics to custom photographs that spell out a prospect’s name in bubble letters. Digital Media students learn how to use software like XMPie to create personalized communication pieces that create connections with potential clients.
- Transmedia
Transmedia is communication process in which a message is separated into three or more types of media. This concept helps to create an interactive communication experience that encompasses different modes of receiving messages. A transmedia campaign guides the recipient to each of the different pieces of the message, and helps to connect different people to the same story.
Conclusion
Just like the field of technology, Digital Media at the University of Houston is breaking barriers and finding new ways to tell the right story to the right people. These graduates are ready to be the leaders of graphic communication.
DIGM 3357 Group 3 