Digital Experimental (DX) Media Concentration
The Digital/Experimental (DX) Media concentration is an interdisciplinary academic and research program dedicated to exploring the intersections of art, science, technology and society and the experimental application of a wide range of media as art. The Digital/Experimental Media curricula emphasizes cultural production that is informed by historical, philosophical and theoretical study. Students are encouraged to draw from areas outside of traditional art domains and to question and challenge traditional notions of what constitute valid art media, contexts, and approaches.
DX Media students are prepared to become innovators in the new creative economy and can follow a diverse and rapidly expanding set of career trajectories. Some may go on to pursue Masters and PhDs with the goal of entering academic/research careers while others may find opportunities in commercial and entertainment sectors. Others still may pursue careers as practicing studio artists. Students from other disciplines who take DX Media courses broaden their knowledge base and skill set as they navigate the job market or pursue graduate education.
In addition to the fine arts, career opportunities include:
- Physical Computing and Interactive Environments
- Screen-based Hypermedia
- Museum & Exhibition Design
- Environmental and Spatial Design
- Smart Products & Spaces
- Telepresence systems
- Cyberspace and Virtual/Augmented/Mixed Reality
- Multimedia performance
- Human-Computer Interaction Research
- Corporate Event Design & Development
- Informal Science and Technology Education
- Photography and Digital Imaging
- Digital Video Editing
- Digital Animation
- Internet Connectivity, Telecommunications and Web Design
- Scientific and Data Visualization
- Prototyping and Fabrication
- Academia
Undergraduate Studies
In order to successfully navigate their careers, students must be able to respond to the rapid changes being brought about by advances in science and technology. They must learn to be critical thinkers and creative problem solvers; be able to move nimbly between countless emerging media and technologies; and be prepared to work in a collaborative and interdisciplinary manner. Students must mix these "meta-skills" with practical software skills and digital aesthetics. The DX Media program reflects these concerns by combining experimental and research based approaches with foundational training in the use of current new media tools and production flows.
Media and technologies explored in the DX Media area include, but are not limited to digital video, web, 3d prototyping, animation, virtual/augmented reality, sound, interactive programming, electronics/physical computing, information visualization, artificial intelligence, ecological and biological media, networks and telecommunications.
Technology Requirement
- Mac or PC Laptop
- Processor: Minimum 2.6 GHz i5
- Ram: Minimum 16GB ram
Graduate Studies
The MFA program encourages exploration through an interdisciplinary lens when creating digital and experimental works, which allows students to explore the blurred lines between art, science, culture, and history. Areas of focus in the program include, but are not limited to mapping, imaging, information visualization, networks and telecommunications, ecological and biological practice, social and community practice, electronics and physical computing, interactivity, systems art and sound art. As part of Kansas State University's 2025 initiative, the goal of our emerging program is to be a renowned center for creativity, research and practice in innovative experimental art and technology. The DX Media Lab, the program's research unit, is currently in the developmental stages of research initiatives with other academic units across the university, which will provide opportunities for students to participate in transdisciplinary collaborations, publish scholarly texts, develop curatorial projects, receive funding and exhibit their work to a national and international audience. The DX Media Lab will serve as a platform for graduate students to emerge as writers, scholars and curators, as well as conceptually and technically adept artists.
The DX Media program offers a variety of programming involving exhibitions, symposia and visiting artists, which compliment the MFA program. We are the hosts of the first "prairie LASER", K-State's chapter of the Leonardo Art Science Evening Rendezvous. DX Media graduate students will be important participants in the development and administration of the K-State LASER program.
A final, solo MFA exhibition culminates the program, providing the opportunity to present a strong and cohesive body of personal work.
Qualified students may be eligible for a Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA), which provide financial support as well as valuable experience for future employment.
Facilities & Equipment
The DX Media studio consists of a 1600+ sq. ft. space on the 2nd floor of Willard Hall that includes an installed cyclorama, green screen, 3D Printers and a PC computer lab. Other resources include:
- Oculus Rift Virtual Reality Kit
- Microsoft Kinect Sensor
- Arduino Microcontrollers
- Analog and digital sensors and breakouts (e.g. photocells, accelerometers, environmental sensors)
- Electronic components (resistors, capacitors, ICs, etc.)
- Lighting (e.g. LEDs, IR LEDs, photodiodes, and phototransistors)
- Electro-mechanical (e.g. servos, fans, muscle wire...)
- General electronics prototyping equipment (e.g. pcbs, multimeters, soldering equipment) GPS, Wi-Fi and other wireless prototyping devices
- Max/MSP/Jitter software
- Adobe Creative Suite Software
- Various free/open source creative coding software (Processing, Open Frameworks, etc.)
- Digital SLR Video/Photo Kits
- Studio Lighting Kits
- DJI Phantom Quadcopter Drone GoPro Video Kit
- Pocket Dolly System Audio/Visual kits Projectors Flat Screens
- CNC Router
- Laser Cutter