RM 3243 Visual Merchandising (3 credits)

Spring 2020 (Wednesday 12:50 – 3:35pm @McNeal Hall 305)

Prereq: RM 2215, [DHA major or minor or instr consent] COURSE DESCRIPTION

Students will use Mockshop, a virtual 3D store modeling software package, to conceptualize and design store interior, layout, fixtures, lighting, signs, merchandising planograms based on an understanding of visual merchandising concepts, theories, planning, strategies, techniques, store image, and target market. COURSE OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:

Understand visual merchandising concepts, theories, processes, and techniques in various retail environments and can locate and critically evaluate information.

Define and solve visual merchandising problems by designing successful window displays and visual presentations for business partners with an understanding of the store/business image and target market.

Fluently integrate visual merchandising thinking and practice in Mockshop and effectively communicate across disciplines using both verbal and computerized 3D visual vocabulary.

Develop virtual retail stores that project store image, merchandise, target market, and promotional theme, using Mockshop.

TEXTS Pegler, Martin (2018). Visual Merchandising and Display (7th edition), New York, NY: Fairchild. (Required) Bell, J. & Ternus, K. (2017). Silent Selling (5th edition), New York, NY: Fairchild. (Recommended) COURSE FORMAT

A combination of presentations, discussions, software practice, and group activities. STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Can identify, define, and solve problems related to the two course projects: WAM gift shop and Guthrie store window display and Target open innovation competition. Students’ storyboards of conceptual design and final implementation of the window display for the winning team will be evaluated by both the instructor and our retailer partners.

Instructor: Dr. Juanjuan Wu TA: Ahmad Sina: Office: 368c McN. sinax006@umn.edu Office Hours: W 11:50am - 12:50pm Phone: (612) 626-1254 Email: jjwu@umn.edu

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2. Can communicate effectively. Students’ communication of their understanding of the course materials, conceptual design of the window display and Target mockshop will be accessed in the forms of class discussions, storyboards and oral presentations.

CLASS EXPECTATIONS/POLICIES

IN-CLASS RESPONSIBILITIES 1. You are expected to come to the class on time and to stay the whole class. Be prepared

to discuss the subject matter and get involved in class activities. 2. Coming late, leaving early, missing classes, or other disruptive behaviors (e.g., talking in

the class, using electronic devices for purposes other than class activities) will influence the instructor’s evaluation on your course performance.

3. You are responsible for any missed class work and information, including any changes to the syllabus or assignments announced in classes. The lecture/discussion will not be repeated for any individual who was absent from class.

WEEKLY RESPONSIBILITIES 1. You are expected to finish assigned readings and assignments prior to class and to

contribute to class discussion in an effective way. Part of your learning experience is based on class interaction, which in turn influences your final grade.

2. According to the University policy, for a 3 credits course, your workload is 9 hours per week on average. This means that more than 9 hours of work is needed in order to achieve a better grade than C.

ASSIGNMENTS 1. You are expected to submit assignments on time. Exceptions may include illness, family

emergency, religious observance, or participation in university recognized intercollegiate athletics. Proofs of incidences must be official documents. No personal letters will be accepted.

2. If you have such a conflict, you must notify me in advance or as soon as possible to make arrangements to make up the work and there will be no grade penalty. If you have not made arranges with me to submit a late assignment, your assignment will be graded one letter grade lower each week past the due date.

3. Email submission is not acceptable unless directed by the instructor. Submitted work will be returned typically within 7-10 days. Work submitted within one week late will be graded one letter grade lower, more than one week late will be graded two letter grades lower, and more than two weeks late will be graded three letter grades lower. Work submitted more than three weeks late may receive partial credit if quality is acceptable.

4. Written work must be Word-processed and submitted using a format provided by your instructor.

5. Do not wait until the last minute to make an online submission. Any computer-related problems will not be excused.

ONLINE QUIZZES AND IN-CLASS ACTIVITIES

1. You will have online quizzes on the reading material assigned. Once you start a quiz you typically have 20-30 minutes to complete it.

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2. In-class activities and quizzes are generally unannounced and will take place during class time. There is NO MAKE UP option for in-class activities. You can drop your lowest score from your grade for the in-class activities. Make Up Course Work Policy

GROUP PROJECTS 1. There is no makeup option for the group project presentations. Students who miss group

activities or assignments that are graded may receive partial or no credit. 2. Group project is only effective when all group members equally and actively contribute. 3. Peer evaluation of contribution will be implemented, and the results will be reflected on

the grade of the group projects. Therefore, members of the same group can receive different final grades on group projects depending on how you contribute to the projects.

GENERAL POLICIES 1. The official communication method in this class is email. It is your responsibility to make

sure that you check and clean your x.500 email account. It is strongly suggested that you check your University email on a daily basis.

2. ACADEMIC DISHONESTY IS A VERY SERIOUS ISSUE and will be reported to the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity (OSCAI) accordingly once it happens in class. Please be careful of copying others’ work, plagiarism issues, and any other academic misconduct.

3. RELEASE OF WORK STATEMENT: Students understand that enrollment in this course grants consent for their work to be selected for inclusion in college or departmental publications (online or in print). Your instructor may select to use your work to represent her/his skills as an instructor in a teaching portfolio (online or in print).

TIPS FOR SUCCESS IN THIS CLASS 1. Please be prepared and participate in class activities. 2. Be mindful of course deadlines. 3. Keep in mind how grading is structured. 4. Read the syllabus carefully and understand the course expectations. 5. Be a nice and professional member for your group.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND EVALUATION CRITERIA

REQUIREMENTS Pts % Note

WAM Window Display Project 100 15% * Grades reflect your effort and performance. * Total points might change depending on the number of in-class activities given in a semester * Extra credit opportunities might be provided.

VR Store Design Project 150 23%

Assignments 100 15%

Comprehensive Mid-Term Exam

150 23%

In-class activit ies & online quizzes

150 23%

Total 650 100%

At the end of the semester, points for each requirement will be added together and a letter grade will be determined based on the grading scale below.

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GRADING SCALE UMN DESCRIPTION OF LETTER GRADE

Letter Percentage

A 93% Represents achievement that is outstanding relative to the level necessary to meet course requirements A- 90%

B+ 87% Represents achievement that is significantly above the level necessary to meet the course requirements B 83%

B- 80%

C+ 77% Represents achievement that meets the course requirements in every respect; Satisfactory C 73%

C- 70%

D+ 67% Represents achievement that is worthy of credit even though it fails to meet fully the course requirements D 60%

F Below 60% Represents that coursework was completed but at an achievement level unworthy of credit

University Grading and Transcript policy

University Policies

Personal Electronic Devices in Classroom: Using Electronic Devices in Class

Use of Class Notes and Materials: Using Class Notes

Scholastic Dishonesty and Student Conduct Code: Student Responsibility and Scholastic Dishonesty

Sexual Harassment: Sexual Harassment Policy

Statement on Climate of Inclusivity: You are expected to be attentive during class, ask questions if you do not understand something, and to offer your opinion. You are also expected to listen respectfully to other students and to me when speaking. The University of Minnesota is committed to providing a safe climate for all students, faculty, and staff. All persons shall have equal access to its programs and facilities without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, or sexual orientation. Racism, sexism, homophobia, classism, ageism and other forms of bigotry are inappropriate to express in this class. Reports of harassment are taken seriously, and there are individuals and offices available for help.

or download the policy at Equity and Diversity

Academic Freedom and Responsibility: download the policy at Academic Freedom

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Availability of Disability and Mental Health Services:

The University of Minnesota is committed to providing equitable access to learning opportunities for all students. The Disability Resource Center is the campus office that collaborates with students who have disabilities to provide and/or arrange reasonable accommodations.

If you have, or think you may have, a disability (e.g., mental health, attentional, learning, chronic health, sensory, or physical), please contact the DRC at 612-626-1333 to arrange a confidential discussion regarding equitable access and reasonable accommodations.

For additional information please visit: https://diversity.umn.edu/disability/

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce your ability to participate in daily activities. University of Minnesota services are available to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus via www.mentalhealth.umn.edu or contact Counseling/Consulting Services at 612-624-3323.

Plagiarism: As defined by The Office of Community Standards, plagiarism shall mean representing the words, creative work, or ideas of another person as one’s own without providing proper documentation of source.

Plagiarism is a serious offense in academia and is not tolerated by the College of Design. It is the responsibility of students to understand the standards and methods of proper attribution and to clarify with each instructor the standards, expectations, and reference techniques appropriate to the subject area and class requirements, including group work and internet use.

The College of Design holds students accountable to the standards set forth in the Student Conduct Code regarding plagiarism. Students are encouraged to seek out information about reference methods from instructors and other resources and to apply this to all submissions of academic work.

The above information was adapted from the University of Minnesota Office of Community Standards.

Academic Services: If you would like additional help, please contact one of the offices listed below: Student Writing Support

http://writing.umn.edu/sws/index.html

Student Academic Success Service http://www.uccs.umn.edu/

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Tentative Class Schedule (topics to be addressed, readings, and assignments)

This course outline is tentative and may be revised.

Week 1 Topics and Readings Assignments

1/22 Intro/Syllabus/Introduce the Window Display Project

Lecture 1: Visual merchandising and display basics (Ch1,2,3,5,9, 11)

Start to build your team

Week 2

1/29 WAM Tour meet outside of WAM gift shop at 1pm

Week 3

2/5 Lecture 2: Window display strategies, mannequins and alternatives

(Ch7,10, 12, 13)

#1 Individual ideation

#2 Group ideation

Team 1&2 presentation

Week 4

2/12 Lecture 3: Fixtures, props, & in-store merchandising (Ch14, 15, 16, 17)

WAM consultation with the store manager

Team 3&4 presentation

Week 5

2/19

Lecture 4: Lighting, POP displays and signage (Ch 4, 18, 21)

WAM project 5-minute presentation

#3 Pick a focus

Team 5&6 presentation

Week 6

2/26 Lecture 5: Store interior, layout & exterior (Ch 6, 8)

WAM consultation with the instructor (bring prototype!!!)

Team 7&8 presentation

Week 7

3/4 Mid-term Exam

Week 8

3/11

SPRING BREAK

Week 9

3/18 WAM project final Presentation

* Team and peer member evaluations

Winning Team

Implementation (TBD)

Week 10

3/25 Introduce the VR Store Design Project

vrStore: Creating a room, carpet,

#4 Store case study

Week 11

4/1

vrRange: Selections/option

input/processing

Winning Team Implem

entation (TBD)

Week 12

4/8

vrStore: Merchandising the space, fixtures, & lighting #5 Online store case stu

dy

Week 13

4/15 vrStore: Merchandising the space, posters

Week 14

4/22 vrStore: Planograms & store views

Week 15

4/29 Consultation with the instructor

#6 Progress Report

Final

Presenta

tion

10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 12

(Co-design final presentation, focus group discussions, and peer evaluations)