Behnoush McKay is a Professor and Chair of the department of Graphic Design at Woodbury University. She joined Woodbury University in 1997 as an adjunct faculty and moved to a full-time position in 2006. She received her BFA in Graphics and Packaging Design from Art Center College of Design, and her MFA in Visual Communication from California State University Northridge. For 20 years, Behnoush was a principal in McKay Consulting Group, Inc. With a solid background in Art, Design, and Visual Communication, she designed and provided art direction on projects involving packaging, multimedia, print, and product design.

She has presented papers and lectured at both international and national design and educational conferences, on topics including, future of graphic design, design education – problem-solving, social responsibility in design, and educational assessment.

As an instructor, Behnoush’s goal is to assist students in developing analytical views in design and theory through research and its application in order to translate complex materials into clear and cohesive messages. Through the process of visualization of information, both designers and end-users gain a better understanding of a given subject. If the goal of a designed object is to perform, engage, or elicit human response within a context, then the conditions should be set for meaningful interaction and experience. Designers must be concerned with all the cognitive and physical behaviors that are enhanced or diminished by users, as well as the way the system shapes and reflects the culture of which it is a part.

Education

California State University, Northridge California June 2007
Graduate School, Master of Fine Arts in Visual Communication, with Distinction

Art Center College of Design, Pasadena, California August 1991
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Graphics/Packaging, with Honors