Course Descriptions

This course introduces design as a practice that addresses cultural and social issues by informing, persuading, and enlightening. Students are introduced to the basic visual components that create form and meaning, a variety of methods of visual organization, and appropriate use of colour in communication design. The course also examines the roles of research and theory in design, and how design methodology is based in problem-solving and iteration.

This course focuses on idea generation and big picture thinking, and the themes of “design for good” and “sustainable design”. Students work collaboratively with other areas of the University and/or the community to solve problems using creative thinking techniques. Ways in which audiences interact with information are identified and related to visual communication problem solving.

Students work on developing personal branding and self-promotional materials, and will be paired with industry mentors to undertake comprehensive design, illustration, or interactive projects. The emphasis will be on creating exceptional work with distinctive concepts.

This course examines how design thinking is used to identify new solutions to diverse problems. Using a case study approach, students explore ways that design thinking has been successfully used around the world, and how cultural differences can influence design. The emerging field of design research is explored, including the value of evidence-based design; how ethnographic research can uncover audience values; and how these values can be integrated into the language of design.

This course provides students with the opportunity to engage in professional development through the completion of major self-directed capstone projects. Students will demonstrate professional knowledge by using design thinking and research skills, advanced creative and conceptual abilities, and technical and traditional tools to an industry standard. Students are mentored by industry and supported in a team-taught environment.

This course provides students with the opportunity to engage in professional development through the completion of major self-directed capstone projects. Students will demonstrate professional knowledge by using design thinking and research skills, advanced creative and conceptual abilities, and technical and traditional tools to an industry standard. Students are mentored by illustration professionals and supported in a team-taught environment.

This course provides students with the opportunity to engage in professional development through the completion of major self-directed capstone projects. Students will demonstrate professional knowledge by using design thinking and research skills, advanced creative and conceptual abilities, and technical and traditional tools to an industry standard. Students are mentored by branding professionals and supported in a team-taught environment.

This course provides students with the opportunity to engage in professional development through the completion of major self-directed capstone projects. Students will demonstrate professional knowledge by using design thinking and research skills, advanced creative and conceptual abilities, and technical and traditional tools to an industry standard. Students are mentored by interactive design professionals and supported in a team-taught environment.

This intensive course provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate a culmination of four years of knowledge, skills, and professional development. It includes two capstone projects: building a professional portfolio and presenting and participating in a graduation exhibition. Workshops in event management, campaign integration, studio photography, presentation skills, and exhibit design support the course.

This course introduces visual communicators to the freelance environment. It covers essential knowledge about professional practice in the visual communication field including ethics, studio management, billing, record keeping, business networking, client maintenance, and marketing for self-promotion. Students create necessary business documents and produce self-promotion collateral.