Apply today to study user experience and user interface design in Vancouver!

The IDEA School of Design has launched a new program — a 2-year diploma in Interaction Design at Capilano University. Enrollment is open now and the program starts in the Fall of 2023.

This Interaction Design diploma (IXD) at Capilano University prepares students for an innovative career in tech. This Vancouver design program exists at the intersection of design and technology. You will develop user experience (UX) research skills, visual design skills and technical skills to create and optimize digital experiences. This two-year diploma concentrates on UX & UI design (user experience and user interface design). We will explore how people interact with technology and how to make design work for everyone.

Shown above: Chainmail—Anyone's Digital Wallet by Alexandra Westcott (IDEA Grad 2022)

Information Events & Open Hours

Come and learn more about this new program and the IDEA School of Design during Explore CapU 2022!

November 19th, 11am-4pm | IXD Keynote begins at 12:30pm

Meet CapU’s IDEA School of Design faculty and students —program overview keynote presentations, student perspectives, interactive events, prizes and more. Bring your portfolio for a friendly faculty review.

Missed the event – come meet us at another IDEA School of Design event.

What is Interaction Design?

Interaction design is the design of interactive:

• digital products

• environments

• systems

• and services.

It encompasses all modern technologies that make up our digital life.

• Explore the intersection of design and technology

• Design digital interfaces: screen-based devices and possibly future non-screen-based experiences

• Make better apps, websites, social platforms, car dashboards, kiosks …

Who is this program for?

This program is for both high school graduates and mature learners who are looking for a career shift. This program is a great fit for problem solvers who have an interest in working with technology. No Experience is required!

Do you have a passion for technology, art, and design, video games, or an interest in user experience (UX), user interface (UI), or digital design? The Interaction Design diploma at CapU is a great fit for you.

Why study UX & UI at the IDEA School of Design?

Capilano University’s IDEA School of Design is known for its rigorous industry-focused approach that trains students to thrive in a dynamic workplace. Skills will be shaped by project-based, hands-on experiential learning.

Classroom instruction will be augmented by industry exposure and work integrated learning (WIL). WIL experiences such as a City Studio and co-design projects with industry, mentorship projects and faculty supported practicum work experience will allow you to apply classroom theory and skills to industry practice.

Student-led research and exploration is at the heart of our curriculum to allow the development of communication, leadership, collaboration and active listening skills.

Global consciousness, human responsibility, sustainability for our communities as well as recognizing the commitments to the rights of Indigenous people and advancing reconciliation are values that will be ingrained in the decision-making process of our graduates. This is an opportunity to promote a future generation of designers with the potential to improve our world along with meeting economic goals.

Graduates can apply for transfer into semester five of Capilano University’s Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication. You can also seek direct employment upon graduation from the diploma in roles such as user interface (UI) designer, user experience (UX) designer, interaction designer, product designer, web designer, content strategist, user researcher, information architect, interactive media designer, digital strategist and others.

Graduates of this program will be distinguished by their work-ready application of digital design. You will be able to articulate and implement current interactive design methodologies, best practices and workflows.

Graduates will utilize training based on human-centred design and design thinking principles to conceptualize, prototype and build digital products. The program’s goal is to graduate students whose creativity, flexibility, business acumen, problem-solving and interpersonal skills will gain them a competitive edge in the workplace.

Program Learning Outcomes

By completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

• Apply knowledge of current interaction design methodologies, best practices and workflows as well as an awareness of emerging technology.

• Demonstrate proficiency with industry tools and technologies used to design, prototype and build digital products.

• Use human-centred design thinking through a combination of research, empathy, problem-solving and iteration that results in intuitive solutions.

• Design engaging, inclusive and accessible visual interfaces.

• Develop interpersonal skills focused on communication, collaboration, active listening and leadership.

• Construct sustainable solutions that embody global consciousness, human responsibility, and our commitment to the rights of Indigenous peoples and furthering reconciliation.