IDEA School of Design at Capilano University welcomes the Interaction Design (IXD) diploma program class of 2025 at CapU Lonsdale! Find out why they chose our Interaction Design diploma program and get to know their personalities through their favourite music.

Nolan Boyd

In short, I joined the IDEA School of Design’s IXD program in order to supplement my previous BFA degree from UBC. I felt like I had gained a lot of artistic skills and I wanted to join a program where I could better utilize my creativity through elements of design and technology.

This is one of my current favourite songs. I’ve loved Milky Chance for a while, and got to go to their concert recently. This one is one of the best ones they performed. I also love the cover art.

Mira Sun

I used to be a graphic designer, and I got my Bachelor’s Degree in Art & Design in China. I have worked in China for many years, producing many graphic design works. In China, the concept of interactive media design is different than in Canada, and the culture is completely different. I also learned to use the same software. I want to integrate into Canada. The purpose of my choice of this major is very simple, it also belongs to my favorite design field, and I can continue to improve on the basis of my original graphic design so that I have full working ability in Canada.

This is my favourite music from China. The name of this song is “Courage,” although it is a popular song, it has different meanings for me, not only for love but for every decision I make in the future, everything, I need courage, including good and bad results, I need courage.

Fiona Whyte

I chose the IXD program because I want to have a career in design, and the program looks like a great way to develop the skills and confidence needed for this career path, which is what I am hoping to get out of this program. I also like how Capilano University cares for its students. One of my favourite songs of all time is “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles. It never fails to brighten up my day.

Anisa Dzhumasheva

Being in the graphic design field for over 4 years (after graduation) I have found out over time what I am lacking in. One of the main reasons why I chose IXD program is because I want to better understand users and customers in order to solve their problems, advance my skills in UX/UI design and be an asset to my team and the company.

Another reason is I want to realize my personal social project for single moms. I believe that UX and UI designs improve lives and I want to make the lives of single moms easier and give them the feeling of hope to start their new life.

I always strive to make one's life and experience easier and better, whether it's in design or interacting with products. Therefore, I believe that the Interaction Design Diploma will fill the gap in my career and will broaden my knowledge and skills.

Regarding the songs, it was hard to choose between these two songs. I really like City and Color band and their song “Underground.”

Another song I really like lately is by Vancouver-based band, Sugarfungus. It was performed at the “CapU BBQ and Street Party” and since then I have listened to this song, called “Synergy” almost every day.

Sarah Gee

I transferred to the Interaction Design diploma from the Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication because I wanted to major in UX/UI design from the offset, and I really like the courses implemented in the new IXD diploma program. I love that we have the option to do the diploma and apply to join the Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication in 3rd year to get the full bachelor’s as well. The flexibility is nice.

My favourite song at the moment is Charlotte Cardin - Meaningless.

Victor Soares

I chose this program because of the subjects it’s gonna teach. Also, the teachers seem well informed about the new tendencies the job market is in search of.

I hope that by the end of the diploma program, I’ll be ready to pursue a career as a Product Designer in Canada or anywhere else in the world.

Favourite song: That’s What You Get by Paramore.

Belinda To

Hi, my name is Belinda and I am 18 years old! The reason why I chose the IXD program is because I’m interested in working in tech all while incorporating arts! I am hoping to master these design programs so that I can be comfortable if I were to be asked to use them. My favourite song is “love.” by wave to earth.

Michael Khor

I decided to choose the IDEA School of Design’s IXD diploma program to pursue an education in anything related to design. I had developed a passion for digital arts and web development but have very minimal to no experience in this area of study. I am very excited to learn from instructors with many years of experience in this field and I’m hoping to gain some important skills in this area of study for my future career.

RUN by Yumi is also one of my favorite songs currently.

Lake Cam

As somebody who has worked in the UX industry and who is adamantly passionate about designing technology that is both intuitive and trustworthy, I chose the Interaction Design diploma program at Capilano University after doing a rather intense amount of research on all the interaction design programs across the country. What stuck out to me about the IDEA School of Design was that the coursework implemented industry-relevant topics such as design systems and designing using a CSS box model mindset, which I feel was lacking in other programs. Having worked professionally as a UX Designer before, it was clear to me that IDEA School of Design’s program was incredibly career-focused.

My favourite song right now has to be ‘Tattoo’ by Loreen which represented Sweden in the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest and was ultimately the winner of the contest. What really sealed the deal for why I love this so much was her iconic performance of the song that cemented her much-deserved second win in the competition.

Kelly Chiang

The reason I chose this major initially stemmed from my work-related exposure to web backend management. At the time, I was working as a graphic designer. However, serendipitously, I developed a profound interest in understanding how websites are constructed. This led me to embark on self-study in Figma and programming languages during my free time. Nevertheless, due to the limitations of my environment, I felt compelled to break out of my comfort zone and explore this field further, beyond just graphic design.

Beyond my interest, what’s even more significant is my passion for embracing new challenges and finding solutions. This drive led me to believe that I could venture into this domain, leveraging my skills to assist more people. I see it as the fundamental purpose and motivation of being a designer - to make a positive impact by continuously learning and innovating.

My favorite music video is “Caravan Palace - Lone Digger.” Besides its rhythmic visuals, what makes it truly special is how it cleverly alludes to different social strata using the characteristics of various animals. It employs a simple color palette to depict light and shadow, and it balances between being gruesome and flirtatious with a touch of humor, adding depth to the overall atmosphere.

The video is full of hidden details, such as the cat still drinking milk when it goes to the bar, or the donkey's cup containing red beet juice. These nuances add a delightful touch. Despite its seemingly simple plot, when combined with the upbeat music, it effectively reflects the complex and uneasy emotions present in real society, including affectation, arrogance, and inequality. It's a truly exceptional piece that is well worth watching and rewatching.

Shaikha Aburehaima

I’ve selected the IDEA School of Design’s IXD diploma program because it provides a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience under the guidance of professors actively involved in the industry. Coming from a psychology background with some prior programming experience, I find the intersection of these disciplines and design fascinating. My goal is to create designs that are both user-friendly and highly efficient. Through this program, I aspire to acquire new skills that will enrich my journey and enable me to establish a strong presence in the field.

Favourite song: Heliotropic by Failure.

Nathan Bogue

Growing up on the Internet, I have been interacting with UX and UI design for most of my life, and I know how frustrating it can be when a product is poorly designed. It is my goal in this program to obtain the tools necessary for me to have a positive impact on users through functional and effective design. With the future leaning more and more into technology and screens, it is our job to make everyday users feel comfortable and confident in this ever-changing landscape.

You Ain't Goin' Nowhere by Bob Dylan is my favorite song at the moment.