Course Overview
This course equips graphic designers with the design thinking process to craft user-centered, value-driven solutions. Through hands-on activities and case studies, students will explore methods to empathize with users, challenge assumptions, redefine problems, and create innovative and inclusive solutions that can be prototyped and tested. Emphasis is placed on applying inclusive design principles to ensure solutions are accessible and address the needs of diverse users.
Prerequisite(s)
Credits
3.0
Domestic fees
$652.73 - $664.77 See individual course offerings below for actual costs.
International fees are typically 3.4 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Gather and analyze user insights to recognize their needs and perspectives.
- Define and prioritize key problems to develop effective and inclusive solutions.
- Apply inclusive design principles to create solutions that address a wide range of user needs and perspectives.
- Select and apply appropriate methods and tools to create human-centered design solutions.
- Implement an iterative design process to generate, prototype, and refine concepts based on user feedback.
- Communicate and present design concepts effectively to various audiences.
- Collaborate in teams to develop and refine design solutions.
- Conduct research to inform and validate the design process.
- Assess the ethical and social implications of design solutions.
Effective as of Fall 2025
Related Programs
Design Thinking (GDES 3100) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
- Indicates programs eligible for students to apply for Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
School of Business + Media
- Graphic Design and Interactive Media
Diploma Part-time
- User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) Design
Associate Certificate Part-time
Course Offerings
Fall 2026
Below is one offering of GDES 3100 for the Fall 2026 term.
CRN 52741
Dates
Sep 08 - Nov 24 Loading
- CRN 52741
- $652.73 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 08 - Nov 24 | Tue | 18:00 - 21:00 | Downtown DTC |
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
TBD
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- Important course information will be sent to you prior to your course start date. Check your myBCIT email account to access this information.
- You will require access to the Adobe Creative Cloud to complete this course. In order to access the Adobe Creative Cloud on your personal devices for off-campus use, a subscription will be required. Information explaining how to obtain a discounted Adobe subscription is available on the BCIT Software Access webpage: kb.bcit.ca/student/adobe-creative-cloud-subscription-flexible-learning-student-3130/
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Winter 2027
Below is one offering of GDES 3100 for the Winter 2027 term.
CRN 93210
Dates
Jan 06 - Mar 24 Loading
- CRN 93210
- $664.77 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 06 - Mar 24 | Wed | 18:00 - 21:00 | Downtown DTC Rm. 880 |
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
Gabriel Chui
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- Important course information will be sent to you prior to your course start date. Check your myBCIT email account to access this information.
- You will require access to Adobe Creative Cloud to start this course and it is your responsibility to have this access in place prior to course start. Students who are currently registered in BCIT Flexible Learning courses are eligible for a free Adobe Creative Cloud subscription from BCIT. Information explaining how to obtain an Adobe subscription is available on the BCIT Software Access webpage: kb.bcit.ca/student/adobe-creative-cloud-subscription-flexible-learning-student-3130/. It is important you have a stable and consistent internet connection to access course content. Please log into learn.bcit.ca using your BCIT student email and password on the first day of class. If you are taking Graphic design programs, here is the suggested order to take them. www.bcit.ca/files/business/pdf/flexible-learning-graphic-design-certificate-recommended-order-of-courses.pdf
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.