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
$651.26 - $652.73 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
Spring/Summer 2026
Below is one offering of GDES 3100 for the Spring/Summer 2026 term.
CRN 70542
Dates
Apr 07 - Jun 23 Loading
- CRN 70542
- $651.26 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 07 - Jun 23 | 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
- 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/ 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.
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 Rm. 860 |
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
TBD
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important 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.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.