Course Overview
In today’s creative industry, designers must do more than create visuals—they must align design with business strategies to achieve success. This course covers essential aspects of design within a business context, including research, concept development, and implementation. Students will explore client relations, contract management, and project scope, with a focus on both freelancing and in-house roles. Key topics include contract negotiation, proposal writing, budgeting, and the legal and ethical responsibilities of a designer. Through a major campaign project, students will apply strategic design thinking and manage projects from concept to execution, gaining critical skills for independent and collaborative work. You will also analyze and evaluate work through discussion, critiques, and verbal and written presentations.
Prerequisite(s)
Credits
3.0
Domestic fees
$622.98
International fees are typically 3.25 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:
- Identify and utilize appropriate research approaches and resources to effectively establish and support project goals.
- Define a project's goals and target audience, ensuring alignment with the business’s overall objectives.
- Write a professional business research report.
- Write and design a creative proposal for presentation, including effective delivery techniques.
- Work effectively with a client to develop creative concepts that align with business marketing strategy and achieve project goals.
- Analyze, evaluate, and implement design concepts and business practices within a strategic campaign, including developing targeted key messages.
- Identify and explain the rights and responsibilities of a designer when working independently or as part of an organization, including legal and ethical considerations such as intellectual property rights, confidentiality, and project expectations.
- Apply project management strategies, including budgeting, time tracking, and client communication, to ensure successful project execution and relationship management.
- Develop contracts, quotes, and proposals, as well as create professional invoices for both freelance and client-based work, while managing project scope and client billing.
Effective as of Spring/Summer 2025
Related Programs
Strategic Design For Business (GDES 2088) 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
Certificate Full-time/Part-time
- Media Techniques and Marketing Communications
Certificate Part-time
- Media Techniques for Business
Certificate Part-time
Course Offerings
Spring/Summer 2026
Below is one offering of GDES 2088 for the Spring/Summer 2026 term.
CRN 68657
Dates
Apr 08 - Jun 24 Loading
- CRN 68657
- $622.98 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 08 - Jun 24 | Wed | 18:00 - 21:00 | Online |
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
Shahab Pourtalebi
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- This is not a self-paced course. You will be expected to be available and online on the posted days and times shown on your registration schedule. 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. You will require access to the Adobe Creative Cloud in order to complete this course. Students who are currently registered in one or more BCIT Flexible Learning courses are eligible for a free Adobe Creative Cloud subscription from BCIT. For subscription information, please visit: kb.bcit.ca/student/using-adobe-software-for-students-3588/ 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
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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.