Course Overview
The purpose of this course is to analyze and deploy visual communication techniques to solve communication problems. Parallels are drawn between verbal and visual rhetoric and tone, and students are taught the basics of visual brainstorming, developing and refining visual ideas. Course material includes effectively selecting and implementing colour, typefaces, images, and layout techniques in order to effectively convey complex messages using visual media.
Prerequisite(s)
- No prerequisites are required for this course.
Credits
1.5
Domestic fees
$360.93
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:
- Create professional, industry-specific documentation and communication strategies that effectively and responsibly integrate digital communication tools, including Generative AI, while adhering to professional and ethical standards.
- Visual Communication and Data Representation
- Evaluate and select Raster or Vector graphics according to your purpose and correctly set up files for output.
- Critique and apply visual rhetoric and tone in messages.
- Design and create visually accessible information using appropriate visual presentation techniques (alignment, proximity, colour, font, image treatment, white space, symbols)
- Write the critical justification for a visual solution to a communication problem.
Effective as of Spring/Summer 2026
Related Programs
Visual Communication and Data Representation (XCOM 2040) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
School of Computing and Academic Studies
- Technical Communication Essentials
Microcredential Part-time
- Technical Writing
Associate Certificate Part-time
Course Offerings
Fall 2026
Below is one offering of XCOM 2040 for the Fall 2026 term.
CRN 49420
Dates
Oct 23 - Nov 27 Loading
- CRN 49420
- $360.93 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 23 - Nov 27 | N/A | N/A | Online |
Duration
6 weeks
Instructor
TBD
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- XCOM 2040 is offered every other term. COURSE DELIVERY: Course hours are 100% online asynchronous with weekly deliverables and a fixed course-end date. You don’t have to be online at exactly the same time as your instructor or classmates. On the start date of your class (not before), log into learn.bcit.ca to access your course link.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
Status
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.