Course Overview
Effective communication design projects elicit an emotional response from their target audience. To do this, text, image, and carefully chosen graphic elements bond seamlessly to direct the viewer's eye through the layout in a particular way. Students will analyze how Gestalt psychology establishes the hierarchical relationship between design elements in a composition. Examining historic design genres will provide insight into setting the stage for time and place. Applying knowledge of signs and symbols and manipulating content via design principles, students gain insight into complex visual systems. The outcome is a unique visual language, translating an idea into a visual form that clearly communicates a message to the target audience.
Prerequisite(s)
- No prerequisites are required for this course.
Credits
3.0
Domestic fees
$622.98 - $623.69 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:
- Use terminology relating to visual form to engage in design discussion.
- Demonstrate the use of Gestalt theory (similarity, proximity, alignment) in a visual communication.
- Use design essentials (such as balance, unity, tension, hierarchy, etc) to reinforce the message and meaning in a composition.
- Choose imagery, including symbols and signs, that strengthens the key message beyond its elemental context.
- Apply a specific design genre (Art Deco, Futurism, etc) to capture a sense of time, place and ideology.
- Apply colour psychology to build impact and enhance the meaning of a message.
- Use colour to investigate and demonstrate a message that elicits an emotion.
- Demonstrate the application of compositional elements and principles to effectively create aesthetic appeal.
- Apply semiotic principles to decode and interpret symbols and signs within various cultural contexts.
Effective as of Spring/Summer 2025
Related Programs
Visual Language (GDES 1255) 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
- Graphic Design and Interactive Media
Diploma Part-time
Course Offerings
Spring/Summer 2026
Below is one offering of GDES 1255 for the Spring/Summer 2026 term.
CRN 68652
Dates
Apr 07 - Jun 23 Loading
- CRN 68652
- $622.98 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 07 - Jun 23 | Tue | 18:00 - 21:00 | Online |
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
Pauline Lai
Course outline
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
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 1255 for the Fall 2026 term.
CRN 50137
Dates
Sep 14 - Nov 30 Loading
- CRN 50137
- $623.69 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 14 - Nov 30 | Mon | 18:00 - 21:15 | Online |
Duration
11 weeks
Instructor
TBD
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- No class on Oct 12. 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
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.