Interdisciplinary Studies in Human-Centred Design (Co-op and Non Co-op Version) at Algonquin College

Learn the complex problem-solving skills of the future job market.

This one-year Ontario College Graduate Certificate program prepares students for a career in design research and strategy. Professionals in this field examine the intersection of research, technology, business and design to apply a human-centred approach to solving problems. These professionals work in a variety of fields, including private, public and government organizations, to provide strategic direction for system, product, policy and/or service design. The skills gained in this program complement a myriad of professional backgrounds, from designers, computer programmers and engineers looking to update their skillset to public servants and social scientists looking for new ways to draft policies and model services. Students also collaborate with industry partners in a design studio setting throughout the program to find solutions for real-world issues.

Students also have the option to gain real-world experience through a paid co-operative education (co-op) work term (see Additional Information for more details). Please note that places in the co-op version of the program are subject to availability.

Graduates may find employment in a wide range of sectors including:

• media and design
• financial services and banking
• healthcare and medical services
• engineering and technology services
• computer software development
• business and professional services
• human resources and organizational development
• manufacturing
• government, public sector and not-for-profit organizations

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Like the challenge of untangling complex problems
• Enjoy trying new things and are not afraid to learn from failure
• Possess excellent interpersonal and human relations skills
• Value and respect the ideas, perspectives and expertise of others
• Have a keen attention to detail and process.

Careers

Graduates may find entry-level employment as a user-experience designer; interaction designer; user-interface designer; visual designer; information architect; content strategist; content writer; communication designer; systems designer; systems administrator; and business designer.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Apply a universal, interdisciplinary design approach to overcome complex problems and create intelligent solutions that address social, technological and economic challenges.
2. Manage a holistic, human-centred process to deliver design strategies, products, systems and services for government, corporations and non-profit organizations.
3. Design collaboratively in an interdisciplinary studio environment to produce communication, products, systems and service projects for a variety of media.
4. Apply primary and secondary research methodologies to the design process using a think/make practice model to achieve project outcomes that meet user needs and adhere to industry standards.
5. Adhere to the professional practices of a design studio to facilitate and manage the success of design teams in achieving project goals.
6. Participate in an iterative, multi-phase design process in order to create testable prototypes and realized products.
7. Liaise and negotiate project direction and process with stakeholders to produce strategies and outcomes that align with business objectives.
8. Present and defend research results and design outcomes to a diverse audience using effective communication strategies.
9. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Program Eligibility

• Ontario College Diploma, Ontario College Advanced Diploma or degree or equivalent.

• Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
• IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 88, with a minimum of 22 in each component: Reading 22; Listening 22; Speaking 22; Writing 22.