Program Curriculum

Program Curriculum

The design formation program at Langara College covers both 2D and 3D design disciplines. The curriculum incorporates fundamentals of architecture and interior design, graphic design, and experiential design. In this multidisciplinary program, students develop a wide-ranging skill set that can be applied to everything from retail display to exhibit design to environmental graphic design, or used as a basis for further study in design.

Outcomes and Objectives

The Diploma in Design Formation provides students with a strong multidisciplinary foundation around knowledge and skills fundamental to any design practice. This foundation covers knowledge in design methodologies, history, theory, materials, technology, and other current applications; along with skills in sketching, drafting, model making, computer software, shop fabrication, and the stages of the design process.

Diploma in Design Formation

CURRICULUM

Total Credits: 60

Term One

Courses Credits
All of
DSGN 1151 Communication Design I: Fundamentals
3

Lecture Hours: 3.0 | Seminar: 1.0 | Lab: 0.0

Students explore and apply design principles, elements, processes, and other creative methods to solve visual communication problems. They identify and differentiate the fundamental functions of image, colour, and typography in order to communicate concrete concepts and symbolic meaning.Students will receive credit for only one of DDSN 1151 or DSGN 1151.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Diploma in Design Formation and Diploma in Professional Photography.Corequisite(s): DSGN 1255.

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DSGN 1155 Interiors and Architecture I: Fundamentals of 3D Space and Representation
3

Lecture Hours: 1.0 | Seminar: 3.0 | Lab: 0.0

Students learn the fundamental building blocks of 3D spaces, how they are composed, traditional methods of representation, and their relationship to the human body. They explore these topics primarily through learning and applying CAD software, an essential tool in the practice of spatial design in its various stages and methodologies.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Diploma in Design Formation.

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DSGN 1156 Experiential Design I: Storytelling & Curation in 3D Environments
3

Lecture Hours: 1.0 | Seminar: 3.0 | Lab: 0.0

Students explore different types of storytelling and narration found in the built environment and how they relate to design. They learn different strategies for making stories meaningful and memorable for a more impactful audience experience. Using instances found in exhibits, retail, public spaces, institutions, and even virtual environments, students examine how stories are told, structured, and organized to become a critical factor in the visual expression of the final design and what is understood from it. Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Diploma in Design Formation.

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DSGN 1255 Graphic Design Software Fundamentals
3

Lecture Hours: 3.0 | Seminar: 1.0 | Lab: 0.0

Students create and work with images using Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop. They explore basic concepts, methods, tools, and techniques for each application and create vector-based materials, including signs, symbols, icons, drawings and illustrations, in black-and-white, spot, and full colour. Students also learn how to adjust and prepare raster images for various uses and determine when to use illustration software or photo-editing software.Students will receive credit for only one of DDSN 1255 or DSGN 1255.

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One of
CMNS 1115 Interpersonal Communications
3

Lecture Hours: 4.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 0.0

Interpersonal communications theory put into practice in exercises, group and individual projects that cover small group dynamics, interviews, and oral presentations.Prerequisite(s): One of the following: LET 2; LETN 02; a minimum 50% in English First Peoples 12, English Studies 12, Literary Studies 12, or equivalent; IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.

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CMNS 1118 Written Communications
3

Lecture Hours: 4.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 0.0

Training in writing skills, with emphasis on business writing in a career context. Writing projects include: memos, letters, reports, resumes, and employment correspondence.Prerequisite(s): One of the following: LET 4 (or LET 3 with a strong recommendation of concurrent registration in ENGL 1121); a minimum 70% in English First Peoples 12, English Studies 12, Literary Studies 12, or equivalent; a minimum "C" grade in ENGL 1120; or an "S" grade in ENGL 1107, 1108, or 1110.

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CMNS 1122 Communications for Creative Professionals
3

Lecture Hours: 3.0 | Seminar: 1.0 | Lab: 0.0

Succeeding in the creative arts industries requires strong professional and interpersonal communication skills. Students prepare to be successful creative professionals by learning how to promote themselves and their work to potential clients, how to give meaningful feedback on others' work, and how to work effectively on a team. Students practice a variety of strategies for interpersonal, oral, and written communication, including conveying confident body language, demonstrating dynamic presentation skills, and using persuasive writing techniques.Prerequisite(s): One of the following: LET 4 (or LET 3 with a strong recommendation of concurrent registration in ENGL 1121); a minimum 70% in English First Peoples 12, English Studies 12, Literary Studies 12, or equivalent; a minimum "C" grade in ENGL 1120; or an "S" grade in ENGL 1107, 1108, or 1110.

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university-transferable ENGL
3
15 Credits

Term Two

Courses Credits
All of
DSGN 1153 Interiors and Architecture II: Introduction to Interior Spaces
3

Lecture Hours: 3.0 | Seminar: 1.0 | Lab: 0.0

Students explore means of designing, communicating, and representing 3D space and all of its attributes, emotional and practical, through sketches, technical drawings, and models based on comprehensive small-scale projects.Students will only receive credit for one of DDSN 1153 or DSGN 1153.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Diploma in Design Formation.Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C" grade in DSGN 1155.

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DSGN 1154 Material, Process, and Sustainability
3

Lecture Hours: 3.0 | Seminar: 1.0 | Lab: 0.0

Students examine the processes and techniques for production utilized in the design and fabrication of objects and ideas. This includes learning the opportunities and limitations of specific materials, the safe operation of fabrication tools, and the incorporation of sustainable practices in the making of objects. This project-based course enables students to explore and develop the skills and technical knowledge required to inform their designs and their final outcomes.Students will receive credit for only one of DDSN 1154 or DSGN 1154.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Diploma in Design Formation.Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C" grade in DSGN 1155.

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DSGN 1250 Communication Design II: Design Systems
3

Lecture Hours: 3.0 | Seminar: 1.0 | Lab: 0.0

Students analyze, create, and employ graphic elements, layouts, and grids to communicate concepts and organize information for spaces, objects, and interactions. Working with creative briefs, students gain a deeper understanding of the design process and the conceptualization of projects. They also develop their skills using vector image software and explore the function of images as signs and icons for information and branding systems.Students will receive credit for only one of DDSN 1211/1212, 1250, or DSGN 1250.Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C" grade in DSGN 1151; and a minimum "C-" grade in DSGN 1255.

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DSGN 1256 Experiential Design II: Designing Around Objects and Ideas
3

Lecture Hours: 1.0 | Seminar: 3.0 | Lab: 0.0

Students explore how design can communicate specific stories in the built environment using a variety of mediums and techniques. They learn how to leverage a combination of objects, imagery, materials, and colours plus other sensory devices to communicate an idea or ideas. Through discussion and precedent studies, students find examples of how designers frame a story using objects and ideas. They examine how designers convey context, meaning, clarity, and focus to objects and ideas and how they relate to specific narratives. Through this process, students develop their own small-scale narrative designs using what they have learned including how objects are conserved, mounted, and secured.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Diploma in Design Formation.Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C" grade in DSGN 1156.

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Three credits from design history
DSGN 1100 Design Explorations: From Typography to Tattoos
3

Lecture Hours: 3.0 | Seminar: 1.0 | Lab: 0.0

Students explore the relevance and impact of design in our everyday lives as well as the cultural, societal, and psychological influences on design in a historical context. They examine the form and function of everyday items and the interplay of status and identity of the objects and symbols that we surround ourselves with. Students learn about the power of marks, symbols, and icons leading to branding and their influence on consumer preferences. This course is open to all Langara students wishing to explore trends in design, as well as those intending to pursue studies in visual arts or considering careers in design. This course is not a design studio and does not teach design skills. Students will receive credit for only one of DDSN 1100 or DSGN 1100.Priority registration in this course is offered to students admitted to the Diploma in Design Formation.

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DSGN 1200 Design Explorations: The Designers - Form & Function
3

Lecture Hours: 3.0 | Seminar: 1.0 | Lab: 0.0

Students take an in-depth look at design and society from the perspective of the designer. They learn about designers whose work has significantly influenced the built environment through a historical context. Students analyze the response of communities to technological, societal, and environmental changes. They examine how objects and spaces impact us: how and where we live, what we buy, what we view, and what we believe. This course is open to all Langara students wishing to explore trends in design, as well as those intending to pursue studies in visual arts or considering careers in design. This course is not a design studio and does not teach design skills.Priority registration in this course is offered to students admitted to the Diploma in Design Formation.

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15 Credits

Term Three

Courses Credits
All of
DSGN 2054 Establishing a Career in Design
2

Lecture Hours: 1.0 | Seminar: 1.0 | Lab: 0.0

Through research, goal setting, and interactions with design professionals, students explore career possibilities and educational paths. They gain the skills required to engage in informational interviews with industry experts, design custom resumes and cover letters, and implement professional social media strategies to advance their careers.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Diploma in Design Formation.Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C" grade in DSGN 1153, 1250, and 1265; and a minimum "C-" grade in DSGN 1154 and 1255.

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DSGN 2151 Communication Design III: Typography
3

Lecture Hours: 3.0 | Seminar: 1.0 | Lab: 0.0

This course offers an in-depth study of typography skills for designers. Through the evaluation of typography as a core element of design, students explore the subtleties of type in relation to audience, page structure, and communication. They examine letterform anatomy, syntax, legibility, grids, messages, integration of type, and images as applied to page and screen layout. Students will receive credit for only one of DDSN 1251, 2151, or DSGN 2151.Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C" grade in DSGN 1250.Corequisite(s): DSGN 2155.

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DSGN 2155 Page Layout Software
3

Lecture Hours: 1.0 | Seminar: 3.0 | Lab: 0.0

Students use Adobe InDesign to create grids, page layout, master pages, paragraph styles, and incorporate vector graphics and photography in a multipage document. They also learn how to prepare press-ready files for commercial printing, including colour separation, spot colour, and registration.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Diploma in Design Formation.

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Three credits from design history
DSGN 1300 Design Thinking
3

Lecture Hours: 2.0 | Seminar: 2.0 | Lab: 0.0

Design thinking is a methodology used to create effective and memorable products and experiences. It is a non-linear, iterative process in which solutions are generated by empathy and proven through measurable data. This problem-solving process can be applied to any discipline that seeks to enhance the lives of a group of people. In this course, students learn to understand users, define problems, and create solutions to prototype and test. Exploring human-centred design principles, such as listening, observation, empathy, and collaboration, students solve real-world problems from ideation to proven prototype.This course is open to all Langara students wishing to explore trends in design, as well as those intending to pursue studies in visual arts or considering careers in design.This course focuses on Design Theory. It is not a design studio and does not teach design skills.Priority registration in this course is offered to students admitted to the Diploma in Design Formation.

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DSGN 1400 Decolonizing the Design Process
3

Lecture Hours: 2.0 | Seminar: 2.0 | Lab: 0.0

When working with Indigenous client groups designers need to be able to evaluate inherent Euro-centric assumptions regarding power, authorship, and control to decolonize the design process. The goal is to re-envision roles and methodologies to allow for more equitable and inclusive designer-client relationships. Students learn how to decolonize the design process by reflecting on their own assumptions and reconsidering the ways in which design problems and milestones might be defined, design systems might be used, and project outcomes might be evaluated. They explore how working with diverse clients can invite a shift in roles and bring new insights to their understanding of design and the value it imparts to the designer, the client, and the end user.This course is open to all Langara students wishing to explore trends in design, as well as those intending to pursue studies in visual arts or considering careers in design.This course focuses on design theory. It is not a design studio and does not teach design skills.Priority registration in this course is offered to students admitted to the Diploma in Design Formation.

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Three credits from design area electives
see list below
3
14 Credits

Term Four

Courses Credits
All of
DSGN 2254 Portfolio
3

Lecture Hours: 3.0 | Seminar: 1.0 | Lab: 0.0

Students define their professional profile to develop their visual identity for self-promotion. After identifying the design field they are interested in, they create a portfolio showcasing work that best represents their skills and personal and professional objectives.Students should consider an average cost of $150.00 for producing a portfolio and printing business cards.Students will receive credit for only one of DDSN 2254, 2427, or DSGN 2254.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Diploma in Design Formation.Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C-" grade in DSGN 2054 and 2155; and a minimum "C" grade in DSGN 2151.

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DSGN 2354 Work Experience
1

Lecture Hours: 0.0 | Seminar: 6.15 | Lab: 0.0

Students secure a two-week work experience to gain valuable insight into professional design environments. They apply skills and experience gained in the program to contribute to design projects with industry professional supervision. Work experience can take place in design studios, in-house design departments in companies or organizations, or with a design mentor.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Diploma in Design Formation.Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C-" grade in DSGN 2054 and 2155; and a minimum "C" grade in DSGN 2151.

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12 credits from design area electives
see list below
12
16 Credits

Design Area Electives

Courses Credits
Communic-ation Design
DSGN 2251 Communication Design IV: Branding and Marketing
3

Lecture Hours: 3.0 | Seminar: 1.0 | Lab: 0.0

Students research, conceptualize, and plan branding and marketing communication campaigns to promote products, services, and ideas that raise public awareness, communicate information, and influence the action of specific target audiences.Students will receive credit for only one of DDSN 2211/2212, 2251, or DSGN 2251.Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C" grade in DSGN 2151; and a minimum "C-" grade in DSGN 2155.

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DSGN 2351 Communication Design: Web Design Fundamentals
3

Lecture Hours: 1.0 | Seminar: 3.0 | Lab: 0.0

Students learn to write standards-compliant HTML and CSS and author websites that respond to current devices and browsers. They use contemporary approaches to web typography and graphics. Previous experience with Adobe Photoshop is recommended.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Diploma in Design Formation.Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C-" grade in DSGN 1255.

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DSGN 2451 Communication Design: Printing and Publications
3

Lecture Hours: 1.0 | Seminar: 3.0 | Lab: 0.0

Students learn to produce, to industry-standard specifications, digital files that incorporate type, photographs, and graphics for professional printing. They explore printing stages, including prepress requirements, preflighting digital files, proofing methods, and evaluation of contract proofs.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Diploma in Design Formation.Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C" grade in DSGN 2151; and a minimum "C-" grade in DSGN 2155.

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Experiential Design
DSGN 2152 Experiential Design III: Working with Complex Stories and Multiple Objects
3

Lecture Hours: 3.0 | Seminar: 1.0 | Lab: 0.0

Students take the narrative devices and techniques applied to 3D spaces and expand those applications to larger, multi-layered storytelling with a variety of objects and/or ideas. Using their own designs, they explore how complex storytelling can be managed and organized through visual systems while visually expressing notions of coherence, hierarchy, and emphasis.Students will receive credit for only one of DDSN 2152 or DSGN 2152.Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C" grade in DSGN 1256.

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DSGN 2256 Experiential Design IV: Media and Technology in Experiential Design
6

Lecture Hours: 1.0 | Seminar: 4.0 | Lab: 1.0

Students explore dynamic approaches to experiential design and storytelling in built environments. With an emphasis on current and emerging technology, they assess existing physical designs, diagnose problems, and explore design solutions through research, empathy, prototype, testing, iteration, and final documentation. In addition to design strategies, students survey and analyze existing technologies and develop skills to research and vet the evolving array of products and programs to reach articulated outcomes.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Diploma in Design Formation.Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C" grade in DSGN 1256.

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Interiors and Architecture
DSGN 1253 Interiors and Architecture III: Advanced Topics in Interior Spaces
3

Lecture Hours: 3.0 | Seminar: 1.0 | Lab: 0.0

Students focus on the shaping of complex spatial experiences through drawings, models, and research methodologies to inform design processes that respond to increased program size and complexity.Students will receive credit for only one of DDSN 1231/1232, 1253, or DSGN 1253.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Diploma in Design Formation.Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C" grade in DSGN 1153.

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DSGN 2353 Interiors and Architecture IV: Site & Context in Architectural Design
3

Lecture Hours: 1.0 | Seminar: 3.0 | Lab: 0.0

This course will explore the role of site and context in the development and design of architectural spaces, interior and exterior, and the impact that the site has on the design intention. Students will begin by learning how to evaluate and document site conditions for specific architectural projects. These projects will then be used to allow students to explore how the built environment relates to its surrounding through formal attributes, in addition to finishes and material choices. Course content will also include considerations around solar patterns, acoustic factors, environmental conditions, and sustainability standards.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Diploma in Design Formation.Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C-" grade in DSGN 1153.

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60 Credits

Program Option Notes:

  1. A minimum "C" grade is required to progress through and graduate from the program in the following courses:
    DSGN 1151, 1153, 1155, 1156, 1250, 1256, and 2151.
  2. A minimum "C" grade in the design area electives is required to progress through and graduate from the program. These courses include:
    DSGN 1253, 2152, 2251, 2256, 2351, 2353, and 2451.
  3. The ENGL/CMNS, design history, design theory, and design area electives may be taken in semesters other than those presented. Students should contact the department for program advising.
  4. Students who wish to transfer to another institution following completion of the diploma may wish to take additional coursework in order to facilitate transfer. Students in this situation are encouraged to contact the department chair of design formation for more information.