Foundations in Design

Foundations in Design is a one year (2 semester) certificate program that will develop your skills and your understanding of Design as a Career. Explore the diverse options open to the design professional, and grow your skills with hands on projects. This program gives you the opportunity to focus your studies in a creative environment lead by design professionals. Study fundamental design skills such as drawing, 2D and 3D design plus develop methods in the creative process essential to your success. Complete your year with a dynamic portfolio of work that will open the door to future studies in any number of design disciplines.

Who Studies Foundations in Design?

Students who excel in the FIND program are:

  • curious about how things work
  • often build and dismantle things to understand them
  • wonder how rooms and public spaces best serve the people who use them
  • like photography or drawing
  • look at magazines to see how fonts, colours and shapes are used
  • play with fabrics to create new looks
  • dream of how the new iPhone or a new car could look

If you can relate to any or all of the above, the FIND program could be for you.

Department's website: kpu.ca/design/find

A career in design is a lifelong journey and yours can start with FIND. Designers are found in many industries creating everything from furniture to fashion, gadgets and sports equipment, branding, websites, publishing and the built environment. With the completion of the FIND certificate, graduates often seek further design education to find a design-related career.

The possibilities are many:

  • Fashion design
  • Graphic design
  • Interior design
  • Product design
  • Digital technology
  • Interface design
  • Window Display
  • Environmental Design
  • Design Management
  • Museum Design
  • Lighting Design
  • Event Design
  • Publication Design

...and many more.

Registration in some course sections is restricted to students in particular programs. See Timetables - kpu.ca/registration/timetables - for current section information.

Visit the BC Transfer Guide - bctransferguide.ca - for information about course transfer in B.C.

DESN 1100  3 credits  
Design Processes, Methods and Materials  
Students will study basic design processes, methods and materials common to a variety of design disciplines. They will plan, produce and present creative solutions to design problems in two and three dimensions. Along with technical skills, students will be introduced to the fundamental elements and principles of design as they apply to a variety of projects. This course is equivalent with FIND 1100. Students may earn credit for only one of these courses.
Level: UG
Attributes: DESN, PW_3
DESN 1110  3 credits  
Drawing for Design  
Students will develop drawing and rendering skills to create visualizations and communicate two- and three-dimensional design concepts. They will explore drawing (sketching, rapid visualization, perspective systems, scaling and rendering techniques) to develop and convey ideas for design-related projects. This course is equivalent with FIND 1110. Students may earn credit for only one of these courses.
Level: UG
Attributes: DESN, PW_3
DESN 1121  3 credits  
Design Connections: Then and Now  
Students will examine the ways in which the past and present are connected through designed objects, particularly how designs from the past have inspired contemporary design ideas. They will analyze examples of design in the context of various world cultures, consider design influences throughout history, and investigate issues relating to cultural appropriation. This course is equivalent with FIND 1121. Students may earn credit for only one of these courses.
Level: UG
Attribute: DESN
DESN 1130  3 credits  
Design Explorations  
Students will examine design-related issues, theories and practices as a basis for expanding their knowledge of the field of design. They will participate in seminar discussions and project work to promote communication, research, team building, and critical thinking. Students will also investigate opportunities for continuing design studies and potential career options. This course is equivalent with FIND 1130. Students may earn credit for only one of these courses.
Level: UG
Attribute: DESN
DESN 1140  3 credits  
Colour Theories  
Students learn colour theories and explore their application within design contexts. They will review and examine the physical characteristics, psychological effects, and the cultural and social implications of colour in both analog and digital formats. This course is equivalent with FIND 1140. Students may earn credit for only one of these courses.
Level: UG
Attributes: DESN, PW_3
DESN 1150  3 credits  
Designing for Humanity  
Students will examine the relationship between design decisions and current and historical environmental issues contributing to anthropogenic climate change. They will understand how design impacts individuals, societies, and the environment through research, case studies, and field trips. Students will explore life-centred design practices throughout the design process and investigate the connections to diverse issues which may include, but are not limited to, global working conditions, over-packaging, built-in obsolescence, sustainable development, and climate change and adaptation. This course is equivalent with FIND 1150. Students may earn credit for only one of these courses.
Level: UG
Attribute: DESN
DESN 1160  3 credits  
Design Storytelling  
Students will study the concepts, theories and roles text and images play in contemporary visual information and communication across various design disciplines. They will explore narrative techniques to understand how stories can be used to build empathy, shift perspective, preserve heritage, and effectively engage an audience. They will experiment with storytelling in a range of design projects. This course is equivalent with FIND 1160. Students may earn credit for only one of these courses.
Level: UG
Attribute: DESN
DESN 1200  3 credits  
Portfolio Studio  
Students will develop a design portfolio presenting their creative process, conceptualization, experimentation, and research. They will explore diverse mediums and presentation methods to expand on work already created, as well as to address new design projects. Students will practice peer review, communicating their design ideas, documenting 2D and 3D pieces, and curating work to appeal to different audiences. This course is equivalent with FIND 1200. Students may earn credit for only one of these courses.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): DESN 1100 and DESN 1110
Attribute: DESN
DESN 1210  3 credits  
3D Form Studio  
Students will apply creative conceptualization and problem-solving skills to comprehensive three-dimensional design projects. They will explore principles and processes, mediums and materials as well as three-dimensional modeling techniques and presentation methods relating to a range of design disciplines. This course is equivalent with FIND 1210. Students may earn credit for only one of these courses.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): DESN 1100 and DESN 1110
Attribute: DESN
DESN 1220  3 credits  
Design History: 19th Century Onward  
Students will examine developments in graphic design, interior design, product design, fashion design, architecture, and fine arts from the Industrial Revolution to the present day, primarily in the context of the Western world. They will analyze design precedents and explore the social factors that influenced styles, movements, designers, and consumers. This course is equivalent with FIND 1220. Students may earn credit for only one of these courses.
Level: UG
Attribute: DESN
DESN 1230  3 credits  
Introduction to Digital Drafting  
Students will learn to produce digital visualizations using computer-assisted drafting software relating to a variety of design disciplines. They will engage in problem-solving drawing exercises and create two- and three-dimensional images to visually communicate spatial and compositional design concepts. This course is equivalent with FIND 1230. Students may earn credit for only one of these courses.
Level: UG
Attributes: DESN, PW_3
DESN 1240  3 credits  
Introduction to Digital Studio  
Students will learn to use industry-standard, design-related software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. They will explore the creative potential of software applications and tools to articulate their design ideas and enhance their problem-solving abilities. Students will originate and edit digital imagery and manipulate text. They will produce and present design solutions and create a digital design portfolio. This course is equivalent with FIND 1240. Students may earn credit for only one of these courses.
Level: UG
Attribute: DESN

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