Graphic and Digital Design

Graphic and Digital Design extended minor

This extended minor can be applied to any degree program at UFV, provided the degree accepts extended minors. This section specifies the extended minor discipline requirements only. Please refer to the specific degree section for information on additional requirements, declaration eligibility, and residency requirements.

The Graphic and Digital Design extended minor can be combined with another creative practice program only in the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Creative practice programs are offered in Creative Writing, Graphic and Digital Design, Theatre, and Visual Arts.

Note: The Graphic and Digital Design extended minor culminates in upper-level courses that require a series of sequential skills obtained over several semesters. Students should make strategic course selections over at least a two-year period to ensure timely program completion.

The Graphic and Digital Design extended minor offers optional streams in Dynamic Media, Interactive Design, Communication Design, or Visual Identity.

1. Dynamic Media: GD 203, GD 216, GD 303, or GD 403
   This stream is image-based and introduces motion graphics, video, kinetic typography, and character design for design projects and storytelling.
   
2. Interactive Design: GD 202, (GD 204 or CIS 145), GD 302, GD 304, or GD 358
   This stream focuses on design for digital screens including websites, tablets, and mobile devices. Students are introduced to interface design, development, UX, and content management.
   
3. Communication Design: GD 101, GD 260, GD 317, GD 450, or GD 460
   This stream introduces publishing, promotion, information design, and social responsibility. The emphasis is on problem solving and human-centred solutions in print and digital media.
4. Visual Identity: GD 101, GD 260, GD 374, GD 375, GD 450, or GD 460
   This stream offers a foundation in communication design and introduces the field of brand identity including logo design, packaging design, and sustainability principles.

Program learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Graphic and Digital Design extended minor, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate functional competence with principles of visual organization, visual language, typography, and theory as applied to visual communication problems.
• Analyze visual communication problems using critical thinking skills.
• Utilize processes, tools, and technology for graphic design practice.

Program outline

Lower-level requirements: 18 credits

Lower-level elective options:

• For the Dynamic Media stream, choose GD 203 and GD 216.
• For the Interactive Design stream, choose GD 202 and one of GD 204 or CIS 145.
• For the Communication Design stream, choose GD 101 and GD 260.
• For the Visual Identity stream, choose GD 101 and GD 260.

Upper-level requirements: 15 credits

Upper-level elective options:

• For the Dynamic Media stream, choose GD 303 or GD 403.
• For the Interactive Design stream, choose GD 302, GD 304, or GD 358.
• For the Communication Design stream, choose GD 317, GD 450, or GD 460.
• For the Visual Identity stream, choose GD 374, GD 375, GD 450, or GD 460.

Graphic and Digital Design minor

The Graphic and Digital Design minor offers an applied foundation in Communication Design and Interactive Design. Students are introduced to graphic design tools, processes, and professional standards of practice and will attain skills and knowledge typically required for in-house and entry-level creative industry positions.

This minor can be applied to any degree program at UFV, provided the degree accepts minors. This section specifies the minor discipline requirements only. Please refer to the specific degree section for information on additional requirements, declaration eligibility, and residency requirements.

Note: Introductory and directed study courses are offered every semester, with 200- and 300-level courses rotating in the Fall and Winter. Please note that the Graphic and Digital Design minor culminates in upper-level courses that require a series of sequential skills obtained over several semesters. Students should make strategic course selections over at least a two-year period to ensure timely program completion.

Program learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the GDD minor, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate functional competence with principles of visual organization, visual language, typography, and theory as applied to visual communication problems.
• Analyze visual communication problems using critical thinking skills.
• Develop strategies for planning, producing, and disseminating visual communication.
• Utilize processes, tools, and technology for graphic design practice.

Program outline

Lower-level requirements: 18 credits

Upper-level requirements: 15 credits

Residency

Students must complete at least 50% of the upper-level credits required in the minor or extended minor at UFV.

Course listings

For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section.