Bachelor of Design (Honours)- User Experience

at Humber College North Campus Canada

Design is everywhere - built into the environments we navigate, the financial and social services we access, the technology we use, products we consume, and processes we use to do our jobs. Design is providing innovative solutions to the most pressing and urgent problems in today’s world. There has never been a more exciting or relevant time to be a designer.

A wide variety of subjects will guide you through important conceptual and practical design fundamentals such as design theory and practice, prototyping, and usability testing. Design courses will help you develop visual storytelling and communication skills, ensuring that you are equipped with top-notch graphic and user design skills upon graduation.

Our program is designed to respond to the increasing demand for designers prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Grounded by the unifying principle of human-centeredness, this program focuses on how design thinking can be harnessed for social change, improve daily experiences, and make processes and interfaces more human-focused.

Humber’s User Experience (UX) Design graduate certificate simulates the interdisciplinary approaches needed to achieve an innovation process with a focus on design desirability, technological feasibility and business viability. In two semesters, you will be prepared to innovate by problem finding through design research, problem understanding through synthesis, and problem solving through design and prototyping experiences. You will learn how to create valuable courses of action by generating design problem hypotheses, structured design process plans, compelling UX deliverables and persuasive arguments.

You will learn human-centered design methods and rhetoric that ground your design in the needs of the public. In addition, you will learn how to use interaction design and design systems through industry-standard quality assurance methods, and how to design and implement user interfaces to follow corporate strategies. A variety of conceptual and practical work will help you develop effective UX design skills.

As a user experience designer, you will employ the work-practice of prototyping concepts in order to describe ways to integrate digital services with material products and environments. As a UX researcher, you will discover insights through usability testing and apply them to create value for corporate clients and their customers. Toward the conclusion of this program, you will convert your acquired skills and achievements into a portfolio of design products that will help you launch a career as a UX design professional. This program fosters the practical discipline, relevance and currency essential in the contemporary, ever-growing UX job market.

LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

• Facilitate team processes towards effective completion of user experience design projects.
• Represent a linked sequence of observed evidence, collected data, qualitative research findings, interpretations and proposed design solutions to stakeholders to solicit support and commitment.
• Assess requirements of a user experience design project, in order to increase corporate acceptance, usability and effectiveness.
• Present persuasive arguments in support of user experience projects which balance user needs with business objectives.
• Design a complex user experience project which considers a business uncertainty and plans for multiple outcomes.
• Manage projects using current and proven methodologies to coordinate the work of a multi-disciplinary user experience design team.
• Adapt recommendations and courses of action in accordance with explicit and implicit cultural, professional and ethical constructs involved in solving user experience design problems.
• Factor and refactor research methods and insight-generating frameworks in order to facilitate, inform and guide team problem-solving.
• Resolve uncertainties and create shared purpose with stakeholders using iterative prototyping.
• Evaluate, adjust and communicate design decisions in alignment with financial, technical, and usability factors.

Humber’s Computer Programmer diploma program is designed to prepare students for a wide variety of employment opportunities within the dynamic and ever-growing field of programming. In addition to learning programming in a variety of languages, from ASP.NET to XML, you will gain an in-depth understanding of industry-standard operating systems and how to use them. You will learn everything from C programming and shell scripts, to back end web design and Java. Upon graduation, you will be equipped with the up-to-date skills you need for success.

Our programming courses are designed to give you a thorough grounding in theory and practice including web development and design, distributed computing, database management and administration, project management, technical writing, information technology, and all facets of information systems. You will also learn about software development applications and follow the standards of planning, developing, testing and supporting software.

Canada has approximately 675,000 people working in information and communications technology (ICT), and about half of that workforce is in Ontario where the ICT industry accounts for over $30 billion in sales. Help satisfy the continuing demand for skilled IT professionals. Our graduates are able to work as computer programmers, junior web developers, junior database designers, junior software testers, customer support analysts, system co-ordinators, technical sales co-ordinators or technical support representatives.

Humber’s Post-Production graduate certificate program will develop the technological skills, creative and critical abilities you will need to thrive in the post-production industry. You will gain a firm grounding in industry-standard, non-linear video editing software. Through lectures and hands-on work, you will learn the fundamentals of the technical and aesthetic creation of digital media content and get the opportunity to specialize and target specific post-production skills to maximize your marketability in a competitive industry.

You will learn how to collaborate with other departments in the production chain, and how to develop efficient broadcast standard workflows. You will be introduced to the theory and practice of picture and sound editing/mixing, VFX and motion graphics creation, and you will learn how to make professional contacts, engage with employers and guilds, and the basic business skills you will need as a freelancer. You will study the fundamentals of branding and graphic design and produce a marketable portfolio website.

With technology as its main focus, your sound, picture, and visual effects compositing skills will enable you to create content to the industry standards required in the competitive media environment.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

• Prepare detailed post-production budgets using Movie Magic Budgeting programs.
• Evaluate documentaries, narrative films, TV series and music videos for creative features and technical aspects.
• Prepare and integrate 2-D and 3-D graphic and animation footage using post-production applications.
• Manage the editing process using an Edit Decision List.
• Complete picture editing projects using non-linear editing suites within specified time frames and budgets.
• Complete audio editing projects using non-linear editing suites within specified time frames and budgets.
• Design and build a network system for post-production applications.
• Manage post-production teams.
• Manage post-production projects.
• Distribute interactive content produced through the Web and DVD.
• Compile a portfolio of creative work for presentations to funding agencies and post-production facilities in order to secure employment.

Work Placement

• This program includes a mandatory work placement. We work with you to find a suitable placement in your chosen field of specialization, allowing you to apply the skills you’ve learned in a professional environment. Placements will take place in post-production houses and media companies in Toronto. Work placements are typically unpaid but provide you with the opportunity to further your knowledge in your chosen field and begin to build your resumé and network of professional contacts.

Humber’s Building Construction Technician diploma program is one of three stackable programs within the Carpentry-Construction group. Along with the Carpentry and Renovation Techniques certificate and the Construction Engineering Technology advanced diploma, the program introduces students to the carpentry trade, gives practical experience with trade regulations and with best practices. Students will be able to move from this diploma program into the advanced diploma program. Additionally, Humber’s Carpentry and Renovation Technician diploma and Industrial Woodworking Technician diploma offer additional pathways and laddering opportunities.

You will learn worksite health and safety practices in accordance with legislation and regulations; and how to review building plans and complete work in compliance with contractual obligations, codes, applicable laws, bylaws, standards and ethical practices. Coursework will include sustainability practices.

You will learn to produce project sketches and documents in accordance with project specifications, assist in the preparation of estimations and to safely operate tools. You will be well-prepared for all building stages - from site layout and footings to the application of interior and exterior finishes.

Optional Co-op

This program offers a co-op option. A co-op work term enables you to apply your skills and knowledge in a work environment and gain valuable, practical experience related to your program of study. You will learn new skills, learn about the world of work and meet people in your profession.

For students who are accepted into the program, one co-op work term will take place between Semesters 2 and 3. There are limited spaces in the co-op option. Therefore, you will apply for the co-op option during Semester 1 and be informed of the process by which to apply.  While co-op work opportunities are not guaranteed, as students are in a competitive job placement market, participating students will receive a wide range of services to help them find a co-op opportunity.

Humber’s Landscape Technician diploma program is based on the principles of sustainability, conservation and environmental sensitivity. You’ll learn about landscape design and development, site construction, general horticulture, grounds maintenance, and related technologies through a combination of in-class studies and hands-on landscape training.

At Humber, we have exceptional facilities for landscape education. The Humber Arboretum, for example, is a 250-acre botanical garden centred on the west branch of the Humber River, surrounding Humber’s North Campus. It includes ornamental, woodland and wildlife gardens serving as a unique living classroom for plant studies, construction, arboricultural and horticultural skills. Our construction lab is housed in a weather-protected 8,000-square-foot facility which allows you to build full-scale structures such as decks, gazebos and retaining walls. Our computer labs use the latest in computer-aided design (CAD) software which enables you to prepare professional construction documents.

Insurance has become an integral part of virtually everything we do in life and business. Roles within the insurance industry are many and varied. Whether you enjoy working with numbers, doing research, solving problems or working with people, you can find your specialty in insurance.

Humber’s Insurance Management – Property and Casualty graduate certificate program prepares you for a variety of entry level management career paths in the large and growing property and casualty insurance industry. Learn the fundamentals of the industry and its three main functional areas – underwriting, loss adjusting and agency/brokerage – and gain transferable skills in business communications, computer applications, insurance accounting and metrics, marketing, sales and customer service, project management and leadership. Employment-focused experiential learning helps you consider a variety of options, as you launch your career. 

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

• Differentiate the functions of and the relationships between various elements within the structure of the insurance industry in Canadian and global contexts in order to identify business opportunities, challenges and solutions.
• Use current and relevant insurance industry-specific terminology when communicating with stakeholders.
• Assess and manage the four major categories of risk (hazard, operational, financial and strategic) to determine insurance needs associated with specific cases.
• Apply best practices for risk management to finance the negative consequences of risk events in multifaceted situations.
• Provide evidence-based recommendations for management of hazards and risks faced by an organization.
• Evaluate the clauses, terms and conditions of various insurance policy wordings in order to determine the appropriate coverage according to defined risk tolerance levels.
• Adjust, negotiate and settle insurance claims to satisfy needs of claimants and providers.
• Provide rationale for the acceptance or rejection of an application for insurance to uphold efficacy of decision-making.
• Evaluate the needs of a commercial and/or personal client in order to plan and recommend an insurance program that provides protection from identified exposures.
• Select leadership and communication strategies necessary to manage others and accomplish organizational goals.
• Prepare and deliver effective integrated marketing, customer service and sales plans to further organizational objectives.
• Develop, interpret and present common property and casualty insurance industry metrics and financial statistics and data to support organizational decision-making.
• Apply project management methodologies to identify, plan, and execute various property and casualty insurance managerial projects.
• Develop strategic business plans in order to respond o changing opportunities and challenges within the property and casualty insurance business.

Work Placement
Get hands-on experience in the industry with a 160-hour (minimum) work placement that will give you the opportunity to apply what you have learned in the classroom. Students initiate the placement with the aid of faculty, targeting companies in the Greater Toronto Area. Placements can be completed on a part-time basis throughout the academic year, or full time during the term immediately at the end of the program.

Humber’s Web Development graduate certificate program focuses on the development of websites and web services for multiple environments including database-driven programming, content management and mobile services. A combination of conceptual and practical training will prepare you to execute effective, efficient website design.

Work completed individually and in teams will simulate the real-world work environment and hone collaborative and teamwork skills. You will create commercial websites that apply theories of user-centered design, security, information architecture, quality assurance testing and responsive design. This program will help you master the project management and presentation skills that are key to success in the workplace.

You will be working on websites that meet strict business and development requirements. By the end of your final semester of study, you will have developed a comprehensive personal portfolio of your competencies, and you will be able to promote your skills at a portfolio show.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

• Explain the types of business transactions conducted on a commercial website and the process for development of such transactions.
• Prepare and present a proposal and a business plan for a commercial website.
• Implement a website solution based on a set of business requirements or client specifications.
• Create a complete content management system using a database and scripting language.
• Develop data-driven websites for multiple platforms in accordance with best practices, industry standards in content management, security, database design, interface design, usability, accessibility and personalization.
• Design and develop web services for a website using software programs.
• Design a full featured functioning commercial website using software programs, including a defined information architecture that is supported by navigation, layout, text and graphics.
• Manage web development projects using project management practices, documentation and software.
• Test, troubleshoot and debug software created in the web projects.
• Develop web projects as a leader or member of a web development team.

Work Placement

• Students will participate in a mandatory work placement which follows the last semester of study.

Fashion is an international business, and Humber’s Fashion Arts and Business diploma program places an emphasis on retail operations from both domestic and international perspectives. You will study marketing, store planning and merchandising, brand management, marketing, social media, event planning, and retail buying. You’ll also learn fashion trend forecasting, sales techniques, and colour and styling analysis while attaining basic knowledge of fashion products and fashion promotion. These skills are then applied to product launches, planning merchandise assortments, styling fashion shoots and the production of fashion events.

Our advisory committee provides regular review and input of curriculum ensuring our program is always on the cutting edge of industry developments.

In first year, courses in the business of fashion – marketing strategies, product knowledge, trend forecasting and web merchandising – give students an overview of this multibillion-dollar industry. In second year, students build on the skills developed on the foundation with wholesale sales, retail buying and operation, photo styling and event planning and budgeting.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

• Differentiate the purposes and functions of and the relationships between various elements within the structure of the fashion industry in order to identify business opportunities, challenges and solutions.
• Define and use correctly the terminology and language of fashion from a business and art perspective in order to communicate effectively with the range of stakeholders in the fashion industry.
• Identify artistic and business trends in order to capitalize on emerging opportunities throughout the stages of product development, manufacturing, distribution and promotion.
• Respond to current market conditions based on detailed analysis of company and/or industry reports.
• Design promotional materials and events using current digital technologies and styling methodologies in order to advance fashion arts and business objectives.
• Employ professional practices which support current business strategies and plans adhering to legal, ethical and sustainable standards appropriate to the fashion industry.
• Create a variety of strategic planning deliverables for achieving measurable goals for fashion merchandising, marketing, operations, finance and sales.
• Conduct vendor negotiations, budgeting, critical path analysis, communications and operations for effective fashion-related promotional events.
• Tailor visual and verbal presentations suitable for various stakeholders (e.g. buyers, senior managers, vendors, customers) to meet their specific requirements.
• Generate social media strategy and content for marketing purposes in order to build product and brand awareness.
• Negotiate mutually profitable business-to-business transactions between parties in the supply chain in order to maximize cost effectiveness.
• Develop professional development plans to set career goals based on self-assessment of strengths, interests and opportunities.

Learn about the inner workings of Canada’s dynamic business scene and develop the critical expertise to ignite your career within it. Humber’s Business Management diploma program gets down to business with a practical, skills-based approach that teaches you everything you need to know to achieve your goals and make a difference in organizations. Our curriculum gets you up to speed on the essential aspects of business including marketing, e-commerce, accounting, business writing and communications. Through individual and group assignments in courses taught by experienced professionals and entrepreneurs, you’ll build your business management knowledge and gain first-hand insights into current business practices, trends and opportunities.

In the first year, you will be introduced to an overview of fundamental business disciplines including the mathematics of finance, PC essentials, marketing, microeconomics, business law, services marketing and the principles of management. In the second year, the focus includes business computer applications, accounting, e-commerce, human resources administration, operations management, business finance, leadership and entrepreneurship.

Work Placement

In Semester 4, you will be assisted in finding a paid or unpaid business work placement, where you will practice your skills during an 84-hour assignment. This adds valuable hands-on experience to your resumé and provides excellent networking opportunities.