COURSE CURRICULUM

The Foundations in Design Certificate at KPU requires the successful completion of 30 credits, structured to provide students with essential skills and knowledge across a broad spectrum of design disciplines. The curriculum is carefully crafted to develop creativity, technical ability, and conceptual thinking, preparing students for advanced studies in design. Core courses include DESN 1100 Design Processes, Methods and Materials, which introduces students to foundational design methodologies, and DESN 1110 Drawing for Design, focusing on visual representation techniques. DESN 1130 Design Explorations and DESN 1140 Colour Theories encourage students to experiment with ideas and understand the emotional and practical impact of colour in design. In DESN 1150 Designing for Humanity and DESN 1160 Design Storytelling, students explore user-centered design and narrative techniques essential for engaging communication. DESN 1200 Portfolio Studio supports students in assembling a comprehensive design portfolio. DESN 1210 3D Form Studio and DESN 1220 Design History: 19th Century Onward expand their understanding of spatial design and historical context. Students also choose one elective from DESN 1121 Design Connections: Then and Now, DESN 1230 Introduction to Digital Drafting, or DESN 1240 Introduction to Digital Studio, allowing them to tailor their learning toward specific interests. This integrated curriculum enables students to complete the program with a dynamic portfolio and foundational design knowledge applicable to multiple design disciplines.