Web Design and Interactive Media

Interactive media is a constantly growing, multidisciplinary industry that combines creative and technical skills to build the tools we depend on every day. Whether it is the design of a website for a product or service, the development of a mobile app that connects people, or the exploration of physical/digital connections with the Internet of Things, the creation of interactive media requires a diverse skill set. These on-demand skills include visual design, coding, the ability to imagine what does not yet exist, and the production skills to build it, all within a dynamic, ever-expanding industry that is constantly reinvented by innovation.

Humber's Web Design and Interactive Media advanced diploma programs is one of the three media studies programs within our interaction and design common platform cluster. The first semester is shared with the two-year Multimedia Design and Development program, and the first year of the program is shared with the three-year Graphic Design program. This offers you exposure to the different areas of design and programming, common elements of creative thinking, and collaborative work with students in related fields. Exposure in the first year to the ever-evolving, dynamic world of design will allow you to investigate your options as a designer. You will confirm your focus prior to the start of your second year of study.

This program enables you to build fundamental design and development skills, and gives you room for specialization within the field. Cross-disciplinary projects will allow you to develop collaborative and teamwork skills while preparing you for workplace environments. You will be able to learn real-world user experience skills through our unique, state-of-the-art mobile usability lab. This program will guide you through the creation of a comprehensive portfolio of work leading to a capstone project in the third year.

This program does not have a work placement component, however, within the final year, you are connected with an industry partner for an industry project. These are generally done at the studio of the industry partner, allowing you to get a feel for the studio environment and build relationships that can lead to employment. Additionally, the program stresses engagement with industry through guest speakers, studio tours, facilitating freelance work and conference participation.

The interactive media field, also referred to as digital media, has been growing consistently at twice the national average for the last ten years. As digital technology becomes more central to our lives, there is an increased demand for those who can imagine, design and develop these experiences. These digital creatives are employed as interactive designers and developers in a variety of companies including interactive studios, advertising agencies and as freelance designers. Increasingly, they are also becoming involved with start-ups to create the next great products/apps.