Interaction Design Program (G113)
Program Description
Program Overview
The three-year Interaction Design advanced diploma program will introduce you to the interdisciplinary field of interaction design, which merges design skills like user experience, interface development, and graphic design with coding fundamentals. Learn the art of crafting meaningful experiences between users and digital platforms like social media, websites, wearables, and mobile devices.
Full Description
The field of interaction design is always changing based on psychological, social, economic, and cultural factors that shape our world. And as the world changes, designers imagine new ways to interact with computers within systems, services, products, and spaces, to elevate the user experience.
In the Interaction Design advanced diploma program, we'll address a range of relevant topics, including mixed realities, immersive environments, usability, spatial relations, and human factors. Our program places an emphasis on usability testing, research, collaboration, and real-world projects, giving you an invaluable hands-on learning experience.
Your Field Education Options
Students with an overall grade point average of 3.3 or higher by the end of semester 4 and a B+ on the portfolio assignment (semester 5, GRAF3014) will be eligible for the Field Placement course (GRAF3017) in semester 6.
Learn more about Experiential Learning at the School of Design including how to apply, important dates, workflow, and PLAR eligibility.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Educational Pathways
Courses
Required Courses
SEMESTER 1
| Code | Course Name | Prerequisite |
|---|---|---|
| INTR 1001 | 2D Visualization | |
| INTR 1002 | Information Architecture 1 | |
| INTR 1003 | Visual Design | |
| INTR 1005 | Technical Drawing 1 | |
| INTR 1006 | Interactive Systems | |
| COMM 2000 | Communicating Across Contexts** |
SEMESTER 2
| Code | Course Name | Prerequisite |
|---|---|---|
| INTR 1011 | 3D Visualization 1 | INTR 1001 |
| INTR 1012 | Information Architecture 2 | INTR 1002 |
| INTR 1013 | Information Design | INTR 1003 |
| INTR 1015 | Technical Drawing 2 | INTR 1005 |
| INTR 2004 | Usability Testing | INTR 1002 |
| INTR 1007 | Design, Technology and Humans | INTR 1003 |
SEMESTER 3
| Code | Course Name | Prerequisite |
|---|---|---|
| INTR 1014 | Cognitive Ergonomics | INTR 2004 |
| INTR 2001 | 3D Visualization 2 | INTR 1011 |
| INTR 2002 | Interface Development 1 | INTR 1012 |
| INTR 2003 | Communicating Design | INTR 1013 |
| INTR 2005 | Branding and Marketing Strategies | INTR 1015 |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
SEMESTER 4
| Code | Course Name | Prerequisite |
|---|---|---|
| INTR 2011 | 3D Visualization 3 | INTR 2001 |
| INTR 2012 | Interface Development 2 | INTR 2002 |
| INTR 2013 | Physical Interfaces | INTR 2003 and INTR 1006 |
| INTR 2016 | Design Process and Management | INTR 2003 |
| INTR 3004 | Ergonomics in Design | INTR 1014 |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
SEMESTER 5
| Code | Course Name | Prerequisite |
|---|---|---|
| INTR 3002 | Device Development 1 | INTR 2012 |
| INTR 3006 | Portfolio 1 | INTR 2016 |
| INTR 3008 | Interactive Systems Project 1 | INTR 2016 |
| INTR 3010 | Immersive Media 1 | INTR 2012 and INTR 2013 |
| INTR 3013 | Human Computer Interaction | INTR 3004 |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
SEMESTER 6
| Code | Course Name | Prerequisite |
|---|---|---|
| INTR 3012 | Device Development 2 | INTR 3002 |
| INTR 3018 | Interactive Systems Project 2 | INTR 3008 |
| INTR 3020 | Immersive Media 2 | INTR 3010 |
| INTR 3024 | Interaction Design Studio Lab | INTR 3008 |
| INTR 3016 | Portfolio 2 | INTR 3006 |
| or | ||
| INTR 3030 | Field Placement | INTR 3006 |
** Based on the results of your placement test, you may be required to take COMM 1000 (Introduction to College Communication) before progressing to COMM 2000. COMM 1000 does not count as a course required for graduation, and you will be charged for this extra course. Please visit Assessment Centre for more information.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate demonstrates the ability to:
- Collaborate in a team environment with various stakeholders to design multi-disciplinary products and services.
- Apply the appropriate tools that allow for designing, building, visualizing and programming digital interactive experiences.
- Assess the requirements of a complex interactive media project.
- Plan the development and execution of an interaction design project in response to resource and budgetary requirements.
- Design a complex media project (interface, navigation, graphics, text treatment) using best practice design and development principles, and applying conceptual and theoretical frameworks.
- Make interactive products, environments, systems and services using appropriate technologies, materials and manufacturing methods.
- Perform all work in compliance with regulations, legislation, security policies, industry standards and codes of ethics.
- Use research skills to assess and inform optimal digital user experience within interactive interfaces.
- Apply creative and innovative thinking techniques to manage change and solve design problems.
- Make recommendations based on human computer interaction design guidelines to improve user experiences with interaction design.
- Design an interactive product or service that delivers a usable interactive experience.
- Contribute to a variety of interactive platforms and environments, incorporating the principles and elements of design.
- Create a design solution in accordance with strategies, recommendations and state-of-the art methodologies.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
International Tuition
Additional Costs
*Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials (non-refundable), student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2023. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2024 and at later dates. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
** Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2024. Tuition fees are subject to board approval. Material, student service and ancillary fees are estimated based on prior years. All fees are subject to change without notice. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are selected on the basis of their academic achievement, including the required courses, and any other selection criteria outlined below.
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent**
- Grade 12 English (C or U)
- Application questionnaire *
- Portfolio *
* Qualified applicants will be invited to complete the application questionnaire electronically. Details on the application questionnaire will be communicated at a later date to qualified applicants, as part of the review process.
** Mature Student Status (19 years of age or older and no OSSD)
Mature students may take the Admissions Assessment for English OR may consider upgrading to achieve the credit(s) needed in English.
Please note that George Brown is committed to ensuring that applicants will succeed in their program of choice and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Applicants may be required to have grades higher than the minimum requirements stated.
Course Exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit the Transfer Guide for more information.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown College Online Application System.
Contact Us
School of Design
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 3129
Email: interaction@georgebrown.ca
Program Co-ordinator: Toni Allen, ext. 3281 or toni.allen@georgebrown.ca.
For more information about George Brown College, you may also call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 (TTY 1-877-515-5559) or long distance 1-800-265-2002.
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page
Visit Our Campus
This program is part of our School of Design, located at our Waterfront Campus, at 3 Lower Jarvis St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
School of Design Building
The School of Design resides in a new 103,000-square-foot facility in the Daniels Waterfront – City of the Arts development. This state-of-the-art building supports academic programs and industry projects with features such as:
- virtual and augmented reality lab
- usability and testing lab
- Future Ways of Living lab
- peer tutor lab
- digital sandbox
- incubators
- prototyping and workshop spaces
- design and innovation showcase spaces
Come and have your questions answered, learn about the program content and career options, meet your friendly professors and staff and experience what it is like to be in a George Brown College classroom at one of our information sessions. You can also book a campus tour or explore our virtual tour.
Interaction Design Program (G113)
Program Description
Program Overview
Interaction Design is an interdisciplinary field merging design skills such as user experience, interface development and graphic design with coding fundamentals to create meaningful experiences between the user and digital platforms such as social media, websites, wearables and mobile devices.
Full Description
As a student in the Interaction Design program, you will merge design skills such as user experience, interface development and visual design with programming to create meaningful experiences between the user, digital and physical platforms, such as websites, wearables and mobile devices.
Modified by the psychological, social, economic and cultural factors that shape our present and future world, this ever-evolving field envisions new ways of human-computer interaction within systems, services, products and spaces across multiple industries.
Throughout the Interaction Design program, you will be expected to address topics including mixed realities, immersive environments, usability, spatial relations and human factors. An emphasis on usability testing, research, collaboration and real-world projects distinguishes this program.
Your Field Education Options
Students with an overall grade point average of 3.3 or higher by the end of semester 4 and a B+ on the portfolio assignment (semester 5, GRAF3014) will be eligible for the Field Placement course (GRAF3017) in semester 6.
Learn more about Experiential Learning at the School of Design including how to apply, important dates, workflow, and PLAR eligibility.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Educational Pathways
Courses
Required Courses
SEMESTER 1
| Code | Course Name | Prerequisite |
|---|---|---|
| INTR 1001 | 2D Visualization | |
| INTR 1002 | Information Architecture 1 | |
| INTR 1003 | Visual Design | |
| INTR 1005 | Technical Drawing 1 | |
| INTR 1006 | Interactive Systems | |
| COMM 2000 | Communicating Across Contexts** |
SEMESTER 2
| Code | Course Name | Prerequisite |
|---|---|---|
| INTR 1011 | 3D Visualization 1 | INTR 1001 |
| INTR 1012 | Information Architecture 2 | INTR 1002 |
| INTR 1013 | Information Design | INTR 1003 |
| INTR 1015 | Technical Drawing 2 | INTR 1005 |
| INTR 2004 | Usability Testing | INTR 1002 |
| INTR 1007 | Design, Technology and Humans | INTR 1003 |
SEMESTER 3
| Code | Course Name | Prerequisite |
|---|---|---|
| INTR 1014 | Cognitive Ergonomics | INTR 2004 |
| INTR 2001 | 3D Visualization 2 | INTR 1011 |
| INTR 2002 | Interface Development 1 | INTR 1012 |
| INTR 2003 | Communicating Design | INTR 1013 |
| INTR 2005 | Branding and Marketing Strategies | INTR 1015 |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
SEMESTER 4
| Code | Course Name | Prerequisite |
|---|---|---|
| INTR 2011 | 3D Visualization 3 | INTR 2001 |
| INTR 2012 | Interface Development 2 | INTR 2002 |
| INTR 2013 | Physical Interfaces | INTR 2003 and INTR 1006 |
| INTR 2016 | Design Process and Management | INTR 2003 |
| INTR 3004 | Ergonomics in Design | INTR 1014 |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
SEMESTER 5
| Code | Course Name | Prerequisite |
|---|---|---|
| INTR 3002 | Device Development 1 | INTR 2012 |
| INTR 3006 | Portfolio 1 | INTR 2016 |
| INTR 3008 | Interactive Systems Project 1 | INTR 2016 |
| INTR 3010 | Immersive Media 1 | INTR 2012 and INTR 2013 |
| INTR 3013 | Human Computer Interaction | INTR 3004 |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
SEMESTER 6
| Code | Course Name | Prerequisite |
|---|---|---|
| INTR 3012 | Device Development 2 | INTR 3002 |
| INTR 3018 | Interactive Systems Project 2 | INTR 3008 |
| INTR 3020 | Immersive Media 2 | INTR 3010 |
| INTR 3024 | Interaction Design Studio Lab | INTR 3008 |
| INTR 3016 | Portfolio 2 | INTR 3006 |
| or | ||
| INTR 3030 | Field Placement | INTR 3006 |
** Based on the results of your placement test, you may be required to take COMM 1000 (Introduction to College Communication) before progressing to COMM 2000. COMM 1000 does not count as a course required for graduation, and you will be charged for this extra course. Please visit Assessment Centre for more information.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate demonstrates the ability to:
- Collaborate in a team environment with various stakeholders to design multi-disciplinary products and services.
- Apply the appropriate tools that allow for designing, building, visualizing and programming digital interactive experiences.
- Assess the requirements of a complex interactive media project.
- Plan the development and execution of an interaction design project in response to resource and budgetary requirements.
- Design a complex media project (interface, navigation, graphics, text treatment) using best practice design and development principles, and applying conceptual and theoretical frameworks.
- Make interactive products, environments, systems and services using appropriate technologies, materials and manufacturing methods.
- Perform all work in compliance with regulations, legislation, security policies, industry standards and codes of ethics.
- Use research skills to assess and inform optimal digital user experience within interactive interfaces.
- Apply creative and innovative thinking techniques to manage change and solve design problems.
- Make recommendations based on human computer interaction design guidelines to improve user experiences with interaction design.
- Design an interactive product or service that delivers a usable interactive experience.
- Contribute to a variety of interactive platforms and environments, incorporating the principles and elements of design.
- Create a design solution in accordance with strategies, recommendations and state-of-the art methodologies.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
International Tuition
Additional Costs
*Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials (non-refundable), student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2022. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2023 and at later dates.
** Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2023. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2024 and at later dates.
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are selected on the basis of their academic achievement, including the required courses, and any other selection criteria outlined below.
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent**
- Grade 12 English (C or U)
- Application questionnaire *
- Portfolio *
* Qualified applicants will be invited to complete the application questionnaire electronically. Details on the application questionnaire will be communicated at a later date to qualified applicants, as part of the review process.
** Mature Student Status (19 years of age or older and no OSSD)
Mature students may take the Admissions Assessment for English, OR may consider upgrading to achieve the credit(s) needed in English.
Please note that George Brown is committed to ensuring that applicants will succeed in their program of choice and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Applicants may be required to have grades higher than the minimum requirements stated.
Course Exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit the Transfer Guide for more information.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown College Online Application System.
Contact Us
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 3129
Email: interaction@georgebrown.ca
Program Co-ordinator: Xavier Masse, ext. 3281 or xmasse@georgebrown.ca.
For more information about George Brown College, you may also call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 (TTY 1-877-515-5559) or long distance 1-800-265-2002.
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page
Visit Our Campus
This program is part of our School of Design, located at our Waterfront Campus, at 3 Lower Jarvis St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
The School of Design resides in a new 103,000-square-foot facility in the Daniels Waterfront – City of the Arts development. This state-of-the-art building supports academic programs and industry projects with features such as:
- virtual and augmented reality lab
- usability and testing lab
- Future Ways of Living lab
- peer tutor lab
- digital sandbox
- incubators
- prototyping and workshop spaces
- design and innovation showcase spaces
Come and have your questions answered, learn about the program content and career options, meet your friendly professors and staff and experience what it is like to be in a George Brown College classroom at one of our information sessions. You can also book a campus tour or explore our virtual tour.
