The study of Design combines an understanding of human needs and desires, forming creative solutions, prototyping and developing artefacts and evaluating their impact and effectiveness in society. It comprises a well-balanced combination of analytical, technological and creative abilities. Bachelor of Design (BDes) graduates are trained to use a variety of skills to operate in a wide range of social contexts using a diverse array of media. During your studies, you will develop a comprehensive understanding of Design and its role in the process of innovation. The Bachelor of Design offers three majors: Communication Design, Interface Design, and Media Design. As a BDes graduate you will have the capability to articulate effective design solutions in the contemporary technological context. You will have a solid understanding of design methods and theories together with advanced technical skills. Training in Design is suitable for both school leavers as well as mature learners wishing to enhance their skills. Students within the programme develop knowledge in a broad range of industry standard software, while using the latest digital technology. Contact with the Design industry is encouraged, and students will have opportunities to interact with Design professionals during their study. Students who graduate with a Design degree from Waikato have proven to be capable performers in the design industry. In addition to career opportunities in Design, Waikato graduates have a broad range of options to choose from with further research in Design possible at graduate and postgraduate levels. Communication Design Communication Design is concerned with visually communicating messages and ideas across multiple media platforms. As a communication designer, you will work to combine type and image to attract an audience's attention and deliver your client's messages. Communication designers work in areas such as branding, environmental graphics, wayfinding systems, editorial design (newspapers, magazines, books), catalogues, museum displays and every aspect of our visual landscape where there is a communication need. You will find communication designers working in digital mediums too, and the Communication Design major offers opportunities for you to learn web design and motion graphic design as well. Interface Design User experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design for current and emerging technologies will be taught, along with the development of digital skills of coding, motion design, and information design. This will prepare you to work in fast-growing areas such as editorial design for web and mobile, publication websites, mobile apps, data visualisation and the design and development of digital products. UI design usually refers to the design of graphical user interfaces for different types of machines and software, but can also apply to other types of interfaces, such as natural and voice user interfaces. Media Design Studying Media Design will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the theory, research and design of multi-modal media content for screen and multi-media platforms. You will learn about different tools and techniques such as 2D and 3D animation, film and video production, and motion graphics. As a media designer, you will focus on key design principles associated with the creation, construction and production of audio-visual media content for effective communication. Career opportunities Design companies Web design and development Mobile design and UI / UX Interactive media design industries Games industries Television graphics Post-production companies