Graphic Design, B.F.A. at Northeastern Illinois University

Design thinking employs a mix of critical thinking and creativity to re-evaluate problems to come up with innovative ideas towards improving products and services. Many global corporations and governmental agencies have used design thinking for successful product innovation and resolution of complex service issues. The Graduate Certificate in Design Thinking has been developed with key industry collaboration to provide realistic insight into how creative approaches are used to generate innovative products and services around the world. You will employ human-centred design methods, which focus on user research, empathy mapping and customer insights in order to prototype possible solutions in a range of production and service situations. You will also be able to apply the practical skill sets by undertaking a real world client project as part of the course.

The Graduate Certificate of Design program has an interdisciplinary underlying theoretical basis, as it pertains to contemporary design practices and principles in new emerging professional environments. The core subjects of the course focus on in-depth exploration of design knowledge and an understanding of design and creative thinking practices, complemented with elective subjects from the Master of Business Administration and Global Project Management courses. The combination provides the learner with advanced knowledge and practical skills to operate in a global creative business environment.