What is interactive design?
What will I learn?
You’ve got questions – we’ve got answers!


What is Interactive Design?

Interactive Design is the study of devices with which a user can interact, in particular computer users.

What careers are involved in interactive design?

There are a broad range of job opportunities in the field of interactive media and web design. Some of these career prospects include:

  • Web Designer
  • Graphic Designer
  • Web Developer
  • Information Architect
  • Project Manager
  • Flash Developer
  • Database Designer

What is the Interactive Design Program?

The Interactive Design Program is a diploma program offered by Capilano University (previously Capilano College). It is a two-year, full-time program that teaches students how to be experts in the field of website design. This includes planning, building, and maintaining websites that are usable and beautiful!

What skills are involved?

A broad range of skills and abilities are involved in web design. These skills include theory of design, structural programming, markup skills, information architecture and much more.

What technologies are involved?

The program uses a variety of technologies. These technologies include but are not limited to PHP, MySQL, HTML, CSS and JavaScript. Software used in the program consist of programming IDE software such as BBedit and XCode, and other software from the latest Adobe line such as: Photoshop, Flash and Illustrator.

What are the benefits of the Interactive Design Program?

Through taking this course you will be taught be industry professionals who are at the top of their game with these skills and technologies. They will teach you the skills and technologies that are leading the web standards today. You will also be helped creating a portfolio and marketing skills to help you get a job when you are finished with the program.

Where is Capilano University?

The main campus of Capilano University is located in the beautiful North Vancouver. There are also campuses in Squamish and on the Sunshine Coast.

What is the learning environment like?

In the Interactive Design Lab is where nearly all of the instruction and practical work takes place. Each student can access their workstation 7 days a week. Students also have access to production computers and equipment for audio recording, editing and mixing; digital cameras to shoot, capture, edit and composite digital video and still images. To facilitate cross-platform development and testing, a usability testing suite is available to record screen and video footage of interactivity tests.

The Hub is used for online communication, conferencing and collaboration site. Students, staff, and faculty use the site for daily communications and for access to online course materials. Students receive course notes, submit assignments, hold discussions and plan course activities on The Hub. The Hub is a host for a number of user communities and departments. It enables us to collaborate and to communicate anywhere and everywhere. It is an integral part of the Interactive Design program.

How Can I apply to be apart of the Interactive Design Program?

Step 1 – Submit an Application

To Apply Online, click here.

You can also apply manually by picking an application up from the Registrar’s Office at the main campus in North Vancouver or any of the other campuses. Completed applications must be accompanied by the appropriate application fee, document evaluation fee (where required), official transcripts and other pertinent documents.

Please send your application to:

Registrar’s Office
Capilano College, Birch building, room 230
2055 Purcell Way, North Vancouver, B.C. V7J 3H5
Tel: 604.984.4900
Fax: 604.984.1798

Step Two – Submit Interview Documents

Please have these documents handed in before attending your scheduled interview:

Mandatory interview documents:

  • completed application for admission form
  • resume (send directly to the department)
  • copies of transcripts

Optional interview documents:

  • letters of reference

Step Three – The Interview

The interview includes small group interaction, written questionnaire, and showing of 2-3 samples of your work.

How long is the interactive design program at Capilano University?

The program is a total of 2 years in length (summer semester off). At the end of the program you will come out with a range of experience from graphic design and web development to rich media.  On completion of the program, the student will receive a Diploma.