What is design?
Design empowers the individual to tap into their personal creative process and produce products and solutions that will assist humans in going about their everyday lives.
In its simplest form, design focuses on the planning and modelling that forms the foundation of the creative process. The opportunities are endless, as almost every product around you has been brought to life through an implementation of the design process.
The field of design focuses heavily on the design process. Designers are required to consider every phase of product or service usage, from initial implementation all the way through to continued use and the full lifecycle of the product.
Initially, designers may consider ways in which an aspect of life can be improved. They examine all sides of the issue, and create a product, service or idea that is capable of delivering that identified improvement.
Designers may also assess products that have already been created and look for ways they can be further developed or enhanced. These improvements could range from the aesthetic to the functional.
There’s a design role for almost every field, which makes it an excellent choice to stretch your creativity in a range of areas.
Design has been incorporated into industries as diverse as healthcare, automotive, information technology, construction, media and more.
As technology has evolved, so too has design. Computer-aided design systems are now an integral part of design work. Not only does design involve adapting to new and innovative systems to produce products, but design is also a key part of the production of such innovative systems in the first place.
What does a designer do?
The field of design incorporates a heavy focus on problem-solving. Designers from all fields are frequently required to examine a problem, assess potential solutions, and then design and implement products that will meet that need.
Designers apply design thinking principles to meet needs across various industries. Their outputs could range from the creation of an ergonomic chair to the design of a new patient management system in the healthcare sector, or a more environmentally friendly means of constructing a living room. Designers are involved in the creation of tangible products, software and information technology systems, as well as programs designed to assist individuals or groups with a social or educational issue.
Design relies on a strong element of creativity. As a designer, you’ll become used to looking at things from every angle, and considering unique ways to create, improve or even reimagine. You’ll put this creativity into practice by producing designs for new objects and systems that change the way people live, interact and function.
As a designer, you’ll collaborate with numerous individuals. Liaising with industry stakeholders, colleagues and consumers, you will need excellent communication skills.
You’ll also be up to date with various trends within your chosen industry. Research skills are a must for designers, as they strive to produce new and original ideas. You’ll develop an in-depth knowledge of the needs of consumers and businesses and be ready to innovate to meet those needs.
Designers are resilient, and practised at testing, reworking and going back to the drawing board. You’ll have the confidence to build on previous attempts, and tackle design issues head on, ultimately leading to an improved product or experience.
Explore your study options in Design
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Become a skilled communicator with a strong understanding of human behaviour and knowledge, grounded in diverse studies of people, places and politics. Immerse yourself in cultural perspectives and history and be the one who advocates for important social causes. Go beyond a single field — your advanced critical thinking and transferable skills are valuable in every workplace.
Download Brochure- Townsville: February, July
- Cairns: February, July
- Online: February, July
Become a legal professional with versatile skills across legal systems and principles, as well as strong sociocultural understandings. Gain extensive legal insights and experience through the Legal Placement elective as well as in mock trials and the 'moot' e-court. Your Arts subjects will lead you through investigations of our societies' issues, triumphs and histories so that you can apply analytical and communication skills to current events and legal scenarios.
Download Brochure- Townsville: February, July
- Cairns: February, July
- Online: February, July
Build your capacity for critical analysis and develop a strong knowledge and skill base across the arts and sciences. Select majors and electives that align with your interests, preparing you for diverse career opportunities. Develop practical skills for real-world research as well as advanced communication skills applicable to various arts, humanities and scientific fields.
Download Brochure- Townsville: February, July
- Cairns: February, July
Enhance your career and develop specialist management, leadership and innovation skills to meet the demands of modern technology-driven business environments. You’ll be equipped to lead progress within the information technology and business spheres.
Download Brochure- Cairns: January, May, September
- Brisbane: January, May, September
Design and build innovative solutions to the problems of tomorrow. Gain hands-on experience in information technology with advanced critical analysis skills and comprehensive knowledge of tools and technologies. Learn from leading industry experts who can develop your expertise in computing, business informatics, and interactive technologies and game design.
Download Brochure- Cairns: January, May, September
- Brisbane: January, March, May, July, September, November
What jobs are there in design?
Design is a broad industry, and you’ll be spoilt for choice with job opportunities. Much will depend on your subject specialisation, but there are numerous career options.
Studying Design and Creative Arts through the Bachelor of Arts at JCU equips you with the foundational skills to contribute design and artistic innovation to almost any sector in society.
You’ll develop the ability to visually interpret ideas and communicate information in an engaging manner. Your out-of-the-box thinking will make you an asset to multiple industries.
With a JCU Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Design and Creative Arts, you may find yourself in positions such as:
- Graphic designer
- Product designer
- Illustrator
- Web designer
- Digital editor
- Animator
- Urban design planner
- Research and development coordinator
- Design teacher
- Industrial designer.
Why study Design at JCU?
Design at JCU will provide you with the skills and expertise to bring your ideas to life. Studying Design and Creative Arts through the Bachelor of Arts at JCU will see you develop a thorough understanding of core design principles and practices, as well as the technical equipment that your chosen industry relies on.
JCU students learn to understand the relationship between humans and the digital and creative worlds. You will learn to combine your natural creativity with industry relevant innovation methods. The work you produce will contribute to human understanding, performance or lifestyle.
You’ll benefit from the JCU Work Integrated Learning program, with the opportunity to work alongside professionals, and produce portfolio material that will assist you in your career development. The focus on professional practice will ensure you’re fully aware of strategies to help you get ahead, from funding schemes to grant writing and employment structures.
When you study Design at JCU, you’ll understand how art and design contributes to the world around you and feel confident to address the challenges and complexities of modern society.
With a design and innovation focus at JCU Townsville, and a visual arts and digital imaging focus at JCU Cairns, you’ve got the flexibility to specialise in the field where you want to make the statement. Explore our Bachelor of Arts and the Design and Creative Arts major today.
Associate Professor Robyn Glade-Wright
Lecturer and Researcher
College of Arts, Society and Education
"Every student has their own creative and unique characteristics and abilities, and we strive to support students to trust themselves and their artistic journey. Education and art are both important. At JCU we empower our students to pursue their artistic visions while educating them on how to achieve that vision through creative practices like innovation, inspiration and experimentation as well as professional practices like networking and communication.”