Bachelor of Design specialising in Ideation Design

South Africa

Students with a National Senior Certificate (NSC) stipulating entrance to a bachelor’s degree.

Special Admissions

We offer mature age exemption for Degrees, Diplomas and Higher Certificates programmes as per USAf requirements.

Applications from students who wish to gain access through RPL will be considered. The RPL process is described in the Inscape Admissions Policy and Inscape RPL Application form.

International Students

For admissions to bachelor’s degree: Higher Education South Africa (USAf) complete or conditional exemption certificate. A study permit in the name of Inscape Education Group is valid for the duration of the chosen course.

Students can enrol for the Bachelor of Design specialising in Ideation Design at Cape Town, or Pretoria campus.

Our programmes are quality assured and standardised across all Inscape campuses. Students who are accepted into certain degree specialisation programmes might be required to complete their 2nd and 3rd-year studies at another specialised Inscape campus.

1st year

Developing fundamental design skills to create design-savvy, critical thinkers form the foundation of first-year studies. Communication, Software and Leadership skills prepare students for intense second-year and third-year studies. Conceptual focus facilitates awareness of the integrated nature of design, advancing the unique thinking of our students. An appreciation of design history and context is a vital component in developing an understanding of complex influences on contemporary design and the need for sustainable design futures.  The fundamentals of the circular economy and circular design inform student design practice. The first year establishes fundamental building blocks for creative problem-solving.

2nd year

Discipline specific knowledge will be enhanced by studying human-centred design, information design and social studies focusing especially on social change and innovation. Ideation methodologies such as the scientific method, principles of innovation, Liedtka’s 4 stage cycle and generating, developing and testing ideas will secure a solid foundation in ideation. Further research in functional design and cultural studies including cultural interpretation will be covered. Applying theory to practice through an understanding of human behaviour studies including consumer behaviour, emotional intelligence and group dynamics. Application of ideation methodologies, processes, techniques and structures will secure design thinking, critical thinking and system analysis processes. Ideation also concentrates on data science, data analysis, and research. Synthesis of information is key and project planning including elements of work ethic, decision making, continuous learning, roles and responsibility and following instructions are essential skills that will be developed. Knowledge management, as well as aspects of prototyping, are covered. Advancing software skills and technical knowledge through a thorough course in Visual Presentations using software programs that promote verbal presentation skills. Equipping candidates with basic data capturing programs and graphic communication through the means of infographic creation and video production software programs. Data retrieval through Managing Workshops is an essential ideation tool. Developing an understanding of the business of design through the awareness of specialised business studies covering the modern society and economy, modern business contexts, business in society, various business models and performance. Further studies in organisational design, architecture and culture will prepare for relevant and current business conditions assisting the candidates to implement change management effectively.

SPECIALISATION 3rd year – DESIGN STYLE

Developing a signature ideation style by understanding transformative design, design management and strategic management. Idea generators will develop the ability to practise contextual thinking, interdisciplinary thinking and articulate world views. Further studies in analysis and inductive analytics will secure their innovative thinking abilities. Developing advanced knowledge and expert skills by forming a basic awareness and understanding of industrial psychology, globalisation, social studies, social impact and socioeconomics. Employing data sciences through data visualisation will assist in effective communication. The topics of business intelligence, product design and implementation, service design and implementation and strategic innovation strategies will be explored further. Awareness of the latest design technologies and innovations through practise in software assisting in data capturing through advanced data capturing skills and survey software assisting with analytical data capturing and visualisation. Developing an understanding of the guidelines and principles involved in running a design business. Promoting business vision, mission and values gives graduates the confidence and ‘know-how’ to start their own design initiatives based on a foundational knowledge of strategic development, marketing strategies, importance of branding and managing finances.

Articulation Options

Students who have graduated with a Bachelor of Design degree may apply to register for an Honours or Post Graduate Diploma in Graphic Design, Motion Graphics, Interaction Design or a related field. Institutional minimum requirements will apply.

As part of the Total Annual Fee you will receive:

Tuition including:

Ideation design graduates are ready to to work in established design studios, corporate environments and as freelance consultants, dealing with ideation projects and developmental initiatives that help companies grow.

Apply your knowledge and shape the industry in the following careers:

• Researcher
• Ideation Designer
• Strategist
• Data Visualiser
• Account Manager
• Strategic Design Lead
• Customer Experience (CX) Designer

Graduates enter into the sought-after specialization of idea generation, where they play a role in research analysis and data collection, strategy and creative design solution. They oversee the implementation, marketing and application of new ideas. This gives Ideation design graduates the option to work in established design studios, corporate environments and as freelance consultants, dealing with ideation projects and developmental initiatives that help companies grow. 

To apply for this course, please use the link below.