Course Overview
Design is described as a work process which has a user perspective and drives development based on specific customers’ needs. In a very simple definition, design can be described as the creation of a plan or convention for the construction of an object or a system. Professionals in this field may be referred to as designers among other titles. Designers devise and execute designs for art works, space, clothes and machines among other products. These professionals are responsible for creating unique and functional designs in various fields such as; fashion design, graphic design, industrial design and interior design among other areas. They manage the communication process, from understanding the client’s problem to finding the solution. In other words, designers develop and implement overall communication strategies for their clients with an objective of making life better through design and creation of better products and environment.
The Bachelor of Arts in Design is a four year course that teaches students how to devise and produce objects, places, spaces and processes in response to social, economic & technical needs and desires. The course is clustered in various speciality areas such as; textile design, graphic design, interior design, product design & illustration. As part of the design process, during the final year of the course, students are required to major in either two dimensional or three dimensional areas of design. The course is designed to prepare the students to work as independent artists and designers or industry employed practitioners. The programme aims to develop graduates who combine discipline specific knowledge and skills with an understanding of the cultural, conceptual and technological perspectives that are transforming the creative industries. Students will have the attributes required for reflective professional practice and a commitment to ongoing professional learning and development. Upon successful completion of the course, graduates can take leading roles as; graphic designers, fashion designers, interior designers, industrial designers or even illustrators.
Entry requirement
For self sponsored students, at least a mean grade of C+ in KCSE. For Government sponsored students, the minimum cut point which is announced annually applies. The students should in addition have good performance in the following cluster subjects; Subject 1MAT A, Subject 2 any GROUP II, Subject 3 any GROUP III, Subject 4 2nd GROUP II or 2nd GROUP III or a GROUP IV or any GROUP V.
Becoming a designer
If you are creative and have passion for design process and want a career that can enable you develop designs that can improve our lives and environments, then pursuing this course might be a good choice for you. In addition you will be required to develop skills that can enable you succeed in this profession.
Designers must have excellent critical thinking skills and be able to look at their work from the consumer’s point of view and examine how the designs they develop will be perceived by the consumer to ensure they convey the client’s desired message and offer solutions to their client’s problems. Their work also requires good artistic skills in order to create designs that are artistically interesting and appealing to clients and consumers as well; this involves processes such as rough illustrations of design ideas, either by hand sketching or by using a computer program. Designers must also have good interpersonal skills and be able to develop cooperative working relationships with clients and colleagues who specialize in related disciplines.
These professionals must be effective communicators and be able to communicate effectively with clients, customers and other designers to ensure that their designs accurately reflect the desired message and effectively express information. Modern design process has embraced computer technology, designers must therefore be able to use specialized Computer Aided design (CAD) software to prepare their designs. Designers are creative and imaginative people capable of bringing ideas and opportunities together in ways that were not initially obvious, as an aspiring designer, you must have this skill. Design work requires objectivity to enable the designer assess his work and view himself through the eyes of others with a realistic understanding of your capabilities. Having passion in this field will give you an edge against your competitors.
Work environment
Graduates of this course can work both in offices as well as jobsites depending on one’s area of specialization.
Career opportunities
Depending on one specialization, graduates of this course can work as Graphic designers within media houses, design agency, manufacturing industry, printing firms etc. They can also find jobs as fabric, textile or upholstery designers. Those interested in interior design can work as interior designers who can plan & decorate spaces for home, office or commercial use. Other areas of employment include; publishing houses, game industry, advertising, film industry, manufacturing industries etc. Those who specialize in product design can work within manufacturing industries to produce prototypes for mass production. Graduates can also start their own ventures.
You may explore these courses.
Bachelor of Technology in Design
Bachelor of Architectural Technology
Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design, With IT
Bachelor of Science in Clothing Textile & Interior Design
Bachelor of Science in Fashion Design & Marketing
Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art & Design
Bachelor of Science in Graphic, Communication and Advertising