General Information

Information design is the art and science of preparing or “designing” information so that it can be used by human beings with efficiency and effectiveness. Information design applies traditional and evolving design principles to the process of translating complex, unorganized, or unstructured data into valuable meaningful information. In short, information designers design understanding and there are few, if any, occupations that do not feel the influence and benefits of good information design.

An information designer works in a variety of settings. These include working with strategic digital communications companies to develop Web-based applications, designing and conducting usability tests, or working with multimedia, publishing, and other knowledge management products. Information designers must have skill in writing and understand the central importance of typography in how to produce understandable and attractive documents ranging from operating instructions, brochures, and training manuals to magazines and style guides. In all cases, information designers place their focus on the user and understand the importance of usability research. Finally, the study of ethics is fundamental to information design. Information designers understand how people who read and use information must be treated with dignity and how their work can affect various constituencies - from co-workers to customers to the general public - and even the environment itself. A key strength for Information Design graduates is their ability to conceptualize procedure and compete in the global marketplace.

The interdisciplinary curriculum of the Bachelor of Communication - Information Design degree responds directly to current market trends. The degree combines skills in graphic design, typography, writing, project management, instructional design, human performance technology, and human factors that reach far beyond traditional programs in design, technical communication, or publishing. Information Design is also interdisciplinary and students will work with other communication students in Journalism or Public Relations and will complete work experience in a variety of settings. The intent of the curriculum is to prepare graduates who can not only work formatively and creatively, but also understand how to work using scientific and didactical methods as part of the field of communication research. As a result, information retrieval techniques and information assessment are central to the program and provide expertise in areas pertaining to research methods and usability.

Student Conduct

Information Design students are expected to adhere to the Code of Ethics and Professional Practices, to which all students at Mount Royal are expected to practice. Any deliberate breaches will result in disciplinary action with transgressions being equated to academic dishonesty, and with consequences as outlined in the Mount Royal Code of Student Conduct at mtroyal.ca/studentconduct.

Continuance in the Program

Students accepted into the Bachelor of Communication program are subject to all Mount Royal policies and regulations relating to baccalaureate degrees and continuance.

Residency Requirements

A minimum of 50 percent of the course requirements for the degree must be completed as a registered student of Mount Royal, not including the required non-credit work experience.

Communication Work Experience

For graduation purposes, Information Design students are required to complete one, non-credit, semester-long supervised work experience (with a 12 full time work week minimum) in the communications field during their program. To be eligible, all students must complete a range of prerequisites. Because work experience involves professional placements, the program chair can, for a fixed period, deny eligibility to any student who has acted in an inappropriate and unprofessional manner during the preparation phase. Any student who receives a work experience assessment of Fail for exhibiting professional misconduct may be required to withdraw from the program, subject to terms of the Student Code of Conduct.

General Admission Requirements

All students must meet the general admission requirements for Mount Royal University programs, as indicated in the Admission  section of this calendar.

Additional Admission Requirements

In addition to meeting the general admission requirements indicated in the Admission  section of this calendar, applicants must also satisfy the following criteria:

Academic Course Requirements

The following specific courses (or equivalencies) with the specified minimum grades are required for admission into the Bachelor of Communication - Information Design program.

• English Language Arts 30-1 - 60%

Although Conditional Admission may be granted in advance of receipt of final/official transcripts, confirmation of the achievement of specified minimum grades will take place after all final/official transcripts have been received by the University. Applicants who do not meet these minimum grade requirements will be denied admission.

Additional Criteria

In addition to meeting all academic admission requirements, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Interview with information design faculty

Transfer Credit

Students who have completed, in good standing, a diploma in a related field such as technical design or multimedia from Medicine Hat, Mount Royal, NAIT, SAIT, or other Universities in Alberta or other provinces, may be eligible for transfer credit. Information Design is a distinct discipline and students considering transfer must appreciate the importance of the need for required foundation courses in writing and design theory.