The purpose of developing a digital product is not simply to create a digital product — it’s to solve a problem. So, what problem do you want to solve?
In this course, you will tackle a real-world challenge of your choosing and learn how to leverage digital products to achieve your desired results. In today’s digitized economy, almost every problem has a digital component to its solution. You’ll apply creative problem-solving techniques to explore the context of the situation, envision success, and build a solution framework that drives growth and excellence.This experience will enhance your ability to manage digital products while developing essential problem-solving competencies that lead to career growth and leadership opportunities.
Why Take This Course?
Learn Creative Problem Solving
Apply story, world-building, and design to explore your problem and frame a clear vision of what success looks like.
Advance Your AI Skills
Combine Generative-AI with strategic foresight tools to create structured insights that identify the critical success factors required to solve your problem.
Work Your Problem
Acquire hands on experience through practical assignments and a development brief you use to solve the problem you bring to class.
Build Powerful Solution Frameworks
Define the performance system and digital media products you need in place to deliver a complete solution for you and your team.
Who Should Enroll?
This course helps people who acquire and manage digital products for their team ensure they choose the right digital product to develop. By understanding the broader context of the problem they are solving, they ensure the digital product will really help them achieve their performance objectives. This includes:
- Executives leading digital transformation initiatives.
- Department Managers acquiring and managing software as a service (SaaS) products for their team.
- Marketing Managers developing websites, microsites and customer service apps.
- Content Developers developing digital media content (visual, audio, video, immersive, XR, interactive) for promotion, training and educational use.
- Special Project Leaders assigned to lead the development, acquisition and implementation of new digital products for their organization.
- Students who want to enhance the impact from internships and practicums.
- New Venture Leaders who are launching start-ups, new products or service offerings.
What You'll Learn
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Produce a Development Brief to guide digital media projects.
- Apply storytelling techniques to define success.
- Use AI and strategic foresight tools for problem analysis.
- Develop multiple solution frameworks before selecting the best one.
- Make data-driven decisions in digital media development.
Course Details
Program Dates: September 24 - November 19 (see syllabus for details)
Duration: 9-weeks
Course Format: Each week will include a combination of asynchronous work (reviewing instructor-led videos, pre-recorded interviews with industry professionals, assigned readings, and completing assignments) and a one-hour group video call with the instructor. Coursework should not exceed more than 5 hours/week.
Cost: $900
Industry Recognized Certificate
You will receive an award of achievement from Centre for Digital Media and DigiBC upon completion of all courses, which is recognized by association members.
Meet the Instructor
After completing a BA at Royal Roads Military College and an MBA from the University of Alberta, Shawn read Robert Cooper’s book, Winning at New Products and awakened a passion for creative, high impact, product development. This passion led to a breadth of leadership roles over the past 27 years ranging from the world of jet engines and advanced materials manufacturing into environmental, life sciences and digital technologies. After using this experience to help found, set-up and grow the Digital Supercluster as VP, Strategic Foresight, Shawn returned to the private sector to incubate new creative ventures in his studio, Ravenhenge. When not working, Shawn enjoys exploring the great outdoors and is a big fan of cinnamon buns. They’re delicious.
Building Blocks of Digital Media
This course is part of an advanced upskilling program is designed for professionals who want to incorporate digital media and generative AI into their workflows.
Gain a practical understanding of digital media technologies and develop skills to build or contribute to digital projects in your industry. Designed by industry for newcomers to digital media or for managers, this 4-course program will provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to develop your own digital products as well as oversee a digital product development team in your organization.
Future Courses
Courses can be taken individually and in any order—except for Applications of Digital Media—which must be completed last.
Course Delivery: Online, asynchronous learning with weekly synchronous virtual sessions.
9 weeks per course (excluding Applications of Digital Media), with 4 hours of self-study and 1-hour synchronous virtual session weekly.
Weekly Time Commitment: 5 hours/week
Duration: 45 hours
9 weeks | 4 hours of self-study and 1 hour synchronous virtual per week
Discover how generative AI can transform workflows across industries. Learn how to integrate AI into daily tasks, enhance productivity, and support technical development without the need for advanced technical skills.
Duration: 45 hours
9 weeks | 4 hours of self-study and 1 hour synchronous virtual per week
Choose from a selection of electives focused on digital media and creative technology. Options include Centre for Digital Media courses, Emily Carr University Creative Tech Microcredentials, or DigiBC-endorsed programs. Tailor your learning to your specific career goals with flexible elective options.
More details to come
90 hours
9 weeks | 4 hours of self-study and 1 hour synchronous virtual per week, plus 9 weeks of self-directed project work with mentorship
Apply what you've learned from the previous courses by planning and executing a digital media project. In the first half, learn the essentials of project planning. In the second half, develop your own project under mentorship, turning theoretical knowledge into a practical solution for your workplace.
Thrive in Today's Digital Workplace
Spaces are limited to ensure a focused learning experience. Take the next step in your career and secure your spot now!
