Solve real problems. Build smarter digital solutions.
The goal of developing a digital product isn’t just to create one—it’s to solve a problem. In this 9-week online course, you’ll bring a real-world challenge of your choosing and learn how to use creative problem-solving, storytelling, and AI-powered tools to design effective digital solutions.
By the end of the course, you’ll have produced a Development Brief — a practical roadmap you can use to guide teams, align stakeholders, and set up your next digital product for success.
You may qualify for a grant that covers the cost of this course. Apply for your grant.
Why Take This Course?
Learn Creative Problem Solving
Use storytelling, design, and world-building techniques to clarify your challenge and define what success looks like.
Advance Your AI Skills
Combine Generative AI with strategic foresight tools to analyze your problem space and uncover critical success factors.
Work Your Problem
Apply frameworks and assignments directly to your own scenario, gaining hands-on experience with solution design.
Build Solution Frameworks That Last
Create multiple approaches, evaluate trade-offs, and select the most effective digital product opportunity for your team or organization.
Who Should Enroll?
This course is for professionals and leaders across industries who are involved in acquiring, managing, or developing digital products. While scenarios often draw from creative and tech contexts, the principles apply broadly.
- Executives leading digital transformation initiatives
- Department managers acquiring or implementing digital tools for their teams
- Marketing managers developing websites or customer apps
- Content developers producing digital media (visual, audio, video, AR/VR, and/or interactive)
- Special project leads managing new digital product initiatives
- Students or early-career professionals preparing for internships and practicums
- Entrepreneurs and venture leaders launching new products or services
What You'll Learn
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Produce a Development Brief to guide digital product teams
- Apply storytelling and creative problem-solving to frame success
- Use AI-supported discovery and foresight tools to analyze problems
- Build and compare multiple solution frameworks before choosing the best one
- Make informed, data-driven decisions about digital media products
What You’ll Walk Away With
- A practical, professional Development Brief you can use to guide real digital projects
- Hands-on experience applying AI and strategic foresight to product development challenges
- Tools to evaluate digital solutions through multiple lenses before committing
- A stronger ability to lead, sponsor, or contribute to digital product initiatives in any sector
- An industry-recognized certificate of completion from Centre for Digital Media, DigiBC, and Simon Fraser University
Course Details
Program Dates: September 22 - November 24, 2025 (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, Simon Fraser University, 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.
FAQ
Do I need prior experience in digital product development?
No. This course is beginner-friendly and designed for professionals who work with, manage, or sponsor digital projects.
How much time will this course take each week?
Expect to spend ~5 hours per week, including a 90-minute live Zoom session and independent assignments.
Will this course teach me technical skills like coding or design?
No. The focus is on creative problem-solving, analysis, and decision-making — not on technical build skills.
What if I don’t have a current project?
You’ll be guided in selecting a real-world scenario, which could be from your workplace, a case study, or a future idea you’d like to explore.
What is a Development Brief?
It’s a professional roadmap that defines the problem you’re solving, outlines solution frameworks, and provides clear criteria to guide digital product teams.
Will I get a certificate?
Yes. Upon completion, you’ll receive an industry-recognized credential from Centre for Digital Media, in partnership with DigiBC and Simon Fraser University.
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
Digital media products—from the software in airports to apps on our phones—are omnipresent, but how do they work? This course provides a clear understanding of the essential components of digital media development. Designed for non-technical professionals, it equips you with the knowledge to work effectively with technical teams without needing to be a developer.
What You’ll Learn
Identify the technical components of modern digital products.
Understand the phases and roles in the software development process.
Plan for the maintenance and evolution of digital products post-launch.
Understand the trade-offs of different development approaches.
Contribute meaningfully to technical discussions.
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.
Courses:
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!
