Design thinking is a human-centred approach to innovation. It integrates the needs of people, the possibilities of technology, and the requirements for business success. At Swinburne Online, design thinking is embedded in the curriculum of the Bachelor of Media Communication, helping students develop essential skills through real-world projects and activities. The notion of Design thinking brings creativity and adaptability to the centre stage, making this umbrella of degrees exciting, hands-on and malleable.
An example of this could be students tasked with creating social media campaigns that require technical proficiency and a deep understanding of audience engagement. For example; designing websites that are user-friendly and visually appealing, or developing marketing materials that communicate messages effectively – resonating with desired target audiences. These projects help students to think critically and creatively, while considering the end-user’s experience and needs at every step.
Benefits of a Design Thinking-focused Media Communication Degree
Design thinking fosters a mindset geared towards innovation and adaptability—key attributes in the media industry. This encourages students to approach problems with empathy, define challenges clearly, ideate multiple solutions, prototype, and test their ideas.
Here are some of the benefits of a design thinking-focused media communication degree
Creative Problem-Solving: Design thinking nurtures the ability to generate innovative solutions to complex problems. This is particularly valuable in media communication, where professionals must constantly adapt to new technologies and changing audience behaviours.
Critical Thinking: By engaging in design thinking processes, students develop strong analytical skills. They learn to critically assess situations, identify underlying issues, and devise strategic solutions—skills that are highly sought after in the media industry.
Enhanced Employability: Graduates with design thinking skills are better prepared to tackle the challenges of the media world. They are more adaptable and capable of taking on various roles, increasing their employability across sectors such as advertising, public relations, and media production.
Advertising: Creating Commercial Content with Clout
If you’re thinking of pursuing a Bachelor of Media and Communication with a major in advertising, Swinburne Online offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers everything from digital advertising trends to campaign planning.
The focus on design thinking allows students to create impactful content and campaigns, learning from industry leaders to gain practical skills to get you to the top.
What You Will Learn:
- Copywriting: Master the art of persuasive communication tailored to advertising.
- Campaign Planning: Develop advanced strategies for creating and implementing advertising campaigns.
- Client & Agency Management: Hone professional communication skills to effectively manage clients and projects.
- Professional Communication: Build interpersonal skills to manage agency and client relationships.
Media Studies: Captivate Your Audience
The Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies equips students with the ability to create engaging content across multiple platforms. Design thinking enhances their capacity to manage social media accounts, produce digital media projects, and write for various media outlets.
What You Will Learn:
- Professional Communication: Strengthen your ability to communicate professionally and effectively.
- Intercultural Communication: Understand and navigate communication in a multicultural context.
- Campaign Planning: Develop strategies for multi-platform PR campaigns.
- Writing: Learn to craft compelling content for different media.
- Digital Communities: Explore the impact of social media and online communities on communication.
Public Relations: Shaping Public Perception
A Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies with a focus on public relations prepares students to influence and manage public perception through strategic communication. Design thinking principles are applied to a myriad of future job skills, from event management to crisis communication.
What You Will Learn:
- Professional Communication: Develop confidence and skill in professional communication.
- Intercultural Communication: Communicate effectively across voices.
- Campaign & Events Planning: Plan and evaluate successful PR campaigns and events.
- Writing: Enhance your ability to engage and influence through writing.
- Digital Communities: Understand the role of social media in shaping public perception.
Real Life Testimonial
Annabelle Radford, a Swinburne Online graduate in graphic design, is a shining example of the power of flexible online learning and a supportive educational environment. Annabelle’s journey began with a deep passion for the theatre, but it was the design thinking skills she acquired at Swinburne Online that truly elevated her career. “One of the best parts of studying with Swinburne Online was being able to work and study around my life, rather than my life revolving around a uni timetable,” Annabelle shares.
Her story highlights the benefits of Swinburne Online’s approach, where students can balance work and study while receiving guidance from experienced online learning advisors. Annabelle fondly recalls, “The teaching team at Swinburne Online helped me express my creativity by just trying to push me a little bit further and challenge my thinking a little bit.” This nurturing environment allowed her to thrive, ultimately leading her to a successful career in graphic design.
Find out more
If you’re ready to start a career that combines creativity, strategic thinking, and effective communication, Swinburne Online’s Bachelor of Media Communication is for you. Explore the world of media with a focus on design thinking. Prepare yourself for a creatively rewarding career. Learn more about our programs today and start your journey towards becoming a creative problem solver in the media industry.
For more information on our range of online communication courses and degrees, visit Swinburne Online. Let Annabelle’s journey inspire you to achieve your goals in building a successful media and communications career.
