Program FAQs

What makes the program unique?
The Honours Bachelor of Experiential Design prepares students for a rewarding creative career creating dynamic multi-sensory physical environments and experiences. This groundbreaking program is the first Experiential Design degree in Canada to respond to increasing professional demand.

What is the difference between Experiential and Interaction Design?
Interaction Design focuses on designing screen-based experiences including UX/UI and digital product design. Experiential Design focuses on multi-sensory communication within physical spaces and this can involve integrating both real and virtual environments. Experiential and interaction designers often collaborate on projects within multi-disciplinary teams.

What is the difference between Experiential and Graphic Design?
Experiential Design includes aspects of graphic design but it expands the possibilities of communication by considering how all the senses can be engaged within physical experiences and how graphics can be applied at different scales. Typography and visual design principles are included in the curriculum. Experiential and graphic designers often work together in teams on a wide range of projects. Designers from all fields often collaborate on projects within multi-disciplinary teams.

What will I learn in the program?

EXHIBITION DESIGN: integrating storytelling with a variety of content and design elements

PUBLIC SPACE/PLACEMAKING: creating community-based experiences

THEMED AND BRANDED EXPERIENCES: creating educational and entertaining story-based experiences

EVENTS: creating engagement through temporary experiences

WAYFINDING: helping people navigate complex environments

RESEARCH: applying human-centered and ethical research methods and practices

INCLUSIVE DESIGN: principles, best practices, and standards for accessibility and inclusive design approaches

SUSTAINABILITY: applying principles and best practices for systems thinking and responsible use of materials and resources

What kind of jobs can I get with this degree?
Experiential Design has an impact all over the world and there are many exciting career opportunities in the field. Graduates can work for design studios and organizations within many sectors such as Entertainment, Culture, Branding/Retail, Healthcare, Recreation, Transportation, and more. There are in-house design positions at cultural institutions (e.g. art galleries/museums), commercial and non-profit organizations as well as government agencies. There are also entrepreneurial/freelance opportunities.

You can explore examples of professional work on the Society for Experiential Graphic Design (SEGD) website.

Do I need to know any specific design or artistic skills?
While any creative skills are beneficial to have, they are not required to be accepted into the program since you will be taught the foundations in order to succeed in the program.

Will I learn or need to know coding skills?
Coding is not taught in the program.

What software do you use?
These are the primary apps that are included in the program but there are many others depending on the type of course and/or project:

• Adobe Creative Suite
• SketchUp Pro and other 3D digital modelling software
• Figma

Will I need to purchase textbooks?
Professors will recommended books and other resources that can will be very useful for your studies, but our classes do not require textbooks. There are many Experiential Design resources available through the Sheridan Library.

Are there a lot of exams and tests?
No, the Experiential Design studio courses focus on projects and hands-on learning. There may be short quizzes in some cases. You may have exams and tests for the degree Breadth courses.

Does the program have a diverse student body?
Students are diverse in age, ethnic background, interests, and goals as well as levels of education and professional experience. Faculty and students are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive community in the program. We have many opportunities for students to come together to socialize and to connect with design professionals.

Each year, we celebrate our graduates with a graduation exhibition event:
https://www.sheridanxd.com/