BA/BS in Digital Design

The Digital Design study programme is intended for creative, systematically thinking students interested in contemporary digital communication, interaction design, user experience, motion, data, creative coding, and emerging technologies, who seek to acquire a solid artistic, technological, and professional foundation in the field of digital design. The programme covers knowledge and practice in typography, visual narrative, interactive media, UI/UX, UX systems design, digital product design, data visualisation, motion design, AR/VR/XR experience design, creative coding, and generative and AI-based design practices. Throughout their studies, students develop the ability to create conceptually coherent, technically grounded, interactive, and meaningful digital experiences, shape an individual creative position, and prepare for professional practice in the digital creative industries. Why Choose the Digital Design Programme? This programme is worth choosing because it combines visual thinking, technological understanding, and creative experimentation. Students progressively develop skills in typography, visual storytelling, interaction design, UI/UX, motion, prototyping, data visualisation, digital tools, and the integration of advanced technologies into the design process. The programme stands out by combining classical visual communication competencies with contemporary digital practices, including interactive media, creative coding, XR experiences, generative design, and the application of artificial intelligence. Strong emphasis is placed not only on aesthetic expression, but also on user behaviour, accessibility, functionality, information architecture, systems thinking, and professional project implementation. What Skills Will You Acquire? Upon completing the programme, students will develop the following core competencies: • the ability to create typographically grounded and visually coherent digital communication compositions; • an understanding of visual narrative, interactivity, and digital storytelling principles; • skills in designing user interfaces and developing UI/UX solutions for digital products; • the ability to plan complex interaction systems, information architecture, user scenarios, and wireframe prototypes; • foundational skills in motion design, kinetic typography, and interactive prototyping; • the ability to apply HTML, CSS, design systems, and basic principles of creative coding and programming; • skills in developing data visualisation and interactive media solutions; • the ability to design digital products for various platforms and device ecosystems; • familiarity with AR/VR/XR experience design, generative systems, and AI-assisted design; • the ability to professionally present projects, curate a portfolio, and prepare for a career in the digital design industry. Career Opportunities for Graduates of the Digital Design Programme Graduates of the Digital Design study programme can pursue careers across a wide range of digital products, interactive media, and creative industries. They will be prepared to work as UI/UX designers, digital product designers, interaction designers, motion designers, data visualisation specialists, interactive media creators, creative coding practitioners, XR experience designers, and developers of generative and AI-assisted design projects. The competencies acquired also enable graduates to work with client projects, partner collaborations, digital platform development, prototyping, user experience solutions, creative agencies, technology companies, startups, and independent creative pract Objective(s) of a study programme: To prepare a Professional Bachelor in the field of Arts who is able to: • demonstrate knowledge of the core principles, concepts, and terminology of digital design, including typography, visual communication, interaction design, user experience, motion design, data visualisation, creative coding, and contemporary digital design processes, and apply this knowledge in solving professional tasks while adhering to occupational safety, intellectual property protection, professional ethics, and environmental requirements; • identify and analyse creative, technological, systemic, and communication problems in digital design, justify the relevance of proposed solutions based on research, user needs, interaction system logic, and professional practice outcomes, select appropriate tools in typography, interfaces, interaction, motion, data, coding, XR, and generative design, apply innovative creative practices and techniques, develop digital design projects independently and in teams, and professionally present creative ideas and outcomes; • develop and implement digital design projects, advance individual creative practice and professional ideas by applying foundational knowledge of project management, communication, design strategy, and the creative industries, recognise the importance of continuous learning and professional development, uphold teamwork culture, professional ethics, and social responsibility, communicate professionally in the national language and at least one foreign language, and contribute to the professional culture of the digital design field. Learning outcomes: 1. Explain the core theoretical principles, concepts, and terminology of digital design, its historical and contemporary development trends, and technologies, and apply this knowledge in creating digital projects using appropriate artistic expression, typography, interactivity, coding, and visualisation tools. 2. Apply acquired knowledge in the implementation of creative digital design projects, developing individual creative and professional ideas while adhering to occupational safety, intellectual property protection, professional ethics, and environmental requirements. 3. Identify creative, technological, systemic, and communication problems in digital design by recognising, comparing, and critically evaluating phenomena in interaction design, user experience, digital media, data, emerging technologies, and contemporary digital design practice, based on research and user needs analysis. 4. Collect, analyse, and process information and data required to solve digital design problems, evaluate and synthesise results, and apply them in the development of interfaces, interactive systems, prototypes, data visualisations, and other digital solutions. 5. Select and apply artistic expression, typography, interface design, motion, data visualisation, creative coding, XR, generative design, and AI-assisted design tools and innovative technologies in digital design practice, demonstrating both theoretical knowledge and practical technical skills. 6. Generate ideas for digital design projects, propose creative solutions, and organise, plan, evaluate, and implement practical project requirements in specific professional contexts, working independently or collaboratively in professional and interdisciplinary environments. 7. Present personal creative ideas and digital design projects using visual, interactive, digital, and spatial communication tools at national and international levels, demonstrating the aesthetic, functional, cultural, and professional value of the work. 8. Develop and expand individual creative practice and professional directions through experimentation, exploring connections between typography, interaction, motion, data, interactive media, coding, XR, and generative design practices, integrating historical, ethical, and conceptual contexts. 9. Communicate professionally, in accordance with ethical standards, professional conduct, and social responsibility, in the national language and at least one foreign language, working within creative, professional, and interdisciplinary teams. 10. Work and learn independently and responsibly, pursuing continuous personal and professional development, creatively and proactively addressing professional challenges, and taking responsibility for decisions made. Activities of teaching and learning: During the studies, activities are organised using a variety of teaching and learning methods, combining theoretical lectures, practical sessions, creative workshops, and individual and group assignments. In theoretical classes, students are introduced to the principles of typography, visual narrative, interaction design, UI/UX, digital product design, data visualisation, motion design, creative coding, XR experiences, and generative design methods. The analysis of digital design phenomena and project-based problems involves discussions, case studies, reflection, brainstorming, and critical review methods. A significant part of the programme consists of practical work, where student’s complete tasks in typography, interactive prototyping, interface design, user scenario modelling, motion design, data visualisation, creative coding, XR environment design, and professional practice. Practical activities are carried out both under instructor guidance and independently, systematically developing technical, creative, and professional skills. Some practical sessions are based on project reviews, error analysis, and discussions of systemic and communication solutions, supported by individual feedback. Throughout their studies, students systematically build a portfolio of creative and practical work, including typographic projects, interface prototypes, interactive media solutions, motion design work, data visualisations, programming experiments, XR environments, generative projects, and other professional outcomes. By the end of the programme, this body of work becomes an essential part of the portfolio, final project, and professional presentation. By applying problem-solving, creative research, and project-based methods, students develop individual and group projects, participate in reviews, seminars, presentations, professional practice, and discussions, and analyse current issues in digital design, user experience, accessibility, interactivity, technology, and professional practice. This approach fosters students’ independence, critical thinking, creative responsibility, and ability to present their results professionally. Methods of assessment of learning achievements: Student achievement is assessed using a cumulative assessment system; therefore, the final grades of each study module are formed based on intermediate and final assessments within each module. Intermediate assessments in study modules include the following methods: written tests, independent practical work, individual projects, seminars, presentations, presentation of market analysis for design projects, presentation of datasets, problem solutions, developed layouts, prototypes, and products, KPI-based evaluation presentations, group project presentations with assessment of individual contribution, self-reflection, and self-assessment according to defined criteria. Final assessments include the following methods: • for a study module – an examination; • for professional practice – preparation and defence of a report; • for the final project – submission and presentation of the implemented project report; • for the final professional bachelor thesis – preparation and public defence of the thesis. Framework: Study subjects (modules), practical training: Subjects:– • Communication Skills (presentation and academic writing in English) (3 ECTS), Design and Cultural Studies (art, design and photography) (3 ECTS), Design Methods I (3 ECTS), Drawing and Visualisation I (3 ECTS), Colour Theory, Composition and Form (3 ECTS), Digital Tools I (3 ECTS), Experimental Design Practice I (3 ECTS), Human-Centred Design and Sustainability (3 ECTS), Drawing and Visualisation II: Illustration and Stylisation (3 ECTS), Design and Cultural Studies (art, design and photography) (6 ECTS), Visual Media Practice (3 ECTS), Creative Practice Laboratory (6 ECTS), Introduction to Typography (6 ECTS), Introduction to Visual Narrative (digital / coding) (3 ECTS), Fundamentals of Interactive Media / IxD (3 ECTS), UI/UX Fundamentals (6 ECTS). • Intellectual Property Law (3 ECTS), Analytic and Continental Philosophy (3 ECTS), Brand Creation and Identity (3 ECTS), 3D Composition and 3D Graphics (3 ECTS), Management Principles (3 ECTS), Social Media, Analytics and Strategy / User Research Methods (3 ECTS), Collaboration Skills: Teamwork and Project Management (3 ECTS), Experimental Design Practice II (3 ECTS), Digital Futures: AI Tools and Emerging Technologies (3 ECTS), Design Research Methods (interdisciplinary seminar) (3 ECTS), Creative Professional Practice in Industry (6 ECTS), Motion Design (After Effects) (3 ECTS), UX Systems Design (6 ECTS), Digital Tools III (3 ECTS), Digital Product Design (3 ECTS), Data Visualisation and Interactive Media (3 ECTS), Digital Tools IV (6 ECTS). • Advanced Research Methods and Final Project Preparation Practice (6 ECTS), Design Ethics, Global Trends and Intercultural Perspectives (3 ECTS), Creative Entrepreneurship Laboratory (6 ECTS), Career Preparation Practice and Professional Pathways (6 ECTS), Exhibition and Portfolio Presentation (6 ECTS), Final Design Project (9 ECTS), Final Thesis (6 ECTS), Advanced Interaction and Interface Design (6 ECTS), AR/VR/XR Experience Design (3 ECTS), Creative Coding for Designers (3 ECTS), Generative and AI-Based Design Practices (6 ECTS). Optional courses: • A thematic direction for professional practice is chosen depending on the specialization. • The topic of the final thesis is selected. Students have the right to choose a thesis topic that reflects their chosen direction, field of interest, or place of practice. • If a sufficiently international group of students is formed, the option to study in English is selected. Distinctive features of a study programme: The Digital Design study programme has been developed in accordance with the professional competencies defined in the contemporary international context of digital design and the creative industries. Its content is structured so that in the first year students acquire fundamental knowledge and practical skills in typography, visual narrative, interactivity, UI/UX, creative experimentation, and interdisciplinary digital practice. At this stage, particular emphasis is placed on the development of visual language, interaction fundamentals, creative reflection, and introductory work with different media. The second year is focused on deepening knowledge and expanding professional competencies through UX systems design, motion design, interactive prototyping, integration of digital tools, digital product design, data visualisation, and creative professional practice in the industry. At this stage, students learn to apply digital design not only as a form of creative expression, but also as a professional tool that responds to the needs of contemporary platforms, users, technological systems, and real production processes. The third year is dedicated to the formation of an individual creative direction, advanced interaction and interface design, XR experience design, creative coding, generative and AI-based design practices, as well as the development and presentation of the final project. In the final year, students develop competencies in independent work, research-based creative practice, technological flexibility, professional presentation, and career planning. Upon successful completion of studies and public defence of the final project, graduates are prepared to work independently in the fields of contemporary digital design, interactive media, and the creative industries. The Digital Design study programme develops artistic, technological, systemic, communicative, and professional competencies required in the labour market, enabling graduates to integrate into professional environments and pursue careers in digital products, interaction design, UX, motion design, data, XR, creative coding, and the creative industries. The curriculum includes topics such as typography, visual narrative, interactive media, UI/UX, UX systems, digital products, data visualisation, motion design, digital tools, XR, creative coding, and generative practices. The studies combine traditional visual communication competencies, creative experimentation, research-based design, and advanced digital technologies. Access to professional activity or further study: Access to professional activity: After completing the Digital Design study programme, graduates can pursue careers as UI/UX designers, digital product designers, interaction designers, motion designers, interactive media authors, data visualisation specialists, XR experience designers, creative coding practitioners, or independent freelance creators. The competencies acquired during the studies enable graduates to work in digital product and technology companies, creative agencies, startups, interactive media studios, as well as in the fields of culture and communication. According to the Lithuanian Classification of Occupations, graduates who complete the programme will be qualified to work as: (216601) Graphic designers; (216602) Website designers; (216603) Multimedia designers; (216604) Print designers; (216605) Advertising designers; (251208) User interface developer; (251306) User interface designer. According to analytical reports of Lithuanian and international labour markets, graduates may also obtain positions that currently – and are expected to continue to – experience shortages of professionals with graphic design qualifications, including: UX/UI Designer, Website (Front‑end) Developer, and Digital Advertising Designer. Access to further study: The program also provides a foundation for further professional development, the advancement of an individual creative direction, participation in professional practice, creative projects, exhibitions, and - depending on the applicable admission requirements - further studies in related fields such as art, design, interior design, architecture, or environmental design. Studies can be continued by choosing second cycle (master’s) study programs at the Vilnius Academy of Arts in the fields of design, art, and communication. It is also possible to continue studies by selecting internationally offered design programs in English at foreign universities.