Design Lab: Design Foundations for Teens
Design Classes for Teens in Richmond Hill | Ages 13+
Explore Art, Design Careers & Creative Possibilities
Design Lab: Design Foundations for Teens is a 17-class design program at Art One Academy Richmond Hill for teens ages 13+ who want to explore where their artistic skills can take them.
Through hands-on projects, students are introduced to three major areas of design: Industrial & Product Design, Architecture & Interior Design, and Graphic Design & UX/UI. Along the way, they will learn how designers research problems, develop ideas, refine concepts, build models and communicate their solutions.
No previous design experience is required; however, students should have a strong foundation in drawing and visual arts. Art Combo 3 level or equivalent art experience is recommended.
Class size is limited to 8 students to allow for individual guidance and feedback.
Who Is Design Lab For?
Design Lab is ideal for teens who:
- Enjoy art, drawing, creating, building and problem-solving
- Want to explore careers in art, design, architecture or other creative fields
- Are curious about design but aren’t sure which field interests them
- Want to strengthen their creative process and future portfolio work
Design skills can also support future pathways beyond traditional art and design. Creative problem-solving, visual communication and presentation skills can be valuable in technology, engineering, marketing, business, entrepreneurship and other creative industries.
Explore 3 Design Fields:
Industrial & Product Design
Project: Design a Desk Organizer
Students will design their own functional desk organizer while learning how professional product designers consider users, function, form, dimensions, materials, and manufacturing.
Using sheet metal as the base material, students will develop their idea from initial sketches through concept refinement and final presentation.
Architecture & Interior Design
Project: Design a Coffee Shop
Students will create a concept for their own coffee shop and explore how designers plan spaces around people.
They will develop a floor plan and physical model while learning about scale, space planning, circulation, furniture placement, function, atmosphere, and customer experience.
Graphic Design & UX/UI
Project: Design a Mobile App Concept
Students will develop an original concept for a cellphone or tablet app while exploring graphic design, user interface (UI), user experience (UX), target audiences, visual communication and navigation.
The focus is on developing a strong idea and understanding how a digital product should look, feel and function. No specialized design software is required.
Learn How Designers Think
Design is more than making something look good. Students will experience the process designers use to take an idea from an initial challenge to a developed solution:
Research → Ideation → Concept Development → Feedback → Refinement → Model or Prototype → Presentation
Rather than simply creating a finished artwork, students will learn how designers:
- Identify and solve problems
- Research users and existing ideas
- Generate multiple concepts
- Develop and improve their ideas
- Respond to feedback
- Build models and prototypes
- Present and communicate design decisions
These skills are transferable to future art, design, portfolio, and creative projects.
Final Project: Build Your Own Design Project
During the final four weeks, students will choose one of the three design areas and develop an original project based on their own interests.
Structured as an introduction to a post-secondary-style design thesis, students will develop a project proposal, research their idea, explore concepts, refine their design, and complete a final presentation.
This gives students the opportunity to apply everything they have learned while exploring the design field that interests them most.
Portfolio & Future Design Studies
Design Lab introduces students to design-development methods commonly encountered in post-secondary design education.
Students will learn that a strong design portfolio is not only about the finished piece—it should also communicate how an idea developed.
Students will learn to document:
Research • Sketches • Concept Development • Revisions • Models • Prototypes • Final Presentations
Projects completed in the workshop may provide useful material for future high-school, college, or university art and design portfolios, while the design-development skills learned can be applied to future independent projects.
Traditional & Digital Tools
Design Lab is a design foundations program, not a software course.
Students will primarily work by hand through drawing, sketching, ideation and physical model-making. Computers or tablets may be used for research, visual references and presentation development.
Personal digital devices are welcome and encouraged but are not required, and no specialized design software needs to be purchased. Basic workshop materials are provided.
Meet the Instructor: Eddie Chan
Co-Owner, Art One Academy Richmond Hill
Design Foundations Studio is taught by Eddie Chan, an Industrial Designer with 20 years of professional design experience.
Students will learn practical design-thinking and development methods drawn from professional design practice while gaining insight into design education, creative careers, and possible future pathways.
Students interested in pursuing design further are also welcome to discuss future education and career directions at the conclusion of the program.
What to Expect
Design Lab: Design Foundations for Teens consists of 17 evening classes.
Because each stage of a design project builds on previous work, students should be prepared to complete some research, ideation or project development outside of class. Homework will be assigned, and consistent attendance is strongly recommended.
Due to the progressive nature and fast-paced format of the program, make-up classes are not available for Design Lab.
Discover Where Your Art Skills Can Take You
Students do not need to know what type of designer they want to become before joining.
Design Lab: Design Foundations for Teens gives young artists an opportunity to explore Product Design, Architecture, Interior Design, Graphic Design and UX/UI while developing creative problem-solving, communication, presentation and design-thinking skills.
By the end of the program, students will have a better understanding of the possibilities within design—and which creative pathways they may want to explore next.
View program dates & class times, tuition, and registration below.
Mondays, Sept 14 to Jan 25, 6:10 PM - 8:10 PM
