Front-End Development for Interactive Applications (FDIT) Instructor

Front-End Development for Interactive Applications (FDIT) Instructor

POSITION TYPE: Regular (50%), Qualified Faculty List (QFL)

POSITION START: January 2027

FACULTY OVERVIEW:

Imagine working in a cutting-edge facility backed by a 30-year history as an industry leader. The Wilson School of Design (WSD), located on our Richmond campus, has eight different programs that encourage students to take risks and innovate in small, personalized classes offering intensive hands-on learning experiences and state-of-the-art equipment.

The Diploma in Front-End Development for Interactive Applications program is designed for students new to both design and coding, with focus areas in Web Fundamentals, Front-End Technologies and Coding Principles, Design Fundamentals, UI/UX and Prototyping, and Project Management and Professional Development. The curriculum in this Diploma program introduces students to mobile and software contexts while focusing on responsive web design and frameworks, and web development best practices and optimization. We are seeking qualified faculty to join our dedicated team.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) proudly offers all learners opportunities to achieve success in a diverse range of programs that blend theory and practice, critical understanding, and social and ethical awareness necessary for good citizenship and rewarding careers.

KPU takes its name from the Kwantlen First Nation. We work, study, and live in a region south of the Fraser River which overlaps with the unceded traditional and ancestral lands of the Kwantlen, Musqueam, Katzie, Semiahmoo, Tsawwassen, Qayqayt, and Kwikwetlem peoples.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Front-End Development (FDIT) diploma program is seeking applicants who are qualified to teach one or a selection of the following design-focused courses:

• FDIT 1130 User Interface (UI) Foundations: Students will learn the principles of user interface (UI) design to strengthen their understanding of the relationship between UI design and UI (front-end) development. They will apply visual design principles, heuristics evaluations, and systems-based problem-solving to front-end design challenges. Students will further learn how to prototype and document common UI patterns as part of a shared design system.
• FDIT 1140 User Experience (UX) Foundations: Students will be introduced to the principles of user experience (UX) design, including design research methodologies, user flows, site architecture, prototyping, and user profiles and personas and their relationship to product design decisions. They will better understand the end-to-end workflows associated with interactive applications, from concept to launch, as well as the opportunities for front-end developers to collaborate on successful project delivery.
• FDIT 1230 Design Systems for Interactive Applications: Students will examine design systems for front-end developers in depth, drawing from their user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) foundations, to learn about the practical application, design, and maintenance of reusable patterns and components for interactive applications. Students will further learn about the documentation and adoption of design systems across workflow contexts.
• FDIT 1240 Responsive Design: Principles & Prototyping: Students will apply their foundational design, user interface (UI), and user experience (UX) skills to prototyping responsive websites across screen sizes. Students will learn about the relationships among responsive breakpoints, content, and visual design principles including hierarchy, type scales, stacking and reflow, as well as integrate accessibility and user-centred needs into their decision-making.
• FDIT 2130 Motion Design for Interactive Applications: Students will learn about motion design for interactive applications, applying visual design and scripting knowledge to user interface (UI) challenges. They will learn to create relevant and engaging experiences for users through transitions, animations, and interactions, integrating timing, sequencing, and storytelling techniques into front-end project workflows. Students will better understand the collaborative relationship between designer and front-end developer in developing animated features for interactive applications.
• FDIT 2230 Data Visualization for Interactive Applications: Students will learn about data visualization, information design, and visual design principles for interactive applications. They will focus on customer- and end user-value to create engaging, interactive, and accurate data stories. Students will further apply their front-end scripting knowledge to charting libraries, as well as evaluate current contexts for data visualization including business and marketing analytics.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

Faculty members of WSD are also expected to contribute and participate in any of the following:

• Curriculum development and review.
• Assisting students outside of scheduled class time.
• Service and representation of the program on various university committees, internally and externally.

More information concerning the working conditions for a faculty member are outlined in Article 12 of the Kwantlen Faculty Association (KFA) Collective Agreement.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum qualifications include:

Design-related courses:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Interaction Design, User Experience (UX) Design, User Interface (UI) Design, Visual Communication Design, Graphic Design, Digital Product Design, Human-Centred Design, or a closely related design discipline. May be as part of a computer science, kinesiology, psychology or related degree.
• Minimum five (5) years of professional experience as a senior or principal designer in UX/UI design, interaction design, digital product design, or closely related design practice, (including responsibility for research, information architecture, wireframing, prototyping, visual interface design, usability evaluation, and collaboration with developers and stakeholders.)
• Evidence of sustained professional UX/UI design practice, with a minimum of three (3) years of relevant industry experience completed within the past five (5) years.
• Professional experience may be gained through employment within an in-house design team, digital product team, design consultancy, UX agency, or equivalent environment. Independent consultants must demonstrate substantial client-based UX/UI design projects and their specific role and contributions within multidisciplinary project teams.
• Preferred: 3-plus years post-secondary teaching experience or a teaching credential.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Candidates are asked to submit:
  
  Submit a resume and cover letter (preferably in PDF format) that includes evidence of teaching and/or design experience, as well as scholarly or industry accomplishments. The cover letter should indicate the specific course number(s) and name(s) of interest.
• A current professional portfolio demonstrating UX/UI design work completed by the applicant within the last three (3) years
• Project case studies describing design process, research methods, design rationale, prototyping, testing, and implementation outcomes.
• Examples of student work, course materials, or evidence of instructional effectiveness where available.
• Provide a rationale for the selected courses. Course numbers, names, and calendar descriptions are listed below for reference.

*SALARY INFORMATION:

Placement on the salary scale will be dependent on level of education and relevant teaching experience. Advancement up the pay scale is based on FTE and employment status.

This competition is for a maximum FTE of 50% (Regular). When possible, priority will be given to the candidate(s) who can maximize the FTE either individually, or collectively, as such please indicate on your application your preferred workload percentage. This competition could also be used to add candidates to our Qualified Faculty List, therefore also please indicate on your application if you are interested in being added to this list.