Bsc: Internship Communication & Multimedia Design (CMD) - Seeing Meaning

Internship assignment: Seeing Meaning

Seeing Meaning: Exploring the role of visual elements in qualitative and quantitative research

Do you agree with the statement “one image says more than a thousand words”? Are you curious to find out how images can be used in customer and user research? Do you want to challenge the status of research and bring in fresh, new insights? Then we are looking for you!

Your assignment

To investigate how visual means—such as icons, emojis, images and other graphical representations—can be used to enhance data collection, interpretation, and communication in qualitative and quantitative research. In this assignment you study visual semantics which involve the relationship between images and meaning; how specific visual cues, compositions and symbols convey messages in customer- and user-research. As result of your research, you propose (a concept for) a new, visual research tool.

This internship is set up as a full end‑to‑end exploration: from early concept development → building test setups → validating your ideas with real Canon customers in our R&D environment. You will not only design, but also prototype, test, iterate, and “sell” your concepts directly to users.

Possible research questions

• What are the benefits and limitations of using visual cues in data collection and analysis?
• Can visual elements improve the clarity, accessibility, or emotional depth of qualitative findings?
• How do visual elements (icons, emojis, images) influence participant expression and engagement in qualitative research?

You can help the CPP research group to expand its portfolio of research tools and conduct more diverse research. You will have the freedom to research, design, and evaluate your own ideas and proposals in a professional R&D environment with real customers and users.

Your profile

To fit for this internship assignment:

• You are currently studying Communication & Multimedia Design (CMD).
• Additionally, a background in Human Computer Interaction (HCI) is also highly suitable for this assignment.
• You are passionate about graphics and visual means, language and communication.
• You see it as an opportunity to combine your research skills with your visual strength.
• As of September 2026, you are available for 4 to 6 months for a fulltime internship.

What’s in it for you?

• A challenging assignment with skilled coaching
• Internship/Graduation compensation of €500 per month
• Travel cost compensation if you don’t have an ‘OV-weekcard’
• The possibility to network with professionals inside and outside your field of expertise, thanks to our diversity of disciplines which you will work with

About the company

We develop and manufacture high-tech printing products and workflow software for the commercial printing market as part of Canon, a global leader in imaging technologies. With around 3,300 employees across three continents and our headquarters in Venlo, the Netherlands, we innovate to create high-quality solutions that add color to the world. Guided by the philosophy of Kyosei—living and working together for the common good—our culture is built on openness, collegiality, trust and stability. We empower our people to grow, take initiative, and make an impact.

With our company values collaboration, innovation and ownership, we strive to bring out the best in each other, expand boundaries and feel empowered to take ownership of our work.

andrea.meessen@cpp.canon

careers@cpp.canon