Faculty: Graduate School of Social Sciences

This specialization focuses on designing interactive digital products to support user needs and create engaging user experiences. Students develop skills in user research, prototyping, usability testing, and interface design, preparing them for careers in User Experience (UX) design, product design, and related fields.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the fundamentals of interaction design, user-centered design principles, and human-computer interaction.
• Develop skills in conducting user research, creating user personas, and designing user journeys.
• Learn techniques for prototyping, wireframing, and designing interactive interfaces.
• Explore principles of usability testing, accessibility, and inclusive design.
• Analyze and solve complex design problems to create intuitive and user-friendly digital products.
• Develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills for effective interaction design.

Main Outline:

1. Introduction to Interaction Design
   • Overview of key concepts, principles, and trends in interaction design and human-computer interaction.
2. User Research and Analysis
   • Methods for conducting user research, data collection, and analysis of user needs and behaviors.
   • Techniques for creating user personas, journeys, and stories.
3. Information Architecture
   • Principles of information architecture, navigation design, and content organization.
   • Techniques for structuring and organizing information in digital products.
4. Prototyping and Wireframing
   • Basics of prototyping, wireframing, and designing interactive interfaces.
   • Techniques for creating low-fidelity and high-fidelity prototypes and interactive wireframes.
5. Usability Testing and Evaluation
   • Principles of usability testing, accessibility, and inclusive design.
   • Techniques for conducting usability tests, evaluating interfaces, and iterating designs based on user feedback.
6. Visual Interaction Design
   • Principles of visual design, typography, and color theory in interaction design.
   • Techniques for creating visually appealing and intuitive user interfaces.
7. Interactive Media and Motion Design
   • Basics of interactive media, animation, and motion design in user interfaces.
   • Techniques for designing and implementing interactive elements, animations, and transitions.
8. Emerging Technologies in Interaction Design
   • Exploration of emerging technologies, trends, and innovations in interaction design.
   • Design techniques for new platforms, devices, and interaction mediums.
9. Practical Training in Interaction Design
   • Real-world experiences in interaction design, including observations, internships, and practical projects in design studios, tech companies, or UX agencies.
   • Application of acquired skills in practical interaction design scenarios.
10. Capstone Project in Interaction Design
    • Comprehensive project applying skills in user research, prototyping, and usability testing.
    • Presentation of a polished interaction design project or case study, demonstrating the design process and outcomes.

Assessment Methods:

• User research reports, information architecture design, prototypes, wireframes, usability test analyses, visual design projects, interactive media designs, practical training reports, capstone projects, group projects, and internship evaluations.

Recommended Textbooks:

• "The Design of Everyday Things" by Don Norman.
• "Don't Make Me Think" by Steve Krug.
• "About Face: The Essentials of Interaction Design" by Alan Cooper and others.
• "Universal Principles of Design" by William Lidwell, Kritina Holden, and Jill Butler.
• "Designing Interfaces" by Jennifer Tidwell.
• "Prototyping: A Practitioner's Guide" by Todd Zaki Warfel.
• "Usability Engineering" by Jakob Nielsen.
• "Interaction Design: Beyond Human-Computer Interaction" by various authors.

Prerequisites:

Basic knowledge of design principles, human-computer interaction, and digital media. Suitable for students interested in interaction design, user experience design, and related fields.

Duration:

Typically 4 years to earn a bachelor's degree, including coursework, projects, practical training, and internships.

Degree:

Graduates may obtain a degree in interaction design and pursue professional certifications such as a Certified User Experience Professional (CUXP) or related fields.

Target Audience:

Aspiring interaction designers, UX designers, product designers, and individuals seeking careers in design studios, tech companies, UX agencies, and related fields. This specialization equips students with practical, theoretical, and design skills necessary to excel in interaction design, supporting careers in user experience design, product design, and related fields.