Design Thinking and Research
This introductory course provides students with the mindset and methods necessary for solving difficult, multi-dimensional problems. In Design Thinking and Research, students learn to listen deeply, generate actionable insights, and design responsive and appropriate solutions to problems in almost any field. At the end of this course, students will be ready to apply Design Thinking and Research methodologies to their own projects and in collaboration with others. Learn more about how students rethink design with the user in mind.
Sketching for Interactive Design (online)
In this course students are challenged to use sketching as means for visualizing data, decisions, processes, and ideas. Emphasis is placed on the practical use of sketching within the User Experience field, particularly as it relates to understanding people and envisioning solutions. Finally, as an introductory course students have ample opportunity to build confidence in their ability to represent lines, shapes, textures, characters, emotions, and actions through sketching.
Interactive Workshop: Information Architecture
In this 7-week workshop, we focus on redesigning a site that has outgrown its original size and scope, with an emphasis on how content is organized and accessed by the end user. Students are taught how to work through a design process process that includes a period of discovery/definition, site architecture, and design. In the process, they learn how to audit an existing website, and visually diagram/map complex user interactions for web, tablet and/or mobile experiences.
User Experience I
Throughout this class students explore multiple models of interaction and experience and discuss how they relate to the practice of design; where design is defined as the act of applying purpose, planning and intention to advance the needs and wants of individuals. In addition to the more theoretical question of “what is interaction and experience”, this course provides opportunities for hands on research and practice as we consider application of theory and practice to the design of interfaces.
User Experience II
A continuation of the principles and methods of User Experience 1, with more in-depth analysis and hands-on practice in designing for user and client needs. The purpose of this course is to develop a deeper understanding of the research and design skills necessary for identifying and defining problems, developing diverse conceptual solutions, and implementing scalable systems. This course covers the skills needed to create products that address peoples’ needs and create emotional connections. Topics include research, ideation, prototyping and testing; as well as the creation of a consistent visual language for interface appearance and usability. See how our UX Students Helped a Local Startup Solve Design Challenges during User Experience II.
Faculty Development
Coming soon…