Interactive Design

The confluence of the physical and digital worlds, technology and media presents some of the most captivating issues in contemporary culture. Every day we interact with products such as smartphones, automobiles and home appliances that have both physical and digital properties. And the way we interact with them varies: we touch screens, speak to devices, fixate our eyes or move our bodies.

How (and why) are these products built? What problems do they solve? Are they easy to use, safe, helpful and understandable? These are some of the questions we explore in interactive design.

Interactive design integrates human-technology interaction, design, digital media and information technology. As an interactive design student, you will learn to:

  • Design products and interfaces (e.g., websites, mobile apps, auto dashboards, appliances)
  • Design user experiences (UX) that may include locative media, wearables, augmented reality and the Internet of Things (IOT)
  • Research, design, prototype and test products
  • Evaluate product usability

 

Degree

Certificate, Master's

Required Credit Hours

33

Courses for the Interactive Design M.F.A.

  • DMA 501 Introduction to Media Design (fall)
  • MDIA 565 Ethical Issues in Media (spring)
  • ADPR 567 Media Research Methods (fall)
  • MDIA 582 Legal Issues in Media Law (fall)
  • MDIA 700 Project/Thesis (fall/spring)
  • DMA 522 Kinetic Design Techniques (spring) or DMA 505 Graphic Design Process (fall)
  • DMA 545 Interactive Design Studio - Methods (spring)
  • DMA 562 Elements of User Experience - UX -  Design (spring)
  • DMA 564 Human Computer Interaction Studio (spring)
  • DMA 572 Development Studio I (spring)
  • DMA 574 Interactive Design Studio - Process (fall)
  • DMA 575 Studio (fall)
  • Electives (6 credits)