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

Master's

School

McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts

Academic Department

Media

Duration

2.5 Years

Required Credit Hours

42

Modality

In-Person

 

Through design projects, Dr. Gibbs has helped me rethink digital media by guiding me in developing 3D-printed prototypes that connect design and usability. Alongside his mentorship, support in the production studios has strengthened my technical skills through a collaborative learning environment.

Nick Brown, A'25, GA'28

Curriculum

14 Courses, 42 Credits

View Our Course Catalogue
  • DMA 501 Introduction to Media Design (3 Credits)
  • MDIA 565 Ethical Issues in Media (3 Credits)
  • ADPR 567 Research Methods (3 Credits)
  • MDIA 582 Media Law and Regulation (3 Credits)
  • MDIA 700 Media Project and Thesis Workshop (3 Credits)
  • DMA 522 Kinetic Design Techniques (3 Credits) or DMA 505 Graphic Design Process (3 Credits)
  • DMA 545 Interactive Design Studio - Methods (3 Credits)
  • DMA 562 Elements of the User Experience (UX) Design (3 Credits)
  • DMA 564 Human Computer Interaction Studio (3 Credits)
  • DMA 572 Development Studio - Creative Coding (3 Credits)
  • DMA 574 Interactive Design Studio - Process (3 Credits)
  • DMA 575 Development Studio (3 Credits)
  • Electives (6 credits)

Learning Outcomes

  1. Develop principals and skills necessitated by the industry.
  2. Gain a solid understanding of the industry strategies, systems and structures.
  3. Understand and analyze trends, issues and challenges involving media/content design and delivery.
  4. Function within collaborative environments to implement project workflows.