Interaction Design Course Listing*
Below is a complete list of courses offered in Interaction Design (IXD).
Not every course is offered every semester. Please work with your professors, advisor, refer to your degree check sheet, and check the schedule of classes to find out what is offered during the fall, spring, or summer semester.
IXD 101: Fundamentals in Digital Design
Students will learn the basics of designing for web and screen-based applications, including industry standard practices and the essential programs. This studio will help demystify the concept of UX and explain the differences between experience and interface design. In addition to increasing UI skills, students will learn how understanding of type, color and other design basics can be applied in a digital format. Prerequisite: BDS 101 and BDS 103 with semester grades of "C" or higher or instructor permission. Corequisite VISC 101.
IXD 302: Fundamentals in UI/UX Design
This course practices the fundamental principles and materials that underpin the intricate interactions between individuals, artifacts, and systems. The course immerses students in the realm of user research, imparting the ability to unearth valuable insights into user behaviors, needs, and motivations through a diverse array of research methods such as surveys, interviews, and ethnographic studies. The course delves into the realm of usability testing, evaluation of user interfaces through hands-on testing, the formulation of effective test scenarios, and the interpretation of usability data to drive actionable design enhancements. Students begin to master the art of prototyping, enabling them to create interactive prototypes that refine user interactions, utilizing a versatile toolkit of tools and techniques. This holistic course empowers aspiring designers to craft impactful and user-centric digital experiences. Prerequisite: IXD 101 with semester grades of "C" or higher or instructor permission.
IXD 402: Interaction Design 2
This course immerses students in the realm of UI/UX design, further deepening their comprehension of contemporary digital trends and methodologies for crafting distinctive websites and applications. The course places a spotlight on advanced design principles and techniques, hones UX research abilities, explores the evolution of interface design, delves into the history of app development, and equips students with strategies to ensure the longevity and relevance of digital products. Students will delve deeper into advanced concepts, focusing on refining their skills with tools (like Sketch, Adobe XD, Figma) and create projects based on best UX practices. This course will also explore designing responsive websites and explore the world of mobile, preparing students for a dynamic career in the digital design industry. Prerequisite: IXD 302 with semester grades of "C" or higher or instructor permission. Corequisite IXD 404.
IXD 404: Dataviz and Digital Storytelling
This studio outlines the various relationships between visual storytelling and content creation. Students will learn best practices for building dataviz systems that effectively interpret information in an engaging way, and become familiar with various executions for publishing stories online. Prerequisite: IXD 302 with semester grades of "C" or higher or instructor permission. Corequisite: IXD 402.
IXD 412: Interaction Design 3
In this studio, students will delve into the art of crafting user interfaces and enhancing user experiences for an array of connected devices. The focus is on designing for devices that harness the power of interconnectedness, where physical objects seamlessly gather and share data. Students will be tasked with the challenge of creating user experiences that not only function flawlessly but also captivate users' attention. This endeavor could include accommodating distinctive demands like compact displays, restricted processing capabilities, and frequently limited battery resources. Prerequisite: IXD 402 and IXD 404 with semester grades of "C" or higher or instructor permission. Corequisite: IXD 414.
IXD 414: Systems Design
In this design systems studio, students will learn the principles and best practices for creating, implementing, and maintaining a design system to streamline the workflow of a team working on websites or digital products. The course will cover various aspects of design systems, from designing key screens and structuring design files to creating master components and documenting the system for efficient collaboration. Prerequisite: IXD 402 and IXD 404 with semester grades of "C" or higher or instructor permission. Corequisite IXD 412.
IXD 415: Emerging Technologies 1
In this studio, students will explore cutting-edge technologies that are shaping the future of the digital design industry, such as the transition from web2 to web3 and the growing impact of AI. The course will focus on understanding and building products with these technologies while emphasizing a responsible and ethical approach to design. Prerequisite: Admission to a major and/or minor offered by the Department of Design or instructor permission.
IXD 425: Emerging Technologies 2
This experiential interaction design studio navigates the uncharted territory of cutting-edge advancements in interaction design. In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, emerging technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), voice interfaces, and AI-driven interactions are reshaping the way we interact with digital systems. This course equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to design captivating and immersive user experiences for these transformative technologies. Prerequisite: Admission to a major and/or minor offered by the Department of Design or instructor permission.
IXD 432: Interaction Design 4
This experiential interaction design studio is tailored for expansive screens, vast environments, and grand-scale user interactions, students will embark on the journey of creating immersive user interfaces and elevating user experiences. Students will be challenged to not only ensure the seamless functionality of designs but also to captivate users within these monumental contexts while optimizing designs for expansive displays, ensuring that user interactions flourish in vast spaces, and orchestrating experiences on an epic scale. Prerequisite: IXD 412 and IXD 414 with semester grades of "C" or higher or instructor permission. Corequisite: IXD 415.
IXD 442: Interaction Design 5
Capstone studio experience often entails collaborating with industry partners or clients. Students are tasked with independent research, ideation, refinement, and the development and testing of a functional prototype for their final design with a level of depth and complexity expected of entry-level professionals. Prerequisite: IXD 432 and IXD 415 with semester grades of "C" or higher or instructor permission.
IXD 430: Portfolio
Instruction in the organization and presentation of a professional quality visual portfolio. Readings, feedback and online collaborations will focus on the development of a focused portfolio consistent with the individual student's pursuits. Prerequisite: IXD 402 and IXD 404 with semester grades of "C" or higher or instructor permission.