Overview
This Higher Diploma in Science in Interaction Design and User Experience (NFQ Level 8, 60 ECTS) conversion programme enables learners to acquire knowledge and skills in user experience, interactive technologies and interaction design in order to apply these skills in a real-world, professional context. Learners will understand the key concepts and theories underpinning user experience (UX) and user interaction (UI) whilst also developing applied skills and understanding in this field. Learners will be introduced to user-centred approaches in design; explore the life cycle of the user experience and interaction design process, its purpose, research approach, the psychology behind user experience design, how to design for accessibility using universal design principles, as well as user-testing and metrics, design thinking and game design. Through discovering the user experience context and the industry-standard tools, technologies and specific project deliverables, learners will be able to apply their learning in personal and professional contexts.
Topics covered include an introduction to user-centred design, insights into how social, cognitive and behavioural psychology relates to UX design and how reward and motivation are part of game-based learning; a focus on user-research design process; how to design for accessibility using universal design principles; understanding of the technology and different models available in terms of web testing, analytics and metrics; implementation of user experience tools in the analysis and development of software scenarios (UX and UI design); the learner will also develop an immersive (game) narrative for a specified user group to attempt identified tasks. Finally, a capstone module which synthesises learning and where learners can demonstrate their applied skills in a portfolio.
Aims and Objectives
The programme is positioned to develop digitally-focused, technically-able and adaptable graduates, who will flourish in the emerging data-driven, IT-focused user experience and interaction design function.
Programme objectives are:
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Provide an academically rigorous framework through which students can develop an awareness of user-centred design learning in the user experience field.
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Develop a systematic detailed knowledge, experience and understanding of digital content curation for user experience in a modern organisation.
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Demonstrate knowledge of interaction design, technologies and tools.
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Develop learners’ knowledge and ability to apply interaction design and user experience to social, cognitive and behavioural psychology.
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Enable learners to explore universal design principles and design thinking through gamification pedagogy.
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Develop an in-depth appreciation of user testing and analytics and learn how these drive an organisation.
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Apply user-research skills and curation ability to create a portfolio using effective and engaging user experience design.
The learning provided in this programme will support learners who are non-technology graduates to advance their careers by gaining skills and knowledge for a career in user experience and interaction design in order that they can play an active role in the UX/UI, digital marketing, visual communications design function of their organisation. This programme was initially developed with the support of industry partner, the User Experience Design Institute.
The Higher Diploma in Science in Interaction Design and User Experience (Level 8, 60 ECTS) is aimed a learners with the following entry qualifications:
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Applicants who do not have a Level 8 qualification and who have at least 3 years' work experience may also be considered through the College's normal RPL procedures. Relevant professional experience may be taken into account and individuals will be assessed on a case-by-case basis through DBS RPL procedures.