Interaction Design

Study mode:On campus Study type:Full-time Languages: English
Local:$ 9.2 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 10.1 k / Year(s)  
129 place StudyQA ranking:4312 Duration:12 months

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The Interaction Design specialism is directed at students with a passion for people and technology, who have curiosity about the future and want to shape how information is accessed and used, how environments might change based on need, or how embedded information in products support use.

Those with a Bachelor’s degree in design (visual communication, product, digital media, or environmental design), communication, information technology, or even psychology may find interaction design to be the next step in their professional development.

Aims

This specialism seeks to enhance human ability and life through the design of innovative, interactive and experiential ideas, based on a synthesis of human thought patterns and habits with technical means. A combination of theory, planning strategies, research, and technical skills provide the foundation for workshops that explore emerging aspects of interaction design, based on human needs and pleasures as well as technological development.

Objectives

This specialism seeks to join theory and action by:

  • putting people first in the people/technology equation — explore human-centredness
  • understanding active communication processes on which interactivity is built
  • learning methods for analysis and construction of interaction design
  • working across communication technology, product interface, and service systems
  • focusing on one of the above as an alternative focus
  • developing a holistic approach to human-centred interaction that includes problem or opportunity identification, research, prototyping and execution

Programme structure

The specialism is structured by a combination of intensively taught short courses that directly support a workshop investigation. Workshops take various forms from individual to team work, from self-initiated projects to externally sponsored projects. A range of electives are available to tailor the experience to individual interests. Some classes meet during weekends and evenings.

The expectation is that the student is fully committed to the program and works in the studio environment. The programme concludes with a demonstration project that unites: research, creative exploration, user understanding, and prototype testing toward a solution. Graduation requires the successful completion of 36 credits.

Common Core Subjects (compulsory) (4 credits)

  • SD5400 Vision and Change (1 credit)
  • SD5018 Research and Analysis for Design (3 credits)

Specialism Core Subjects (compulsory)

Theory/Method Subjects (9 credits)

  • SD5502 Information Architecture and Visualization (2 credits)
  • SD5507 Graduate Seminar I: Theories in Interaction Design (2 credits)
  • SD5508 Graduate Seminar II: Human Computer Interaction (2 credits)
  • SD5509 Prototyping and Scripting (3 credits)

Workshop Subjects (17 credits)

  • SD5520 Concept Workshop (1 credit)
  • SD5524 Tangible Interaction Workshop (2 credits)
  • SD5527 Graduate Studio Workshop I (3 credits)
  • SD5528 Graduate Studio Workshop II (3 credits)
  • SD5529 Embedded Interaction Workshop (3 credits)
  • SD5530 Demonstration Project (5 credits)

Electives (6 credits)

These will be drawn from regularly occurring subjects within the MDes Scheme, including:

  • SD5001 Innovation Tools for Strategic Design (3 credits)
  • SD5002 Design and Culture: Cultural Identity and Authorship (3 credits)
  • SD5163 Managing Value Creation (3 credits)
  • SD5202 Innovative Products and Services Development (3 credits)
  • SD5011 User Oriented Design: Theories, methods and Applications (3 credits)
  • SD5012 Future Contexts for Design (3 credits)
  • SD5104 Branding: From Local to Global Strategies (3 credits)
  • SD5113 Strategies for Sustainable Product- Service Systems (3 credits)
  • SD5014 Consumer as Producer: Critical Trends in Product Development and Consumer Culture (3 credits)
  • SD5015 Globalization and Design (3 credits)
  • SD5019 Design Criticism and Visual Arguments (3 credits)
  • SD5021 Chinese Traditions and the 21st Century (3 credits)
  • SD5112 Strategic Design: Regional Case Studies (3 credits)
  • SD5201 Collaborative Design and Technology (3 credits)
  • SD5215 Introduction to Ergonomics (3 credits)
  • AF5340 Finance and Accounting for Design Business (3 credits)
  • MM5761 Marketing Management (3 credits)

Class delivery mode & duration

Normally classes are held during daytime on weekdays except one subject or some electives will be delivered during weekends. Each of these weekend subjects requires three weekends spread over 4–5 weeks. Normally it takes one year to complete the programme.

Lecturers

Teaching staff

  • Kenny K. N. Chow
  • Clifford Choy
  • C. K. Peter Chuah
  • Ilpo Koskinen
  • Keith Tam
  • Huaxin Wei

A Bachelor’s degree in design or the equivalent in a related discipline is required. Candidates with other tertiary qualifications complemented by substantial relevant professional experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.A complete application includesApplication formPortfolioEvidence of degree or other qualificationLetter of intentLetters of recommendation (Academic/ Profession)English language competency (minimum score: TOEFL 550 / IELTS 6.0 / iBT 80)Applicants who are native English speakers with qualification from a university where the language of teaching is English are not required to provide such test score.InterviewIn the case of international students, the interview will be conducted via video calls on Skype. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6 TOEFL paper-based test score : 550 TOEFL iBT® test: 80

Financial Aid

In general, scholarships are available on a competitive basis for non-local full-time students.

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