Interaction Design

The Bachelor of Arts in Interaction Design at Simon Fraser University offers students a comprehensive education in designing engaging, user-centered experiences across digital and physical platforms. This innovative program combines principles from design, technology, psychology, and business to prepare graduates for a dynamic career in creating intuitive interfaces and interactive systems. Students will learn to research user needs, develop creative concepts, and implement effective design solutions using state-of-the-art tools and methodologies. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on projects, collaboration, and critical thinking, fostering the skills necessary to succeed in a rapidly evolving industry. Throughout the program, students will explore topics such as human-computer interaction, user experience design, prototyping,visual communication, and accessibility. The program also encourages engagement with real-world challenges through partnerships with industry and community organizations, providing practical experience that enhances employability upon graduation. With access to SFU’s cutting-edge facilities and a faculty of experienced professionals, students will be well-equipped to innovate and lead in fields related to digital media, product design, and interactive systems. Graduates of the Interaction Design program will be prepared to work in diverse settings such as tech companies, design studios, startups, and governmental agencies, contributing to the development of user-friendly and impactful digital solutions that improve everyday life. The program’s interdisciplinary approach ensures students develop a holistic understanding of design’s role in society, emphasizing ethical considerations and inclusive practices. Whether students aim to create user interfaces, immersive environments, or digital products, the Bachelor of Arts in Interaction Design at SFU provides a solid foundation for a successful career in this exciting field.

Field of Study: Interaction Design
Degree Level: Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) (Note: please verify the specific degree title on the official SFU website)
Program Duration: Typically 4 years (full-time)
Language of Instruction: English
Campus Location: Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada

Program Overview:
The Interaction Design program at Simon Fraser University offers students a comprehensive education in the creation of engaging, user-centered digital experiences. This innovative program combines principles of design, technology, psychology, and communication to prepare graduates for careers in designing interactive products, services, and systems across a wide range of industries. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, students learn to analyze user needs, develop prototypes, and implement solutions that are both functional and aesthetically compelling.

Curriculum Content:
The program curriculum covers core topics such as user experience (UX) design, user interface (UI) design, human-computer interaction, visual communication, digital storytelling, and information architecture. Students gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and technologies, including wireframing, prototyping, and coding. Emphasis is placed on iterative design methodologies, usability testing, and gaining insights into user behavior and accessibility standards. The coursework also explores emerging areas like mobile and wearable device interaction, virtual and augmented reality, and social media integration.

Practical Experience:
Students participate in collaborative projects, internships, and research initiatives to apply their skills in real-world settings. These practical experiences help build portfolios that showcase their ability to design innovative, user-friendly digital solutions. The program fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging students to work alongside professionals in fields such as computer science, psychology, and business.

Career Opportunities:
Graduates of the Interaction Design program are well-equipped to pursue careers as UX/UI designers, interaction designers, product designers, information architects, and human factors specialists. They find employment in technology companies, design agencies, startups, multimedia firms, and government organizations. The program’s focus on user-centered design prepares students to address the evolving needs of digital consumers and to contribute to the development of intuitive, accessible interfaces across platforms.

Admissions Requirements:
Applicants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with a strong portfolio demonstrating interest or skills in design, art, or related fields. Specific prerequisites and portfolio guidelines are available on the SFU admissions webpage.

Additional Information:
The program emphasizes innovation, ethical design practices, and the social impact of technology. Students are encouraged to explore interdisciplinary projects and to engage with the university’s vibrant research community. For detailed admission criteria, tuition fees, and application deadlines, please refer to the official Simon Fraser University website.

Program requirements for the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interaction Design at Simon Fraser University include completion of 120 credits, typically undertaken over four years of full-time study. Prospective students must have completed secondary education with a strong background in arts, technology, or design-related subjects. Applicants are generally required to submit transcripts demonstrating academic achievement, along with a portfolio showcasing their work in design, digital media, or related fields. Foundational courses include introductory classes in design principles, human-computer interaction, and digital technology, which lay the groundwork for more advanced studies.

Students must also complete core courses such as User Experience Design, Interactive Media, Visual Communication, and Critical Design. Alongside these, mandatory studio courses emphasize practical skills in prototyping, user research, and usability testing. To foster comprehensive understanding, students engage in interdisciplinary projects and collaborate with peers from related fields such as computer science, psychology, and visual arts.

Elective courses allow students to explore specialized areas including mobile app development, virtual reality, augmented reality, and interactive storytelling. The program encourages industry internships or co-op placements to provide real-world experience and facilitate professional networking. Additionally, there are opportunities for research projects under faculty supervision, aimed at advancing knowledge in interaction design and related areas.

Students are expected to participate in seminars, workshops, and exhibitions that showcase their work and engage with industry professionals. Throughout the program, emphasis is placed on developing critical thinking, creativity, technical skills, and ethical considerations in design. To graduate, students must complete all required coursework, maintain a minimum GPA as specified by the university, and present a final portfolio or capstone project demonstrating their accumulated knowledge and skills in interaction design.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The Bachelor of Interactive Design program at Simon Fraser University offers a comprehensive approach to preparing students for careers in the dynamic field of interaction design. Regarding financing studies, students have several options to support their education financially. First, government-funded financial aid such as federal and provincial student loans and grants are available to eligible Canadian students, which can help cover tuition fees and living expenses. In addition to government assistance, SFU provides various scholarships and bursaries based on academic achievement, financial need, or specific criteria related to the program. Prospective students are encouraged to explore university-specific awards such as entrance scholarships, which recognize outstanding academic records and potential. Moreover, there are work-study opportunities available, enabling students to earn income while gaining practical experience related to their field of study. Many students also seek external scholarships, regional awards, or private funding sources to supplement their financial resources. The university's Financial Aid Office offers counseling and resources to assist students in applying for these funding options and managing their finances throughout their studies. International students, in particular, should investigate specific scholarships designated for international applicants, as well as options for part-time work permitted under their study permits. Additionally, some students may choose to finance their education through personal savings or family support. Tuition fees vary depending on the student's status (Canadian or international) and the number of courses taken per semester, and students are advised to plan their finances accordingly. In summary, financing studies at SFU involves a combination of government aid, university awards, external scholarships, work opportunities, and personal resources, all aimed at making education in interaction design accessible and manageable for students.

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Interaction Design at Simon Fraser University is an innovative program that combines principles of design, technology, and human-computer interaction to prepare students for careers in digital media, user experience design, and interactive media development. The program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating elements of graphic design, computer science, psychology, and communication to foster a comprehensive understanding of how users interact with digital systems. Students engage in rigorous coursework that includes topics such as user-centered design, interface development, visual communication, prototyping, and usability testing. The curriculum is designed to cultivate both technical skills and creative problem-solving abilities, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to design engaging, efficient, and accessible digital products and services. SFU offers state-of-the-art facilities and labs dedicated to interaction design, providing students with hands-on experience using industry-standard tools and software. Collaboration with industry partners and real-world projects form a core part of the educational experience, enabling students to build a professional portfolio and gain practical insights into the challenges of interactive media production. The university's location in Vancouver offers proximity to a vibrant tech industry and creative community, fostering networking opportunities, internships, and employment prospects post-graduation. Graduates of the Interaction Design program often find employment as UX/UI designers, interaction strategists, game designers, or digital content creators, working across sectors such as technology, entertainment, healthcare, and e-commerce. The program also prepares students interested in advanced studies or research in human-computer interaction, information design, or related fields. Overall, SFU's Interaction Design program is committed to cultivating innovative thinkers capable of shaping the future of digital interaction and user experience design on a global scale.