This course introduces user experience design in the context of user experience, how a product behaves and is used for real-world applications. It includes an overview of human perception and cognitive performance, computer processes, and system design approaches to facilitate positive user experiences. Topics include social and emotional interaction, the process of user experience design, how to capture requirements, and construction and evaluation approaches.

How do we design interfaces for optimal efficiency and appeal? Before we can answer this question, we must first understand the goals, needs, and skills of the user. In this course, students consider these factors and learn methods for evaluating, designing, and improving human-computer interfaces. Students engage in exercises, discussions, and other assignments to explore a variety of topics, such as user-interface evaluation methods, requirements analysis, and user-interface design methodologies, including rapid prototyping and iteration.

Technology and new media continue to evolve, primarily due to interest coupled with new-found capabilities derived from 21st-century know-how. With this invitation to create, students apply their understanding of new media as a set of effective tools in the practice of communications to design a conceptual prototype appropriate to enhancing mass communications. Students learn to test, refine, and appraise their product, taking into account visual components, audience information, and user feedback. They also discuss topics of new media design with their peers and reflect on its implications in modern business.