Overview
This course examines the human-centered design of interactive products and services through user research, interaction modeling, visual communication, and iterative prototyping. Students investigate design thinking, stakeholder identification, contextual inquiry, interviews, observation, surveys, diary studies, persona development, journey mapping, task analysis, information architecture, user flows, navigation models, wireframes, storyboards, design patterns, responsive and multimodal interaction, visual hierarchy, feedback, affordances, accessibility, inclusive design, and ethical research practice.
Students create low-, mid-, and high-fidelity prototypes using appropriate physical and digital tools, evaluating the strengths and limitations of each approach. Evaluation methods include heuristic review, cognitive walkthroughs, usability testing, think-aloud studies, accessibility checks, and analysis of qualitative and quantitative findings. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based iteration, documentation of design rationale, communication with technical and nontechnical stakeholders, and production of a portfolio-quality case study demonstrating how research informed the final interaction experience.
Learning Outcomes
- Frame an interaction design problem by analysing user needs, stakeholder interests, contextual constraints, and ethical considerations.
- Conduct contextual inquiry, interviews, observation, surveys, or diary studies using responsible and appropriately documented research practices.
- Synthesize qualitative and quantitative evidence into personas, journey maps, task analyses, and actionable design requirements.
- Construct coherent information architectures, user flows, navigation models, wireframes, storyboards, and interaction specifications.
- Select and produce low-, mid-, and high-fidelity prototypes using suitable physical or digital tools, explaining the strengths and limitations of each fidelity.
- Evaluate interactive designs through heuristic review, cognitive walkthroughs, usability testing, think-aloud studies, and accessibility checks.
- Analyse evaluation findings to distinguish evidence-supported priorities from personal preference and recommend iterative revisions.
- Communicate design rationale and research findings clearly to technical and nontechnical stakeholders through documentation, critique, and presentation.
- Synthesize research, design decisions, prototype iterations, and evaluation evidence into a portfolio-quality interaction design case study.
Timetable
| Type | Length | Frequency | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 2 hours | Weekly | All semester |
| Lab | 2 hours | Weekly | All semester |
| Tutorial | 1 hour | Weekly | All semester |
| Studio | 2 hours | Weekly | All semester |
Assessment Schedule
| Type | Description | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Research plan and contextual inquiry report | 15.00% |
| Assignment | Interaction models, information architecture, and wireframes | 15.00% |
| Assignment | Prototype evaluation report | 15.00% |
| Test | Prototype practical test | 10.00% |
| Deliverable | Iterative prototype and design rationale | 20.00% |
| Capstone | Portfolio case study and presentation | 25.00% |
Prerequisites
Teaching Staff & Programs
This course is delivered jointly by faculty from the participating programs listed below. In line with the Douchewater Way, the University of Sexology tailors core instruction directly to each cohort's specific discipline — adapting curriculum to program needs rather than forcing students into a one-size-fits-all model. Learn more about our approach at The Douchewater Way.