Digital Interaction Design - Course Outline

Level 1

Level 1 introduces you to a range of theories, practices and technologies that you will encounter as an interactive media designer:

• video as a design tool: storyboards, cameras, lighting & editing
• web design: e.g. HTML, CSS, Dreamweaver
• visual expression: presentation and communication skills

Level 2

Level 2 involves deepening your thinking of graphical interfaces, user research and prototyping:

• interaction design: user interfaces and information design
• coding: e.g. Java, Flash ActionScript
• design process: user-centred design and idea generation

Level 3

Level 3 introduces more novel interactions such as 'physical computing' (making objects interactive). Projects have industry involvement and students have an opportunity to find summer work placement:

• creating exhibits and interactive clothing/furniture/spaces
• physical computing: e.g. Arduino, PureData, Processing
• user research and Human Computer Interaction

Level 4

Level 4 is devoted mainly to your own personal project. We will help you to specialise in a particular area of expertise.

• major personal project
• optional dissertation/IT/business project
• degree show exhibition

*: subject to change as the field and our course evolves

What others have said about course:

"It bridges the generations of people, but actually I think it was just as elegant how it bridged the generations of technologies: [your grandfather] speaks in the technology of his day and you view in the technology of your day and it's seamlessthat's elegant and I've not seen that before... so thank you"
Bill Buxton, Principal Researcher, Microsoft reviewing Storyteller, Storyteller by IMD and Product Design Level 2 students

"I was pretty blown away by the quality and sensitivity put into all the work, and the fact that the students had been so creative in their production of smoke-and-mirror or in some cases fully working prototypes."
Richard Banks, Interaction Designer at Microsoft Research, Cambridge reviewing Microsoft Design Expo 2008, Objects for Grandpeople (IMD and Product Design Level 2)

"...the fabulous, quirky and poetic Museum of Lost Interactions (MoLI)."
Regine Debatty, We Make Money Not Art (read by 50,000 people)

"I don't know what it is they're doing up there in Dundee, but it seems to be working."
Jack Schofield, Computer Editor, The Guardian reviewing the Museum of Lost Interactions (Level 3 IMD)