User Experience and Graphics module (DJ21019)

Designing an effective, engaging and visually appealing user experience (UX) is an essential part of being an Experience Designer.

In this module you will learn fundamental graphic design principles and technology prototyping skills through hands-on practical activity.

This will include understanding visual design systems, applying user interface (UI) patterns, lo-fidelity prototyping tools, click through prototypes and the value of testing with people. 

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• apply visual design principles to print and screen-based graphics
• grow your understanding of the Design Thinking process to communicate your ideas through rapid sketching and concept visualization
• engage with emerging technologies such as AI as design tools and experiences
• explore and design UX screen prototyping with technologies such as Figma
• creatively engage with people to help inspire your design work

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• craft an interface design for a user experience, using appropriate visual language and interactions
• engage with people at each stage of your design process from generating ideas to testing prototypes
• begin to think critically about the relationship between technology and society

Assignments / assessment

Assessment will be conducted through series of project briefs with deadlines timetabled across the semester.  

Learning outcomes will be assessed through 100% coursework and will typically include: 

• individual & group presentations  
• a series of deliverables relating to specific learning outcomes 
• portfolio submission on completion of module  
• written critical reflection  

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable

• lectures with demonstrations of design practice and prototyping techniques
• workshops providing students with practical hands-on experience of thinking through making
• talks by invited speakers
• tutorials to enable students to share work with small groups and gain supportive feedback from tutors and class discussion
• project work combining individual and teamwork