The Interaction Design module equips learners with the skills and competency to proficiently develop user-centred interactive experiences. They will gain a solid foundation in interaction design principles, usability heuristics, universal design, and accessibility best practices for digital products and services. Learners will develop practical skills in constructing user interfaces (UI), using core interaction components such as controls, rules, and feedback. They will delve deeper into advanced topics including interaction flows, annotated wireframes, user interface systems, interactive prototypes, design systems for diverse digital platforms, and emerging technologies.
Interaction Design Principles
• Overview of interaction design principles and its significance in human-centered design• Exploration of interaction and user interface design principles for different types of interaction and interfaces• Human-computer interaction principles (e.g. Feedback, Flexibility and Efficiency of Use, Consistency and Standards, Error Prevention and Recovery, Visual Hierarchy, Simplicity)• Cognitive and behavioural concepts for interaction design (e.g. Memory, Attention, Learnability, Decision Making & Choice, Cognitive Bias, Persuasion, Emotion)
Accessibility, Usability and Heuristic Evaluation
• Applying digital accessibility best practices and universal design principles to ensure accessible and inclusive experiences• Overview of usability heuristics for interaction design• Conducting heuristic evaluations to identify usability issues and propose design solutions
Anatomy of an Interaction
• Examine the components of an interaction for different interaction types e.g. voice and gesture• Utilise and apply visual design principles of e.g. visual hierarchy, balance, contrast, colour, typography, scale, etc, in the design of UI elements and UI systems• Design intuitive UI interactions by understanding the principles of controls, rules, and feedback• Explore interaction flow diagrams to visualize the sequential progression of user interactions
Wireframing and Interactive Prototyping
• Information architecture techniques for optimal navigation and interaction flows• Techniques for high and low fidelity wireframing• Creating annotations to effectively communicate design intentions• Understanding the importance of design systems in interaction design• Utilizing design systems, style guides, and component libraries to streamline the design process• Developing interactive prototypes with consistency, efficiency, and scalability
Immersive Media and Emerging Technologies
• An overview of immersive media technologies (e.g. virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality and extended reality)• Design considerations specific to immersive technologies, including spatial interaction, navigation, presence, and embodiment.• Design approaches for emerging technologies beyond traditional screens (e.g. wearable devices, Internet of Things, haptic interfaces, and voice-based interactions).
The module uses a combination of lectures, practical exercises, critique sessions, prototyping activities and software tutorials where learners actively participate in the interaction design process, receive feedback, and engage in collaborative work with their peers.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 100 |