Main Field of Study and progress level:
Industrial Design: Second cycle, has second-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Grading scale: Two-grade scale
Responsible department: Umeå Institute of Design (UID)
Revised by: Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 2019-10-29
Contents
The course will give practical training in applying methods for user testing. Graphic design with specialisation on graphical user interfaces (GUI) and solid user interfaces (SUI) are significant in the course.
Production of simple GUI prototypes, 3 ects. The section introduces techniques used in iterative testing of GUI and SUI interfaces. In the section a project is included, which involves a short product analysis, a sketch phase, production of sketch prototypes and a final presentation.
Graphic design for interactive media, 3 ects. The section gives basic knowledge in graphic design, typography, production of logotypes and pictogram for use in interactive media. Furthermore the course includes a number of practical tasks such as the production of a graphic profile, a layout of screen interfaces for different kinds of interactive media, animations and graphic design for printed media.
Software prototypes 1, 1.5 ects. This section gives an introduction to the software program Flash, or equivalent, for production of animated GUI interfaces.
Expected learning outcomes
After having completed the course, the student will be able to:
account for different procedures and methods within the field user-centred design.
discuss challenges and risks with using user-centred design.
use sketch prototype methodology for iterative evaluation of GUI and SUI interfaces together with users.
describe and use basic principles for typography and graphic design.
apply a design process for design and user interface with starting point in simple sketch prototypes and completion in a refined final design.
animate a GUI interface by means of relevant software, such as Flash.
utilize software to produce and manipulate digital images, graphic design and illustrations.
Required Knowledge
A Bachelor's degree or equivalent first-cycle qualification comprising of at least 180 ECTS or a corresponding qualification from an internationally recognized university. Specific entry requirements are: 60 ECTS credits in the field of Design. Student must have passed all previous master courses in the Interaction Design programme at Umeå Institute of Design or the equivalent. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6. The course also requires the student to be able to use the computer programs Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. Introduction and self study material to the computer programs will be provided.
Form of instruction
The course consists of lectures and exercises under the supervision of tutors. Qualified professional designers as well as teachers from Umeå Institute of Design serve as tutors. Sections concerning networks and telecommunications are carried out in collaboration with leading companies in the IT industry. All sections in the course are obligatory.
Examination modes
Examination is carried out as presentations of projects and assignments. In order to pass the entire course, the student must complete all of the various exercises and obligatory assignments and these must be approved. The grade Fail (U) or Pass (G) is graded for each section and for the course as a whole.
For students who have not obtained the grade Pass, other examination sessions will be arranged. A student who for two consecutive examinations for the same course or sub-course has not been passed, has the right to have another examiner appointed, if there are no special reasons against this (Higher Education Ordinance chapter 6, 22 §). The request for a new examiner shall be made in writing to the Head of Department at Umeå Institute of Design.
ACADEMIC CREDIT TRANSFER Students have the right to request that previous studies, or equivalent knowledge and skills acquired in a professional, work-related capacity, be validated and transferred into credits on an equivalent course or programme at Umeå University. Applications for credit transfer should be addressed to Student Services/Degree Evaluation Office. More information can be found at the Umeå University student web site (www.student.umu.se/english) and in Chapter 6 of the Higher Education Ordinance. Appeals may be made to the Higher Education Appeals Board (ÖNH) against a decision by the university not to approve an application for credit transfer (Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 12), even in cases where only a part of the application has been rejected.
Literature
The literature list is not available through the web.
Please contact the faculty.
