Explorations of Interaction and Experience, 12 credits

Contents

The course is an introduction to interaction design and related design fields. The aim is to provide students with a fundamental understanding of the contemporary and historical context, as well as methods and tools for making and exploration of interaction design.

Conceptual Orientation, 1.5 credits

This module aims to develop an understanding of the historical development of interaction design, including the concepts and methods that form the foundation of current practice. Students explore the emergence and significance of methods, tools, and theories related to the exploration of interaction and experience.

Expected learning outcomes: ELO 1, ELO 2, ELO 3

Theme Week: Artistic Practices and Configurations, 1.5 credits

This module focuses on the exploration of various aesthetic and artistic expressions, working methods, and materials. The module constitutes a theme that spans across the years of the bachelor's program.

Expected learning outcomes: ELO 7

Exploring Interaction Design, 6 credits

Students engage in practical work to investigate how different tools, materials, and methods can be used to create, communicate, and analyze interaction design. The students adopt an hands-on approach to explore and address interaction-based challenges.

Expected learning outcomes: ELO 4, ELO 5

Reflection and Design Communication, 3 credits

This module aims to develop an understanding of new movements within the field that influence current practice. Students reflect on their results and learning from the exercises in relation to the global sustainability goals. Students also work practically with visualizing and communicating these reflections and insights.

Expected learning outcomes: ELO 6, ELO 8, ELO 9

Expected learning outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding:

(ELO 1) Discuss the historical emergence of interaction design and its key concepts.

(ELO 2) Exemplify fundamental concepts and theories within interaction design.

(ELO 3) Discuss the basic conditions for aesthetics within interaction design.

Competence and Skills:

(ELO 4) Apply methods and skills for the creation and exploration of interaction design.

(ELO 5) Apply methods and skills for analysis and communication within interaction design.

(ELO 6) Demonstrate the ability to communicate knowledge and skills through a portfolio.

(ELO 7) Explore how artistic expressions and methods can be used to shape, challenge, and transform design processes and products within industrial design.

Judgement and Approach:

(ELO 8) Evaluate and discuss exercises in terms of accessibility, usability, and aesthetics.

(ELO 9) Investigate and discuss the impact of new technologies and materials in interaction design from relevant sustainability perspectives.

Required Knowledge

Admission to the course requires that the student has passed all previous courses (60 credits) in the Bachelor's Programme in Industrial Design at Umeå Institute of Design, or the equivalent. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.

Form of instruction

The teaching consists of lectures, seminars, workshops, reflections, dialogues, practical exercises, and activities conducted both in groups and individually. Students are encouraged to support each other's learning through investigative and experimental approaches, with a focus on learning-by-doing. Presentations are made in various formats, including oral presentations, visual representations, and written texts. The course includes assignments, and students receive guidance in connection with practical exercises.

Participation in seminars, as well as the presentation of practical assignments and reflective work, is mandatory.

Examination modes

Each module is assessed continuously throughout the course and includes submissions in the form of written and/or visual material, oral presentations, individually or in groups.

To pass the course, all modules must be completed with a passing grade. Grades are given for each module and for the course as a whole according to the scale Fail (U) or Pass (G).

Adapted assesment

For students who have received a decision on recommended support due to a disability, the examiner may decide to deviate from the form of assessment stated in the course syllabus. Any individual adaptation of the form of assessment shall be considered based on the student's needs and the course's expected learning outcomes. For more information, see the Procedure for Support for Students with Disabilities and the Rules for Grades and Examination.

Transfer of credits

A student can receive credit for all or parts of this course if they can present a certificate showing that they have completed and passed an equivalent course. Furthermore, approval by the course responsible teacher is required, based on an assessment of the student’s knowledge level and experience in the subject area concerned. For further information, refer to the Procedure for Credit Transfer on Umeå University's website, www.student.umu.se.

Other regulations

The courses Design Studies and Design Expression are conducted in parallel with the course.