Program Overview
The Interaction Design AS Degree program at College of the Desert equips students with a comprehensive understanding of interaction design principles, including user experience strategies, information architecture, and user interface design. Through hands-on projects, presentations, and portfolio development, students gain practical skills in web design, mobile application design, and UX design, preparing them for entry-level positions in the digital design industry.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Interaction Design AS Degree program at College of the Desert prepares students for entry-level positions in web design and development, creative coding, front-end web, and mobile application design, interaction design, or UX (User Experience) design. The program curriculum is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the principles of interaction design, including user experience strategies, information architecture, user interface design, and interactive content development.
Objectives:
- Develop a strong understanding of the principles of interaction design.
- Apply industry-standard user experience strategies to the development of effective information architecture, intuitive user interfaces, and compelling interactive content.
- Utilize research, experience mapping, wire-framing, usability testing, and other strategies to develop user-centered digital products.
- Build a diverse portfolio of work that showcases strong digital design skills.
Outline:
Core Requirements (29 units)
- DDP 100 Introduction to Digital Art & Media
- DDP 101 Digital Imaging
- DDP 116 Social Media Design
- DDP 150 Web Design & Development
- DDP 151 User Experience Design
- DDP 195 Business Practices and Portfolio Preparation for Creatives
- CIS 023A Introduction to Amazon Web Services
- CIS 082C Front End Web Development
- CIS 085C Dynamic Website Design
- CIS 087 Introduction to Programming Using Python
Electives (12 units)
- DDP 095A Digital Design & Production Work Experience (1-8 units)
- DDP 110 Graphic Design
- DDP 111 Advertising Design
- DDP 112 Digital Typography
- DDP 131 Digital Photography
- DDP 132 Commercial Photography
- ART 003A Basic Design & Color
- Kinesiology Activities (2 units)
- COD General Education Pattern (18 units)
Assessment:
Assessment methods in the program may include:
- Projects: Students will complete a variety of projects that demonstrate their understanding of the principles of interaction design, including website designs, mobile app designs, and user experience prototypes.
- Presentations: Students will present their work to their peers and instructors, receiving feedback on their design decisions and user experience strategies.
- Exams: Students will take exams to assess their knowledge of the core concepts of interaction design, including user experience, information architecture, and user interface design.
- Portfolio: Students will develop a portfolio of their work that showcases their skills in interaction design, web design, and graphic design.
Teaching:
The program is taught by experienced faculty with expertise in interaction design, web design, and graphic design. The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures: Faculty will deliver lectures on the core concepts of interaction design, including user experience, information architecture, and user interface design.
- Discussions: Students will participate in discussions on aktuelle topics in interaction design, sharing their insights and experiences.
- Workshops: Students will participate in workshops to gain hands-on experience with industry-standard software and tools.
- Projects: Students will complete a variety of projects to apply their learning to real-world scenarios.
Careers:
Graduates of the Interaction Design AS Degree program will be prepared for careers in a variety of fields, including:
- Web Design and Development
- UX (User Experience) Design
- Interaction Design
- Graphic Design
- Mobile Application Design