User Experience (UX) Research and Design Minor

Program Overview

The UX Research and Design minor at Mercer University equips students with the skills and knowledge to conduct user research, design effective user experiences, and pursue careers in UX research and design. The program offers a foundation in UX principles, methods, and tools, preparing students to stand out in the job market and pursue UX opportunities in various fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The User Experience (UX) Research and Design minor at Mercer University provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue a career in UX research and design. The program's objectives are to:

• Prepare students with the skills to conduct user research and design effective user experiences
• Equip students with an understanding of UX design principles and best practices
• Provide students with hands-on experience in UX design tools and techniques
• Launch students' UX careers with competitive research and design-based skills
• Help students stand out in the job market and pursue UX opportunities in various fields

Outline:

The UX Research and Design minor consists of five required courses and two elective courses. The required courses provide a foundation in UX research methods, design principles, and prototyping techniques. The elective courses allow students to tailor their studies to their individual interests and career goals.

Required Courses:

TCO 220: Information Design or TCO 230: Web Design (3 credit hours) TCO 361: Usability (3 credit hours) TCO 364: User Experience (UX) Research and Design (3 credit hours) Two courses from the following (6 credit hours):

• TCO 463: Prototyping and Design Thinking (3 credit hours)
• TCO 464: Accessibility and User Experience (3 credit hours)
• ISE 412: Human Factors Engineering (3 credit hours)
• ISE 445: Innovation and Product Development (3 credit hours)

Assessment:

Students are assessed on their understanding of UX concepts and their ability to apply UX methods and techniques. Assessment methods vary by course and may include assignments, quizzes, exams, and presentations.

Teaching:

The UX Research and Design minor is taught by a team of experienced faculty members from the Technical Communication and Industrial Engineering departments. The faculty are committed to providing students with a high-quality learning experience and preparing them for success in the UX field.

Careers:

Graduates of the UX Research and Design minor are prepared for careers in UX research, UX design, and related fields. Potential career paths include:

• UX Researcher: Conduct research to understand user needs and behaviors, and then use that research to inform the design of products and services.
• UX Designer: Design user interfaces that are easy to use and enjoyable for users.
• UX Engineer: Collaborate with UX researchers and designers to implement UX solutions.
Graduates may also pursue roles that focus on UX in an engineering discipline such as software engineering and biomedical engineering.