User Experience Design (UX Design)

Program Overview

The User Experience Design (UX Design) Program at St. Lawrence College is a one-year Ontario College Graduate Certificate program that prepares graduates for careers in UX design. The program focuses on developing skills in research, facilitation, presentation, business analysis, project management, information architecture, usability assessment, and visualization. Graduates will be able to work with clients to develop innovative products and services that meet user needs and achieve business and organizational objectives.

Program Outline

User Experience Design (UX Design) Program at St. Lawrence College:

Degree Overview:

Overview:

This one-year Ontario College Graduate Certificate program prepares graduates for careers in user experience (UX) design. The program focuses on developing skills in research, facilitation, presentation, business analysis, project management, information architecture, usability assessment, and visualization. Graduates will be able to work with clients to develop innovative products and services that meet user needs and achieve business and organizational objectives.

Objectives:

• Equip graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to work as a User Experience Designer in a variety of fields.
• Foster expertise in user-centered design, user research, information architecture, prototyping, usability testing, and other essential UX principles.
• Train graduates to work effectively with clients and other stakeholders to design user-centered solutions.
• Prepare graduates for employment in diverse industries, including healthcare, education, interaction design, and public policy.

Program Description:

This program offers students a comprehensive education in UX design, covering both theoretical knowledge and practical application. Students learn through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on projects, and client-based work. The program features:

• Faculty with industry experience and extensive professional networks.

• Small class sizes for personalized attention and support.

• Guest speakers from the industry.

• Real-world experience through client projects integrated into courses.

• Professional presentations of work to clients.

Outline:

Semester 1:

• DESI 800: Introduction to User Experience Design: Provides an overview of UX design principles through group activities, discussions, and applied assignments.
• DESI 1001: Usability and Universal Design: Explores the imperative of designing products and services for diverse populations.
• DESI 802: UX Research 1: Introduces research methods and strategies for UX design projects.
• DESI 806: UX Prototyping: Teaches students various tools and techniques for developing UX prototypes.
• DESI 1000: Accessibility: Explores accessible design principles that take users' physical and cognitive needs into account.

Semester 2:

• DESI 807: The Business of UX: Develops business analysis skills for UX design, including project management, presentation skills, and client facilitation.
• DESI 803: UX Research 2: Students independently design and execute a research study for a user experience design project of their choice.
• DESI 810: Team Project: Students work in teams to complete a capstone project that solves a user experience design problem for a client.
• DESI 820: Communicating Design: Students prepare a case study of their team project and develop a professional presentation for a client.

Careers:

• UX design is a rapidly growing field with high demand for professionals.

• Graduates work in diverse industry sectors, including healthcare, education, interaction design, and public policy.

• Program graduates have gone on to work as full-time researchers and UX designers in various industries.

Other: