Program Overview

Experience Design (TDXD) Program Details

The Experience Design (TDXD) program at the University of Colorado Boulder offers a comprehensive curriculum that explores the principles, theories, and philosophies of successful and innovative design. The program is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the design of immersive and interactive experiences across various commercial, performative, and cultural contexts.

Program Structure

• The program consists of a series of courses that cover various aspects of experience design, including design theory, collaboratory, experience design atelier, and professional portfolio development.
• Students are required to complete a minimum of 60 credit hours to graduate from the program.
• The program is designed to be completed in two years, with students taking 15-18 credit hours per semester.

Courses

• TDXD 5005 (3) Design Theory: Interrogates the principles, theories, and philosophies that scaffold successful and innovative design with specific application to the design of immersive and interactive experiences.
• TDXD 5105 (3) Collaboratory in Experience Design 1: Addresses philosophies of storytelling through experience and the general concepts and aesthetics of Experience Design.
• TDXD 5500 (3) Experience Design Atelier 1: Design Evolution and Expression: Introduces students to various techniques for graphically representing design ideas using drawing and illustration techniques.
• TDXD 5700 (3) Experience Design Atelier 2: Introduction to Design Graphics: Introduces students to advanced techniques for representing design ideas in graphic form, including commonly used software applications.
• TDXD 5805 (3) Professional Portfolio 1: Focuses on selecting, organizing, and developing a plan for presenting material that will eventually culminate in the completion of a competitive professional portfolio.
• TDXD 6105 (3) Collaboratory in Experience Design 2: Introduces students to professional models of working in the Experience Design industry, with a focus on industry case studies and input from outside professionals.
• TDXD 6210 (3) Storytelling for XD: Explores multi-modal, expressive strategies for experimental storytelling and investigates the diverse languages of live experience.
• TDXD 6500 (3) Experience Design Atelier 3: Packaging the Design Presentation: Investigates strategies for visually communicating and "selling" design ideas in a compelling and well-composed visual/aural presentation.
• TDXD 6555 (3) Experience Design Technology: Explores established and cutting-edge technologies employed in visual, auditory, and interactive elements of designed environments and experiences.
• TDXD 6805 (3) Professional Portfolio 2: Through editing materials collected in TDXD 5805, students will complete adaptable versions of their professional portfolios.
• TDXD 6849 (3-6) Independent Study: Allows students to engage in independent study and research under the guidance of a faculty member.
• TDXD 6901 (3) XD Implementation and Engineering: Explores the realities and challenges of implementing themed entertainment design, with a focus on construction management, client management, and approvals.
• TDXD 6910 (3-6) The Experience Design Center: Offers Experience Design students an opportunity to engage in and complete projects posed by industry professionals or non-profit partners seeking assistance with experiential projects.

Program Requirements

• Students are required to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 to remain in good standing.
• Students are required to complete a comprehensive final project that demonstrates their mastery of experience design principles and practices.
• Students are required to participate in a minimum of two industry-sponsored projects or internships during their time in the program.

Research Areas

• The program focuses on various research areas, including experience design, themed entertainment design, and interactive media.
• Students have the opportunity to engage in research projects and collaborations with industry partners and faculty members.

Career Opportunities

• Graduates of the Experience Design program are prepared for careers in a variety of fields, including themed entertainment, museum and exhibit design, and interactive media.
• Graduates have gone on to work for top companies in the industry, including Disney, Universal, and Google.