Design Portfolio

Visual Design Principles [DESIGN X401.2]

Course Objectives

• Analyze and construct graphic/visual design using design elements and principles

• Study the design process—spatial relationship, structure, the integration of type with imagery and the use of color—through quick visual explorations

• Transform research, critical analysis and creative thinking into powerful visual communication

• Apply design principles from major graphic design movements of the 20th and 21st centuries to contemporary work

• Master design-process terminology so you can communicate your thought processes during the development of your project

• Examine grid systems

• Incorporate Gestalt theory to study perception and design

• Develop typographic literacy by confidently selecting and applying typography fit-to-purpose

• Define color theory and apply it print and digital media

• Create a portfolio of design pieces that exhibit the principles of design

Essentials of UX Design [DESIGN X429]

Course Objectives

• Understand and apply user-centered design practices

• Conduct user research, persona development, usability testing and compile results

• Convey design choices through visual and written assets including site maps, user flows, wireframes and prototypes

• Apply UX/UI design principles through team assignments, collaborating with other design students on design critiques and team presentations.

Diagramming and Prototyping for UX [DESIGN X476]

Course Objectives

• Communicate the value of diagramming and prototyping

• Demonstrate which diagram or prototyping method is appropriate based on where you are in the overall design process

• Understand and synthesize information about diagramming through real-world examples

• Design successful visual diagrams and prototypes that are intuitive and self-explanatory

• Present and communicate ideas professionally and give/receive constructive critique

• Evaluate design in each iterative phase and apply changes selectively to improve quality

• Apply critical thinking approach for initiating user experience design

• Distinguish successful and unsuccessful user experience design

• Determine which level of fidelity is appropriate based on the stage you’re in

• Present your concept effectively and gain buy-in and support from stakeholders

• Sell your idea and concept videos to gain buy-in from stakeholders

User Research for UX [DESIGN X475.3]

Course Objectives

• Understand usability testing and user experience

• Study logistic and theoretical components of applied research

• Explore best practices for developing a research plan

• Learn how research contributes to a design effort

• Develop, conduct, analyze and report findings from a user research study

• Ensure that research is applicable to product development

• Explore quantitative and qualitative research methods

Information Architecture (IA) and Content Strategy [DESIGN X435.1]

Course Objectives

• Understand IA and content strategy define an online organization

• Describe each planning phase of content strategy

• Apply key UX concepts to real-world situations

• Learn different verticals, products, brands, audiences and channels

• Evaluate IA and content quality and discoverability through user research

• Integrate SEO and accessibility initiatives to enhance content discoverability

• Translate research findings into practical designs and content

• Specify design and prototype optimized navigational systems, including labels, tags and taxonomies

• Describe the role of a content management system (CMS), templates and microcopy in content strategy and identify related deliverables

User-Interface (UI) Design [DESIGN X475.2]

Course Objectives

• Create a meaningful portfolio of your work targeted towards design leaders Implement graphical user responsive interfaces for computers, tablets, smartphones, kiosks and a variety of devices

• Differentiate UI design from other design disciplines

• Describe the context of UI design within the full design process

• Cite the foundational principles of an effective user interface

• Establish design direction for your UI based on the problems you are solving

• Synthesize numerous interactions around a common concept/identity

• Break down an interaction into discrete detailed microinteractions

• Communicate a set of logical conditions through multiple states within an interaction

• Articulate the psychology behind what makes UI design work

• Demonstrate an understanding of group dynamics and persuasive storytelling

• Illustrate the basic content and functionality of your interaction