Curriculum

The Interaction Design Programme teaches fundamental skills, methods and tools related to tangible/product interactions, graphical/screen interactions and service design / strategic interactions. We continually develop our definition of interaction design through the evolving nature of our curriculum.

Our Approach

Led by a ‘learning by doing’ philosophy and a people-centred approach, IDP participants explore topics by undertaking people centred research before generating ideas. Participants work together in multi-disciplinary teams to develop concepts which are then prototyped in the lab and workshop.

We place faith in diversity of skills, thinking and culture – and believe in imparting skills for teamwork, communication and collaboration, not just technical and design skills. The IDP is an effective platform for peer-to-peer learning. As well as learning from our expert faculty, participants are expected to shared their existing knowledge and skills with those they work with. This ensures a unique, multi-cultural learning environment and ensures that graduates have up to date hard skills as well as a forward-thinking mind-set.

The Structure

The Interaction Design Programme takes place over a calendar year and is divided across: Foundations, Investigations, Industry Projects and a Final Project.

Foundations

These consist of short (1-2 week), skills-based courses designed to provide participants with the fundamentals they will need as interaction design practitioners and for effective peer-to-peer learning and work support. The short courses will lead into more in-depth design projects on briefs related to particular human needs and contexts. Previous courses have included:

Team Building
Introduction to Interaction Design
Digital Fabrication
People Centred Research
Introduction to Programming
Computational Design
Video Prototyping
Physical Computing
Machine Learning
Immersive Experiences
Interactive Data Visualisation
Interactive Spaces
Performative Design/Wearable Computing
Sound Design
Sensory Design
Rapid Experience Prototyping

Investigations

Investigations provide an opportunity for participants to pursue more in-depth design projects related to particular human needs and contexts. Building on the Foundations, these 2-4 week classes encourage participants to think about what they are designing but most importantly who they are designing for, and why. participants will work in teams, and support each other in learning required design and prototyping skills to fulfill their projects. Previous courses have included:

Graphical User Interface
Tangible User Interface
Service Design
Enchanted Objects (The Internet of Things)
Emotive Digital Services
Working Intelligence

Industry Projects

In these intense two-week, real life-driven innovation workshops, participants work with industry partners on briefs of a mutual interest. Taking place at two points in the curriculum, the Industry Projects simulate a professional environment and venture development. Previously we have collaborated with Danish and international companies including Barclays, DSB, Electrolux, IKEA, Intel, Lego, littleBits, Maersk, Nokia, Novo Nordisk, Orange, Philips, and Velux.

Final Project

The final project occupies participants for 8-10 weeks during the final months of the programme. This provides the chance to do original work on a topic of their own interest and choosing. With the help of internal and external advisors, participants carry out self-driven projects. They receive a project framework which details the process and expectations for assessment. The projects are assessed in a final exam by a panel of external examiners in line with the following criteria: Research, Concept, Prototyping, Documentation and Communication. Students can: Pass, Pass with Honours or Fail.

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The course is complemented by a series OPEN Lectures in the theoretical and practical aspects of interaction design and related fields.

Participants are expected to document and publish their work throughout the year and participate an end-of-year exhibition accompanying their examinations.

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Here is an example of the IDP curriculum including the duration of each course and learning outcomes. The curriculum evolves each year to include new topics and technologies that reflect the demands of industry and to push the boundaries of the discipline.