INTERFACE DESIGN

The course Interface Design will be delivered as a practical workshop based on the design process cycle, where students are invited to present their own solutions for a given problem. As the concepts are presented, students are invited to make decisions and create solutions. The challenge is to design an application (web and mobile)

The design process cycle is a methodology based on a cyclic process of analysis, prototype and testing of a product or a process. When a client defines a need, the full cycle of the design process begins.

  • First, personas and their tasks in the real system are identified.
  • Next, representative tasks are extracted to prototype the solution. The next step is to design the mental model, based on the conceptual model. This requires the definition of metaphors for the system.
  • The final step is to create storyboards based on the metaphor and the tasks and design low and high-fidelity prototypes.

Learning outcomes:

The course on interface design based on the design process cycle aims at providing students with a set of techniques that allow them to create user-centred interfaces. The focus will be on the user and their needs and a practical approach.

Concepts are given and applied to the problem to be solved in real-time. With this, students are expected to improve their skills in the design sprint process and realize the importance of user-centred design in disruptive interfaces.

At the end of this course, it is expected that students have high-quality prototypes of mobile app and web app designed by them.

Students are able, consequently, to apply these strategies in the design of interfaces, namely:

  • Define tasks and Personas;
  • Identify system metaphors;
  • Prototype with wireframing;
  • Create high fidelity prototypes.

Objectives:

  • Recognize the importance of studying the interaction between user and machine.
  • Identify the physical and mental characteristics of the human being which are directly related to the quality of their interaction with the machines.
  • Acquire mastery of principles, models and interaction techniques that allow analyzing, evaluating and improve the interfaces between humans and machines.
  • Apply design principles.
  • Exercise the concepts discussed in real situations or simulations of reality.

Teaching language: English.

1. Mode of Delivery: online live – online materials provided by the teachers in EUNICE Moodle Platform.

2. Learning Resources and Tools: The professor will provide PPT, articles and supporting documents. Several online tools will be used during the course: Material Design Website; Convert ideas icons; Icons; User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ); and FIGMA software.

Units:

  • Human perception and emotions
  • Task Analysis
  • Conceptual Models
  • Low Fidelity and High Fidelity Prototypes
  • Heuristic Evaluation
  • User testing

Timetable:

Wednesdays from 1 pm to 3 pm (CET).

  • EUNICE student: enrolled as a student (Bachelors, Masters) in one of the universities of EUNICE European University consortium (check universities here).
  • B2 level of English.
  • Previous knowledge on the design process cycle is important, but not mandatory.
  • Knowledge on human perception, color usage, design patterns is also important but not mandatory.

Study Level: Bachelor, Master

  • Submit your application via the button ‘Apply Now’.
  • Please keep in mind that the number of participants could be limited for each course. Application does not guarantee enrolment in the course.
  • The course participants will be selected based on criteria specified in the study guide.
  • Your home university will inform you whether you have been accepted and provide further information about the next steps.

Specific instructions in some universities:

  • BTU students: for questions about enrolment and recognition at your university, you can visit this website.
  • UPHF students: make sure to ask the approval of your director of studies (responsable pédagogique) before applying. For any question, you can contact the EUNICE office: eunice@uphf.fr
  • UoP students: for questions about enrolment and recognition please consult  the responsible person at your university (Director of Studies or ECTS coordinator) or contact eunice@go.uop.gr
  • IPV students: for questions about enrolment and recognition, please contact rafaela.silva@sc.ipv.pt

Any questions about enrolment or credit recognition?  Contact your EUNICE courses coordinator.

Apply now

User-centered Design for Disruptive Interfaces

Study Level
Bachelor, Master
Applications deadline
15 January 2025
Dates
5 February - 23 April, 2025

Wednesdays from 1 pm to 3 pm (CET).

Accreditation
4 ECTS
Mode
Online live