Academy of Art University

Master of Arts (MA) in Interaction & UI/UX Design

Graduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:

Design Thinking

• Gather, analyze and apply the information necessary to develop design solutions centered on real target users
• Create interactive architecture to support the needs of the projects’ functionality

Visual Communication

• Effectively utilize grid, hierarchy, typography, color, and composition
• Apply the above design principles to effectively implement and show interactivity appropriate to the project

Technical Abilities

• Demonstrate an understanding of the current interactive technologies by selecting the appropriate technical tools to complete substantive projects and a professional portfolio site

User Experience

• Demonstrate a realistic consideration of potential users
• Apply testing results to refine projects throughout the design process, documenting key iterations along the way

Professional Readiness

• Present a clearly defined portfolio that comprehensively integrates all the skills learned in the MA program
• Accurately cite or credit sources used to develop portfolio work

Academy of Art University Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Academy of Art University will demonstrate the ability to:

• Produce a body of work suitable for seeking professional opportunities in their chosen field of art and design.
• Solve creative problems within their field of art and design, including research and synthesis of technical, aesthetic, and conceptual knowledge.
• Communicate their ideas professionally and connect with their intended audience using visual, oral, and written presentation skills relevant to their field.
• Execute technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on an understanding of art and design principles.
• Evaluate work in their field, including their own work, using professional terminology.
• Recognize the influence of major cultural and aesthetic trends, both historical and contemporary, on art and design products.
• Learn the professional skills and behaviors necessary to compete in the global marketplace for art and design.

Academy of Art University offers some of the best training and hands-on experience to help accelerate your career. We pride ourselves in doing an exceptional job preparing you to excel in your future web design career. Our degree programs are designed to equip aspiring artists and designers with a comprehensive toolbox of marketable skills that lead to success in the interaction and UI/UX design industries.

User Experience Designer

As a user experience designer, you’ll use the User Centered Design process to understand the what, why, and how a product is used. You’ll get to know your users through research and you’ll use their input to guide the process so that you can provide them with a design that is not only intuitive but also delightful.

Product Designer

As a product designer, you'll focus on designing new features for digital products. You will create visual designs, and interactive prototypes, and work with design staff, developers, and business stakeholders involved in the creation and maintenance of a project.

UI Designer

As a user-interface designer, you'll work with user experience designers and developers to create mockups, prototypes, and layouts for web applications and dashboards.

Interaction Designer

An interactive designer is responsible for design strategy, identifying key interactions of a product, creating and testing prototypes, and keeping up to date on technology trends. Combining strong design thinking and excellent visual design skills, you’ll create digital products that impact the user.

Mobile Designer

As a mobile designer, you'll create new and engaging experiences for emerging mobile devices and screens.

Motion Designer

As a motion designer, you'll concept user interfaces, interaction animations, and design for emerging devices and platforms.

Unit Requirements

Degree Requirements

• Successful completion of Final Portfolio Review
• A minimum grade of C in all required 36 units
• Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and the following Academic Study requirements:
• 1 Art Historical Awareness & Aesthetic course
  • 1 Art Historical Awareness & Aesthetic course

Curriculum

Semester 1

• ADV 605: Digital Graphics (Major)
• IXD 601: Tech 1: Front-End (Major)
• IXD 606: User Experience Design (Major)

Semester 2

• IXD 605: Visual Design & Typography 1 (Major)
• IXD 608: Tech 2: Back-End (Major)
• IXD 613: Motion Graphics and Video (Major)

Semester 3

• GLA 615: History of Graphic Design (Graduate Liberal Arts)
• IXD 618: Advanced Tech: CMS (Major)
• IXD 635: Visual Design & Typography 2 (Major)

Semester 4

• ADV 695YH: Collaborative Project: Young & Hungry Creative Lab (Major)
• IXD 700: User Experience: Human-Centered Design (Major)
• IXD 755: Masters Portfolio (Major)