DSGN 155 Introduction to User-Centered Design

5 credits

This course provides a foundational understanding of the principles and practices essential for creating designs that prioritize the needs, preferences, and experiences of users. Students will be introduced to the user-centered design (UCD) process, emphasizing the importance of empathy, usability, and iterative development in designing effective and engaging solutions. By the end of the course, students will have a solid foundation in user-centered design methodologies and will be equipped with practical skills to create intuitive, user-friendly designs in various contexts, from digital interfaces to physical products.

Prerequisites: DSGN 117

Course Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

Conduct user research, which includes developing personas, user journeys, and usability testing, to ensure that design solutions are tailored to meet real user needs
Explore various methods for gathering user insights, such as interviews, surveys, and observations, and learn how to analyze and apply this data to inform design decisions
Create low-fidelity and high-fidelity prototypes and use iterative testing to refine designs based on user feedback and usability evaluations
Utilize design thinking methodologies to approach problem-solving creatively and collaboratively, ensuring that solutions are both innovative and user focused

Program Outcomes
This course teaches to the following program outcome:

create, edit and integrate vector and raster graphics within a variety of layouts for web, mobile device, print and interactive projects

College-Wide Learning Outcomes
This course teaches to the college-wide learning outcome of Communication, the ability to engage effectively in verbal, non-verbal, written, and/or symbolic expression.

This course teaches to the college-wide learning outcome of Critical Thinking, the ability to evaluate information, draw inferences, arrive at conclusions, and create solutions based on objective analysis of the evidence.

Total Hours: 70 Theory (Lecture) Hours: 30 Guided Practice (Lab or Clinical) Hours: 40