Learning Studios

Learning studios immerse students in hands-on learning through a series of design projects. Students learn how to research user behavior, understand and frame appropriate problems to solve, iterate on and prototype solutions, and test their solutions. Students apply these skills directly to projects, rather than learning them in isolation. In addition, students engage in critique of design activity, reflect on their development as a UX (user experience) professional, and develop a professional portfolio.

 

There are five Learning studios for a total of 15 credit hours.

  1. Freshman: CGT 172-08
  2. Sophomore: CGT 271-08 and CGT 272-08
  3. Junior: CGT 371-08 and CGT 372-08 

Studios

Learning Studio 1 (CGT 172-08)

Introduction to the fundamental components of human-centered design, focusing on interactive computer systems. Students learn the basic tenets and methods of user-centered design, including usability and visual design principles, user research, and low-fidelity prototyping. The course is platform-independent and encourages students to experiment with new and emerging technologies.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Conduct basic analysis of situations, clients and problems and articulate problem statements. Create concepts that address the issues in the problem statement.
  2. Use basic data gathering and analysis techniques to inform design decisions.
  3. Demonstrate basic application of principles of visual and interaction design to create low-fidelity prototypes.
  4. Explain and apply the fundamental components of user-centered design.
  5. Articulate the core values of user-centered design.

Learning Studio 2 (CGT 272-08)

Advanced exploration of organizational approaches to human-centered design such as agile, waterfall, and lean UX. Students utilize principles of usability and user experience to create and evaluate physical prototypes. The course is platform-independent and encourages students to experiment with new and emerging technologies.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Conduct advanced analysis of situations, clients and problems that demonstrate an awareness of organizational strategy. Create a variety of concepts that address the issues in the problem statement and demonstrate awareness of organizational strategy.
  2. Use physically-based techniques for data gathering and analysis to inform design decisions.
  3. Demonstrate application of human factors principles to create physical prototypes.
  4. Distinguish among popular processes and methodologies for UX such as agile, waterfall, lean, etc.
  5. Explain how design philosophy impacts design practice.

Learning Studio 3 (CGT 371-08)

Advanced exploration of strategic human centered design that aligns user experience with organizational strategy and business goals. Students utilize visual, information, and usability principles as well as various approaches and methods of human-centered design to create interactive digital prototypes. The course is platform-independent and encourages students to experiment with new and emerging technologies.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Conduct expert analysis of situations, clients and problems that aligns with the client organization’s larger strategies and business goals. Create a variety of concepts that align with the client organization’s strategic goals.
  2. Use advanced data gathering and analysis techniques to inform design decisions.
  3. Demonstrate fluent application and evaluation of visual and interaction design principles. Use advanced prototyping techniques to create interactive digital prototypes. 
  4. Demonstrate the ability to make recommendations for appropriate major design approaches and methodologies that fit a particular design situation and team. 
  5. Articulate their design identity and personal design philosophy.

Learning Studio 4 (CGT 372-08)

This course prepares students to lead complex and strategic human centered design projects. Students become proficient in the most advanced approaches, methods and techniques of human-centered design. The course is platform-independent and encourages students to experiment with new and emerging technologies.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Conduct expert analysis of situations, clients and problems to contribute to advancing the client organization’s strategies and business goals. Create a variety of concepts that advance the client organization’s strategic goals.
  2. Use expert data gathering and analysis techniques to inform design decisions.
  3. Demonstrate advanced application and evaluation of visual and interaction design principles. Use advanced prototyping techniques to create working interactive digital prototypes.
  4. Demonstrate the ability to lead UX teams through the user-centered design process, employing appropriate approaches, processes and methodologies.
  5. Practice user-centered design in concordance with their personal design philosophy.