User Experience (UX) Concepts and Mobile-first Design (Mobile Apps) (online)

Course description

In the discovery and definition phases, students define a problem space and conduct interviews with users for preliminary research to better understand pain points. This process results in deliverables such as personas, journey maps, or research reports.

In the design phase, students further explore the applications information architecture, create wireframes and designs leveraging Figma, creating multiple iterations that are critiqued with the instructor and peers. Leveraging methods such as card sorting, resulting in deliverables such as wireframes, mobile-first designs, and a limited design system.

In the evaluation phase, students create clickable interactive prototypes and conduct evaluative research to receive feedback from users. This process helps to evaluate to what degree the prototypes meet users’ expectations and needs. Following this evaluation, recommendations for improvements are needed and lead to final adjustments before presenting and writing final case studies.

This class explores differences in designing responsive websites and native applications as well as better understanding considerations for accessibility for those who use assistive technology. / Students will have access to the Adobe Creative Suite throughout the course.

Open to students ages 18 and above. Review complete policies, including class cancellation policies, before completing your registration.

Class meeting details

This online course will be synchronous, meaning students will meet together online twice weekly. Class meetings will be conducted via Google Meet and will be supplemented by weekly office hours for one-on-one feedback and guidance. Course activities will include lectures, demonstrations, group discussions, exercises, work time, and critique.

Prerequisites

Previous experience with Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator are helpful, but not required. Example skills include creating a presentation and making layouts.

Required materials

Supplies
Pen or pencil; notebook or sketchbook.

Software
Adobe Creative Cloud (provided by MCAD); free Figma account.

Hardware
A computer capable of running Adobe Creative Cloud software, with internet access, a camera, and a microphone for class meetings and to capture and upload work.

Class resources
This class uses Adobe Creative Cloud and Canvas, MCAD’s learning management system. Please see links for more information.

Class savings

Register on or before January 20 and save $25.
Register for more than one class at a time and receive $25 off each additional class (same-day registrations only).
Additional savings. Are you eligible?

Questions?

Contact MCAD Continuing Education at continuing_education@mcad.edu or call 612.874.3765.