Academics

INTERACTIVE MEDIA DESIGN: The art of human-computer interaction

What is IMD all about?

The demand for faster and better communication in recent years significantly contributed to the rapid development of communication technology. These technologies and devices serve content and interactive programs, which rely on graphical interfaces for communicating with its users. IMD students learn to design interfaces for these interactions and content (multimedia) for the latest and most popular media. The course teaches students to provide design solutions for real-world scenarios where they focus on both form (design) and behaviour (interaction) when presenting content. 

Components of the subject

Design

This component of IMD is concerned with form or the aesthetics of interactive media and includes design theory and branding principles. Students learn to design within the framework of a specific medium.

Development

The development component addresses the programmatic requirements of interactive systems to facilitate behaviour. Students learn fundamental programmatic structure and media specific programming solutions including Flash ActionScript 3.0 and web development in the form of JavaScript, jQuery and Php / MySql.  

Theory

The theoretical frameworks of human–computer interaction (HCI) and interaction design (IxD) form the theoretical foundation of IMD. HCI theory provides a fundamental knowledge of how to design systems and solutions for successful human interaction with computer systems. IxD is a multidisciplinary framework with a human–centered, “design thinking” approach, which prioritises (informed) design in order to design successful products and user experience.

Typical projects

Websites

Standards-compliant dynamic websites, web applications, Flash, mobile.

Electronic marketing

Websites, e-mailer design, electronic stationery, social media.

New and experimental media

Touch-screen kiosks, smart-phone (iPhone) applications, interactive tablet (iPad) applications, augmented reality and gesturing interfaces.

Career opportunities?

Interactive designer, user-interface designer, website designer, front-end web developer, multimedia designer, creative director, art director, production manager.