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Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering
IT & Cybersecurity

User Experience Design (UXD)

What is UXD?

Usability engineers and human-computer interaction specialists work at the interface of people and computing technology. They design websites, mobile apps, large-screen displays, game controllers, data visualizations, and special-purpose devices in healthcare, transportation, and other industries. They are experts at applying various techniques such as usability studies, cognitive modeling, focus groups, rapid prototyping and design techniques to understand users' needs and desires. Students graduating from this program will gain hands-on experience in understanding both human capabilities, interests, and desires, as well as the technologies that can be used to meet their needs in creative ways.

Key Topics

  • Methods for understanding user needs (e.g. contextual inquiry, interviews, focus groups, task analysis)
  • Prototyping techniques (e.g. paper prototyping, wireframes, Wizard of Oz)
  • User interface design best practices
  • Cognitive capabilities and limitations
  • Fundamental human-computer interaction theories and concepts
  • Human-centered technology design process
  • Evaluation techniques (e.g. usability studies, A/B testing)
  • Designing for different form factors (e.g. mobile, desktop)
  • Technology in social and organizational contexts
  • Accessibility (e.g. serving blind or deaf users)
  • Information visualization
  • Web and social media analytics

Courses

IT & Cybersecurity

  • IT&C 210A/B - Fundamentals of Web-Based Information Technology

    Web technologies including distributed architecture, networking, database concepts, client and server development, infrastructure management, and web system integration. Learn more here for A. For B.

  • IT&C 255 - Human-Computer Interaction

    User experience design techniques and best practices including requirements analysis, usability studies, prototyping methods, evaluation techniques, and cognitive, social, and emotional theories. Learn more here.

  • IT&C 492R - Special Problems in Information Technology & Cybersecurity

    Individual study in current topics of information technology and/or cybersecurity. Learn more here.

  • IT&C 555 - Advanced Human-Computer Interaction

    Advanced techniques for designing, prototyping, building, and evaluating technology-mediated user experiences. Human-computer interaction research methods including experimental design. Ethics of working with human subjects. HCI theories and best practices. Learn more here.

Graphic Design

  • DESGD 360 - Interaction Design 1

    Introduces foundational interaction design principles and tools to prototype user-centered interfaces. Through team-based course work students gain user interface experience and work-flow best practices. Learn more here.

  • DESGD 460 - Interaction Design 2

    Explores how interaction design integrates both client/user needs to prototype holistic and appropriate experiences. Through team-based course work students gain an understanding of user experience design and workflow. Learn more here.

Digital Humanities and Technology

  • DIGHT 210 - Humanities Technology: Tools & Skills

    Introduction to the skills required to create teaching and research applications in the Humanities; fundamental principles and skills of programming; principles of interface and human/computer interaction; critical problem solving. Learn more here.

Industrial Design

  • INDES 340 - Graphics Studies for Industrial Design 1

    Introduction to graphic skills such as corporate identity, packaging design, logo design, and web/interface design elements. Learn more here.

  • INDES 341 - Technology Interface Studies for Industrial Design 1

    Understanding and improving the human experience with technology products. Exploring design-focused research, evaluation, and presentation techniques. Project based with the goal of learning by doing. No coding skills are required; however, basic visualization skills will be a benefit. Participating in user-centered research methods, mapping experiences, persona development, usability testing, prototyping, and developing new product proposals. Learn more here.

Related Clubs

BYU Mixed Reality Club

We explore rapid design and prototyping processes in Augmented/Mixed/Virtual Reality (AR/MR/VR) mediums. Our lab has a wide range of equipment to get you started on your own project. We love what we do and would love to share our passion with anyone who wants to learn more about Mixed Reality technologies.
Learn more

BYU UXD

BYU UXD is an interdisciplinary organization that seeks to foster growth and awareness of User Experience Design at BYU. Members will be given the opportunity to develop industry connections, UX related skills and share resources.
Learn more

Venture Factory

Venture Factory is BYU's Product Development Accelerator. Officially sponsored by the College of Engineering & Technology, our mission is to provide the resources and environment needed for students to turn their ideas into excellent prototypes, products, and even businesses.
Learn more

BYU Localization Club

Localization (L10n) is the process of adapting a product or service to fit the linguistic and cultural needs of a specified area. We hold regular meetings and one large event every semester that provide students with opportunities to develop their skills and grow as professionals in this field.
Learn more