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Learn interaction design with online courses and programs

Interaction design is a subset of user experience (UX) design. It is concerned with how users interact with technology through mobile apps, websites, and other digital interfaces. Learn interaction design with online courses on edX.

What is interaction design?

Interaction design focuses on how users experience technology in real time to develop products that are easy to navigate. It is concerned with all aspects of how an interactive product should function throughout the entire product development process.

Major considerations in the field of interaction design include:

  • User needs

  • Usability

  • Accessibility

Individuals who work in interaction design conduct user research to understand their needs, goals, and behaviors. The insights they uncover inform the design process and help them develop user flows that guide users through the product and help them accomplish their goals.

Interaction Design | Introduction Image

Interested in learning about human-computer interaction and how to facilitate a positive user experience? edX courses can provide you with important knowledge of the following topics:

  • Guidelines and heuristics of user interface (UI) design to inform the creation of strong user interfaces

  • Stages of the design life cycle

  • The role of human-computer interaction in promoting equity, accessibility, and progress

  • Modern development frameworks

  • Emerging technologies like virtual reality, augmented reality, and wearable devices

Principles of human behavior and human psychology also inform many of the methods behind interaction design. Other courses can also expose you to different types of user research to ensure that your projects meet their intended goals. You may also choose to explore particular aspects of interaction design, such as virtual and augmented reality.

Learning about interaction design can supplement your knowledge of web and app development. edX offers a variety of educational opportunities for learners interested in studying these topics, as well as a host of other disciplines. A boot camp can provide flexible hands-on learning for those who want to upskill quickly, while executive education courses are designed for busy professionals. You can also pursue a more comprehensive curriculum in a bachelor’s degree program or, for more advanced learners, a master’s degree program. Find the right learning path for you.

Explore jobs that use interaction design

Because interaction design is a multidisciplinary field, there are many different roles that contribute to the overall user experience. Combine your technical knowledge and creativity in roles such as:

  • Interaction designer: Creates the overall user experience by designing the way users interact with digital products and services.Footnote 1

  • UX designer: Conducts user research and user testing, and oversees the strategic planning of the entire user journey.Footnote 2

  • Information architect: Designs the structure and organization of information within digital products.Footnote 3

  • Product designer: Integrates interaction design principles into the overall product design to create cohesive user experiences.Footnote 4

  • Content designer: Creates and manages the content within digital products, such as text, images, videos, and other elements.Footnote 5

While many of these roles exist within similar industries, employment qualifications for careers that may utilize interaction design principles differ based on the position and employer. Some roles may require a higher level degree while others may only ask for a demonstration of skills that can be acquired in a UX/UI boot camp, for example. Before deciding on which learning path will work best for you, research potential roles you hope to pursue and align your coursework with your professional aspirations.

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