MSc, 120 cr, 2 years
Programme aim
Interaction design is the practice of designing interactive digital products, environments, systems and services. It focuses on behaviour – how users act and how products respond to user behaviour.
As such, it is a necessary discipline in any design project aiming to create something complex and computer-augmented that is to be used by humans: computer software, games, interactive products such as smart phones or MP3-players, “intelligent” homes, cars, clothes and so on.
Given the increased focus on interaction design in general, and on social media, entertainment and new physical products in particular, the programme aims to provide interaction designers with the knowledge and skills needed to meet the ever-shifting demands of this emerging job market segment.
The programme allows the following specialisations
- Interaction designer focused on user interface design and information visualisation
- Interaction designer focused on tangible interaction
- Interaction designer focused on entertainment, games and social media
- Game developer with some experience of gameplay design and interaction design
Who should apply
The programme is intended for anyone with a keen interest in the interaction between humans and digital artefacts . This means that the programme attracts students from different educational backgrounds – from psychology and cognitive science to computer science and information technology, including those with different design backgrounds.
Why apply
It is no longer enough to build a system, product or application that is only functional or efficient; there is an increasing demand for products that are not only efficient but also have other values, such as being pleasurable to handle and use or even fun or intriguing. As a result of the new demands, there is a whole new set of interaction design-oriented jobs on the market.
Interaction designers can now be found in any software company, as well as in the game industry, or in companies that combine hardware and software, e.g. mobile phone producers like Apple or Sony Ericsson. Other key areas include web design and web marketing, information visualisation and design of physical interactive products like toys, GPS etc.
Research connections
The programme is offered by the Division of Interaction design at the Department of Applied IT. The research group specialises in areas such as tangible and pervasive interaction, game design, innovative graphical user interfaces, health care informatics and the use of IT in vehicles. We have close collaboration with for instance Volvo and the Interactive institute.
Programme overview
Detailed programme content in the Student portal, for current students
Specific eligibility
Undergraduate profile
Major in Information Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Textile Design, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Cognitive Science or Computational Linguistics.
Prerequisites
Programming and Human-computer interaction.
English Language Proficiency
There are several ways of proving that you possess the required level of English language proficiency. Most commonly this is done by submitting one of the approved English language tests.
To read more about required minimum test results and other means of certifying fulfillment of the English language proficiency requirement, please visit:
English Language Profiency
Basic eligibility
All applicants to education on advanced level must meet standard requirements regarding earlier education, called basic eligibility.
Notes
Degree: Master of Science (MSc)
Credits: 120
Duration: 2 years
Application Code: CTH-23009
Contacts
Specific questions about the programme and it's content:
Börje Johansson
bojo@chalmers.se
Olof Torgersson, Programme director
olof.torgersson@chalmers.se
+46 31 772 54 06
Other questions