Digital Design

Focus on product design: problem-solving, design thinking, prototyping, testing, iteration, and interaction techniques for modern interfaces:

• Advanced User Experience and Advanced Information Architecture
• Design Research and Documentation (methods/tools for user-centered design and artifact creation)
• UX/UI Grad Project Intensive (evaluating projects through sustainability/viability lenses)
• Studio Accelerator (prototype, test, iterate in Agile; “Designing for Thumbs” and Minimal Attention UIs, rapid prototyping using AI tools)
• Persuasive Design (Social dynamics, gamification and feedback models)

Focus on design-driven storytelling, content strategy and calls-to-action (CTAs), art direction, and motion craft using advanced production and compositing workflows:

• Applied Motion Design and Dynamics and Mograph (Cinema 4D)
• Motion Grad Intensive (concept/story and style frames for grad project)
• Motion Title Sequence (Film Production program collaboration)
• Compositing and Motion Integration (match moving, rotoscoping, image-based lighting – generalist VFX overview)

• User research, usability testing, mental models, journey mapping, Information Architecture (IA) documentation, design rationale
• Wireframing, interactive prototyping, Figma, usability validation, iterative design workflows
• Hierarchy, layout, affordances, wayfinding, tone, style, visual systems, accessible interface design
• Audience analysis, problem framing, product viability, market alignment, design strategy, stakeholder communication

• Concept development, storytelling, mood boards, look frames, and visual direction
• Art direction using lighting, composition, color, and style across media
• Creative Strategy, translating ideas into cohesive campaigns and multi-touchpoint experiences

• Figma, Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, Cinema 4D
• Asset creation, non-destructive workflows, photo manipulation, image generation, and file management
• Cross-platform production and integration of 2D/3D design outputs

• Animation principles: timing, pacing, spatial awareness, audio sync
• Compositing, motion systems, title sequences, and broadcast packages
• 2D/3D integration, simulations, camera mapping, and advanced effects

• HTML/CSS fundamentals and responsive web design.
• Translating wireframes into functional, interactive interfaces.

• Brand strategy, logo design, and visual identity systems
• Typography fundamentals, hierarchy, and visual consistency
• Campaign design aligned with audience, messaging, and market trends

• Agile, Scrum, and project planning (scope, risk, timelines), and time management
• Client communication, presentations, pitching, and documentation
• Team dynamics, collaboration, feedback integration, and stakeholder management
• Team dynamics, communication, time management

• Portfolio and case study development with industry standards
• Resume, cover letter, and interview preparation
• Networking, industry research, and understanding studio workflows
• Professional practice: contracts, ethics, business fundamentals

• Term 4: Define, research, strategy, pitching and approval
• Term 5: Produce your industry-mentored grad project
• Term 6: Project delivery, portfolio packaging, and showcase

You’ll start your specialization after the second term (4 months). This allows you to commit to your specialization while working on the client project. It may seem fast – students who aren’t certain can start the third term taking courses from both areas of focus but will need to decide in the first few weeks of the term.

It’s the single largest portfolio asset in the program. Ideas are generated in Term 3 based on Industry exploration and career pathing. One concept is then stress-tested and planned in Term 4 (strategy/pitch). Term 5 is focused on mentor supported development and feedback. Projects are delivered in early Term 6, allowing time for the development of case studies, social media assets, and a short presentation to add to your portfolio package and online presence.

Yes. All students regardless of their specialization learn UX and UI starting from term 1. These are core cross-disciplinary and theoretical approaches that are valuable to any professional designer. Students specializing in Interaction Design will get advanced level courses.

Yes. All students will learn fundamentals of motion design. Visual storytelling and video production and post-production skills including animation and broadcast packages are essential fundamentals for design creatives.

Product design uses user-centered design thinking to identify a market need, define a problem and convert that problem into an opportunity through a digital solution that meets business goals. Product Design is a popular choice for a graduate project in the Interactive Design stream.

You learn HTML and CSS in Term 2 with a focus on fundamentals of programming, giving you enough knowledge to author and edit basic code and communicate with developers on a team project.

Yes. You’ll learn about effective teamwork and collaboration, with traditional PM methodologies (waterfall), plus agile methods.

The program is loaded with industry connection. Instructors are working professionals, alumni and industry insiders give guest-talks, the curriculum includes opportunities to visit studios, work with clients, get specialized mentorship, and experience collaborative networking-building student events like design jams, and cross-department collaborative projects including a title sequence for the film program and a game interface with the game designers.

Motion Design is a form of animation. Motion Design is generally faster, more abstract and graphic design driven. Motion Designers are often using visual communication theory, data visualization, and graphic design skills to communicate a message and/or prompt an audience to take an action. Motion graphic designers are more commonly employed in advertising and marketing agencies, television and film production studios, technology companies and creative service firms. They will sometimes be employed beside or collaborate with dedicated animators.

Yes. The Digital Design program integrates AI as a support tool rather than a replacement for human creativity, focusing on developing Thinkers and Curators who can lead the design process. You will learn to use AI responsibly within industry-standard software (like Adobe and Figma) and generative and agentic platforms (such as Nano-Banana and Claude) to automate workflows and accelerate ideation. While we emphasize Creative Strategy and may occasionally restrict AI to ensure you master fundamental theories, later terms encourage its use on major projects to mirror current industry expectations. Ultimately, you will be required to maintain transparency and exercise Creative Direction to ensure all output meets professional standards through a human-centered lens.