Description
Operating at the intersection of graphic design, interaction design, programming, and psychology, User Interface (UI) designers hold significant responsibility within game development teams and digital design studios. This module provides an opportunity for game design students to develop their practical and technical skills in UI design, whilst also developing their applied knowledge and understanding of underpinning theories and methodologies.
Aims
The aim of this module is to provide the student with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to develop effective user interfaces (UI) underpinned by appreciation of interaction design and user experience (UX) design.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module the student should be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of UI design practices, sensibilities, and theories
2. Research audiences and platforms to inform UX design that supports effective communication, accessibility, and interaction
3. Iteratively develop and test UI prototypes informed by knowledge and understanding of interaction design
Indicative Content
1 UX and UI
Considering user experience and the intersection with user interfaces. Examining the role of UX/UI designers in industry.
2 Interaction design
Discussing methodologies of interaction design and associated design disciplines such as human-computer interaction (HCI), user-centered design (UCD) and human factors.
3 Accessibility and inclusive design
Considering audience diversity and the need to design and develop accessible interfaces.
4 Game UI and menus
Diegetic, non-diegetic, meta, and spatial UI. Structuring menus for consistency, clarity, and effective communication with players.
5 Graphic design for interfaces
Graphic design principles and visual style considerations; skeuomorphism, flat design, hierarchy, composition.
6 Feedback
Interface animation, visual feedback, and audio feedback.
7 Controllers
Controller selection/design, control mapping, communicating controls to players.
8 Platforms
Understanding platforms - including mobile, console, PC, online, VR/AR/MR – and how platform selection interacts with UX and UI design.
Teaching and Learning Work Loads
| Teaching and Learning Method | Hours |
| Lecture | 10 |
| Tutorial/Seminar | 12 |
| Practical Activity | 12 |
| Assessment | 80 |
| Independent | 86 |
| Total | 200 |
Guidance notes
SCQF Level - The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.
Credit Value – The total value of SCQF credits for the module. 20 credits are the equivalent of 10 ECTS credits. A full-time student should normally register for 60 SCQF credits per semester.
Disclaimer
We make every effort to ensure that the information on our website is accurate but it is possible that some changes may occur prior to the academic year of entry. The modules listed in this catalogue are offered subject to availability during academic year 2021/22 , and may be subject to change for future years.
