User Experience and Game Design

The field of interactive design has moved from an era where designers were self-taught and learned on the job, to one where even entry-level designers are expected to have proven design skills, as well as knowledge of technology, information processing, and psychology. Interactive designers must continually place themselves in the minds of their users and players, shaping every action and response, carefully teaching them what they need to know, and skillfully blending the interactive, spatial, narrative, visual, and aural aspects of an experience. Whether working on digital tools and simulations, on traditional or digital games, or even on physical installations, this degree program prepares graduates to be interactive designers, capable of working in large teams, communicating and collaborating with other designers, artists, and engineers, able to create any kind of interactive experience.

Graduates will be well-versed in both interactive design and game design theory, including user interface design, usability, spatial design, system design, and behaviour design. Graduates will have extensive experience testing, iterating, and polishing both digital and non-digital designs through the completion of both individual and team projects. Graduates will be familiar with the basics of psychology, programming, art, and writing, and will also have been introduced to concepts of sound design, statistics, and probability.

Graduates of this degree program will be prepared to enter the software industry as entry-level User Experience Designers and the game industry as entry-level Game Designers. Possible entry-level position titles include User Interface Designer, User Experience Designer, Usability Researcher, Installation Designer, Game Scripter, Technical Designer, System Designer, Level Designer, Content Designer, Encounter Designer, Quest Designer, and Game Designer. This degree program also includes secondary training that can contribute directly to a graduate obtaining positions with titles such as Producer, Program Manager, Writer, Technical Writer, Editor, Artist, and Technical Artist. After many years in the industry, graduates may obtain titles such as Lead Designer, User Experience Architect, Creative Director, and Director.