Methods for conducting user testing, persona development, and usability analysis in digital product design.
About this course
User Experience Research (VIDP 3140) teaches you the methods needed to understand the people who will use the digital products you design. You will learn how to plan and run user tests, build user personas from real data, and perform usability analyses that improve design outcomes. The course focuses on practical skills that you can apply in professional settings.
You will work through the full research cycle: planning a study, recruiting participants, collecting data, and presenting your findings. You will also learn how to communicate research results clearly to stakeholders who may not have a design background.
Who takes this course
This course is required for students in the Graphic & Interactive Design program.
Credits: 3 · Hours: 45
Prerequisites
- VIDP 1340 Visual Communication Foundations
- VIDP 2590 Interactive Design Principles
Learning outcomes
- Conduct formative and summative user tests using established protocols
- Develop detailed user personas based on qualitative and quantitative data
- Perform heuristic evaluations and usability audits on digital interfaces
- Synthesize research findings into actionable design recommendations
Evaluation
| Component | Weight (%) |
| Usability Test Report | 30 |
| Persona Development Project | 25 |
| Mid-term Research Proposal | 20 |
| Final Research Portfolio | 25 |