FM1BADS15-CC Fundamentals of UI Design and Design Systems

FM1BADS15-CC Fundamentals of UI Design and Design Systems

  • Course description
    • Course code
      FM1BADS15-CC
    • Program of study
      User Interface Design
    • Credits
      15
    • Course coordinator
      Marna Haskins
Teaching term(s)
2025 Spring
About the Single Course

This single course provides essential knowledge and skills to develop and maintain design systems and styles, which are critical for improving the interaction design process and user experience. Candidates will learn to create reusable components—such as controls, inputs, navigation, and micro-animations—while ensuring accessibility and alignment with brand guidelines. They will also explore design styles, including typography, shapes, illustrations, and color systems, and adapt these elements for UI design projects.

Using industry-standard tools and methods, candidates will gain practical experience in shaping design elements, building cohesive systems, and selecting appropriate procedures based on project scope and user needs.

This course is highly relevant for candidates aiming to enhance their skills in creating user-centered, accessible, and brand-aligned design systems. By mastering design processes and tools, candidates will be well-equipped to improve the design process and deliver high-quality digital experiences.

Course Learning Outcomes

The Norwegian Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning (NQF) defines the levels of qualifications in the Norwegian educational system. These levels describe what a learner knows, understands, and can do as a result of a learning process. Categories in NQF are defined as:

Knowledge: Understanding theories, facts, principles, procedures in the discipline, subject area and/or occupation.
Skills: Ability to utilise knowledge to solve problems or tasks (cognitive, practical, creative and communication skills).
General Competence: Ability to independently utilise knowledge and skills in different situations.

Learning outcomes - Knowledge

The candidate:

  • has knowledge of concepts, processes and tools that are used in development of design styles
  • has knowledge of concepts, processes and tools that are used to build and maintain design systems
  • has knowledge of design elements such as layout, visual hierarchy, typography, shapes, illustrations and colour systems
  • has knowledge of design system components such as controls, elements, inputs, selects, micro animations and navigation.
  • has knowledge of brand guides and how to use them in UI design projects
  • has insights into relevant documentation standards for design, layout, behaviour, usage, states and “how-to” examples
  • has insight into relevant accessibility regulations and standards that apply for design system elements
  • can update his/her knowledge in design system development and maintenance
  • understands importance of principle for design consistency in UI design
  • understands the importance of creating maintainable design systems to improve the overall interaction design process and user experience
Learning outcomes - Skills

The candidate:

  • can apply knowledge to shape and edit design elements
  • can apply knowledge to build and maintain design systems
  • masters relevant vocational tools and techniques to build and maintain design systems
  • can apply knowledge to develop, adapt and translate brand guides for use in UI projects
  • can find information and material that is relevant for building and maintaining design systems
  • can study a design system and identify subject-related issues and what measures need to be implemented
  • can apply knowledge to document design, layout, behaviour, usage, states and “how-to”examples
  • can study his/her own design and identify possible UI design issues and what measures need to be implemented
  • masters relevant design vocational tools to edit or develop design style elements
General Competence

The candidate:

  • can carry out design style production based on the needs of selected audiences, alone or as part of a group
  • can carry out design system building based on a company’s brand guidelines or a project brief
  • can carry out design processes, content modelling, and design system building based on the needs of selected audiences or project brief
  • can develop work methods for building and maintaining design systems
Teaching and Learning

Noroff offers an engaging and student-active learning experience that prepares candidates for professional working life through unique and industry-relevant teaching and learning activities governed by the current learning outcomes. Teaching and learning engage students in the learning process by promoting a holistic understanding of the different issues and challenges relevant to the subject areas. By fostering critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication, students will develop lifelong learning skills. 

Noroff distinguishes between teacher and student-led activities. Both are equally important and tailored to each course’s educational approach. Teaching and Learning activities used in the courses are outlined in the course descriptions. 

For all online studies, English is the primary language for teaching. English can also be used as the teaching language on some campuses.

In this course, the following teaching and learning methods can be applied, but are not limited to:

Lecture: Educator-led presentations or activities providing knowledge, skills, or general competencies in the subject area.

Group work: Collaborative activities where students work together to solve problems or complete tasks.

Tutoring: One-on-one or small group sessions with an instructor for personalized guidance and support.

Student presentations: Opportunities for students to demonstrate their understanding of course material by presenting to peers.

Online lessons: Digital content delivered via an online learning platform.

Guidance: Individualized advice and direction from instructors to support students in their learning journey.

Workshops: Practical sessions focused on hands-on application of theoretical concepts or skills.

Self-study: Independent study where students engage with course material on their own without any teacher support.

Reading list

Teaching materials, reading lists, and essential resources will be shared in the learning platform and software user manuals where applicable.

Equipment prerequisites

Information about equipment requirements is available here: Programme information.

Online students are required to purchase and maintain their equipment.

Admission requirements

There are three ways to meet the admission criteria and be enrolled as a student: 

  1. By upper secondary education (videregående skole)
  • Higher education entrance qualification from Norway or abroad
  1. By Norwegian vocational upper secondary education 
  • Documented relevant vocational qualifications diploma (yrkeskompetanse)
  1. Documented relevant craft certificate (fag og svennebrev)
  • Prior learning and work experience  
     

More information about admission requirements is available on our webpage under Admission Requirements.