User Interface Design
User Interface Design
- Study facts
- Prog. CodePUID
- NQF Level5.1
- Credits60
- Valid fromH24
- Dated14.08.2024
- Version1.1
- Study modeFull-time, Part-time
- Program manager
User Interface Design (UID) is an applied professional degree education and refers to the visual layout of the elements that a user might interact with in a digital product. The programme provides competence to develop user interface design for digital devices with a strong focus on accessibility and user-centred design principles across different platforms.
This programme incorporates theoretical knowledge and practical skills, which are crucial for professional development and a further career within the design field. Candidates will acquire competence and hands-on skills in UID methodologies, current visual design principles and industry-relevant tools. Furthermore, the programme will impart proficiency in creating and maintaining design style elements, design systems and components, templates and digital prototypes. Candidates are also trained in relevant presentation techniques and collaboration methods. After graduation, candidates possess the competence to work with interface design development independently and in interdisciplinary constellations.
The digital classroom
All students at Noroff have access to a digital classroom, referred to as the learning platform. Here the student can access relevant academic and practical information about the study programme. The learning platform also contains learning content, activities, delivery deadlines, work requirements and assessments for every course.
Online
Online studies are flexible since students can study from anywhere and at their own pace according to the academic progression and scheduled deadlines. Students access their learning material for each course through the learning platform, and discussion forums are used for communication between fellow students and teachers. Lectures and live-stream sessions are not a part of the delivery model online but may be given as an add-on.
Campus
As part of the campus community, students will have access to on-site teachers, guest lecturers, and other students during their learning journey. Students on campus study in modern working environments and have access to equipment used for practical training.
Vocational education at Noroff can expand career opportunities and lay lifelong learning foundations. Throughout the programme, students will familiarise themselves with key competencies relevant for industry employment.
Career opportunities
After graduation, the candidate may qualify for work within these areas:
- User Interface Designer
- User Interfaces Accessibility Tester
- Visual Designer
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.
After graduation from this programme, students have acquired the following learning outcomes:
The Candidate...
- has knowledge of concepts, processes and tools that are used in user interface design workflows
- has knowledge of UI design methodologies and design principles
- has knowledge of concepts, processes and tools that are used to build, develop and maintain design styles and design systems
- has knowledge of concepts, processes and tools that are used in template design
- has knowledge of concepts, processes and tools that are used in prototyping and design evaluation
- has insight into of mobile-first principle and standards that are used to create user interfaces for different screen sizes and platforms
- has insight into Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), regulations and quality requirements that apply for UI design field
- has knowledge of the design industry and is familiar with the field of UI design
- can update his/her own knowledge related to the field of UI design
- understands the importance of the UI design discipline as a method to create effective, adaptive and maintainable design that serves for better user experiences
- understands the importance of empathy and inclusive design mentality to develop user-centric digital experiences available for all users
The Candidate...
- can apply vocational knowledge of design methodologies in UI design projects
- can apply vocational knowledge of universal design principles in UI design projects
- can apply vocational knowledge of responsive design principles to plan interface design for different platforms and screen sizes
- can apply vocational knowledge of content modelling in UI design projects
- can apply vocational knowledge of interaction design principles in UI design projects
- masters relevant vocational UI design tools
- masters relevant vocational techniques to present and communicate design elements
- can find information about design methodologies, accessibility guidelines and designprinciples relevant for UI design project
- can study a project brief and identify what measures need to be taken to develop a user-centred product
The Candidate...
- understands the ethical principles and restrictions when creating, developing and testing digital user interfaces with the focus on user-centred experiences
- has developed an ethical attitude in relation to the field of UI Design and understands the complexity of user needs and the importance of creating user-centred experiences
- can carry out UI design projects based on the needs of specific target groups, alone or as part of a group
- can build relations with his/her peers and collaborate with project owners, product users, graphic designers, UX designers and front-end developers and such
- can develop user-centred interactions for digital products of relevance based on different user needs and audiences
- can develop work methods to drive the UI design process
| Course code | Course name | Semester | Weeks | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FM1BADF05 | Design Foundations | 1 | 4 | 168 | 5 |
| FM1BADS05 | Design Styles | 1 | 3 | 126 | 5 |
| FM1BADS10 | Design Systems | 1 | 6 | 252 | 10 |
| FM1BAS110 | Semester Project | 1 | 4 | 168 | 10 |
| FM1BATD75 | Template Design | 2 | 5 | 210 | 7.5 |
| FM1BAPR25 | Prototyping | 2 | 3 | 126 | 2.5 |
| FM1BAER05 | Evaluative Research | 2 | 4 | 168 | 5 |
| FM1BAP110 | Exam Project | 2 | 7 | 294 | 10 |
| FM1BAPO05 | Industry Knowledge and Portfolio | 2 | 3 | 126 | 5 |
| Total | 39 | 1638 | 60 | ||
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.
Activities can vary for campus and online delivery and are composed of theoretical and practical approaches, providing students with the best possible outcome for each course. 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.
Assessment impacts the student’s learning significantly and concludes if the student has achieved the intended learning outcome and, if so, at what level. Assessments include summative and formative methods depending on the content of the learning outcome of each course.
A course usually consists of one or more work requirements. The most common is compulsory course assignments that assess the acquired competencies outlined in the course learning outcomes. Course assignments are assessed as Passed/Failed or graded from A to F, after which verbal or written feedback is provided. Tests can also evaluate students’ achievements and are usually used in combination with compulsory assignments.
Online studies may also require students to deliver one or more compulsory module assignments during a course. This is to follow up and support the online students’ learning path. Module assignments can be used as learning activities for campus students.
Work requirements and assessment methods for each course are described in the course descriptions.
Information about equipment requirements is available on our webpage - Programme information.
Online students are required to purchase and maintain their equipment, including their own subscription to design tools.
There are three ways to meet the admission criteria and be enrolled as a student:
- By upper secondary education (videregående skole)
- Higher education entrance qualification from Norway or abroad
- By Norwegian vocational upper secondary education
- Documented vocational qualifications diploma (yrkeskompetanse)
- Documented craft certificate (fag og svennebrev)
- Prior learning and work experience
More information about admission requirements is available on our webpage under Admission Requirements.