Fundamentals of User Experience Design

Explore how the core elements of user experience (UX) design can be used to create more effective, engaging and enjoyable digital media interactions.



This course is currently offered in collaboration with Creative Futures Academy (CFA). CFA is a ground-breaking partnership between: The National College of Art and Design, University College Dublin, and the Institute of Art, Design + Technology. Our tailored programmes and micro courses offer access to expertise and networks across the three leading creative institutions and our industry partners. Learn with us as we experiment, innovate and respond to change.



What is it?

User experience design uses research, design skills and usability testing to enhance the ways in which a user can interact with a digital product. It involves varied activities, including user research, requirements analysis, user interface and interaction design, prototyping, and user testing. The demand from industry in Ireland for people with these skills has grown in response to the increasing prominence and importance of the field. This course produces skilled and knowledgeable user experience designers to fill this gap.

What topics will I study?

This course:

• outlines the field of user experience design;

• explains the key stages of the UX design lifecycle;

• provides the knowledge, skills and competencies required to design and evaluate solutions to UX design problems.



Topics covered include:

• core UX concepts and theory;

• key UX activities, including user research, prototyping and testing;

• various typical UX methodologies.

Minimum Entry Requirements

• Undergraduate qualification of 2nd Class Honours or higher at Honours Degree level.

• Applicants may also be considered provided that they can demonstrate Honours Degree equivalence, which can be verified through our RPL [recognition of prior learning] process.

• Some prior experience with a related discipline is required.

• Portfolio: No

IADT operates a rolling admissions policy for graduate taught courses, with decisions issued in 4 weeks after a submitted and complete application is received. An application is incomplete until you provide all required items on the checklist (including the application fee, if applicable).



Generally, courses will remain open to applications until all places are filled.

9th Oct 2024-8th Feb 2025



Blended format:

- 6 Wednesday evenings online (19:00 - 21:00)

- 3 Saturdays on campus (10:00 – 16:30)

Fees: €900

To register your interest in the next intake, please email cfa@iadt.ie

Future careers

A research report from the IADT ISA Software Skillnet (2016) found that employees are often working in UX roles and completing UX related tasks without any ‘real’ training. This course is ideal for such staff, because not only does it provide formal training to validate what they are currently doing, it also teaches new theory and techniques.



This course opens up a range of opportunities across a number of areas, including: digital development and production, design, project management, digital and online marketing, content management and software development.