Interaction Design
Do you constantly imagine how things might be in the future? Are you interested in graphic design, 3-D design and technology? Are you curious about how people engage with screen based designs? More importantly, do you want to create incredible and enriching digital experiences through design?
Portfolio Workshop
Book your place at the Product Design Portfolio Workshop on Wednesday 8 January 2025. This workshop will benefit any students planning to apply for BA Product Design.
What is Interaction Design?
Interaction Design is about combining creativity with technology. Whether it’s building VR experiences, designing apps, or making interactive objects, Interaction Design at NCAD is all about creating the ways in which technology is a part of our lives. Our award-winning graduates shape the digital products of tomorrow in this cutting-edge field of design.
Check out our Instagram for portfolio ideas and student work.
What's the learning experience like?
In Interaction Design, you will dive into topics like user experience design (UX), video editing, VR environments, 3D printing, creative coding, and electronics. You’ll learn about making apps, websites, and even designing services. It’s all about putting people first and creating solutions that really matter in a process called Human-Centred Design. You’ll have open access to VR hardware, a digital editing suite, green screen facility, physical computing, and a well-equipped workshop with 3D scanning, printing and laser cutting to research, design and test your ideas. You’ll collaborate with leading design agencies alongside designing for positive societal and environmental change. Alongside this, you’ll take part in global student competitions and visit European design fairs.
| What subjects will I learn? | |
| Year 1 | |
|
Contemporary Art and Design Practice Design Elective Project Introduction to Interaction Design Foundation skills in Creative Coding |
Foundation Skills in User Experience (UX) Design Design Sketching, Aesthetics, and Visual Design Critical Cultures 1 |
| Year 2 | |
|
Research Methods for Human Centred Design Human Centred Design for Mobile Apps and Websites (UX) Service Design Fundamentals Designing for Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) Prototyping Electronics for Design Professional Portfolio Preparation |
Advanced Skills in Visual Design and Interactive prototyping Creative Software Coding for Interaction Design Critical Thinking and Doing in Design Design Collaboration: Cross Disciplinary Project International Design Field trip Critical Cultures 2 |
| Year 3 - Studio + | |
|
Industry Work Placement (3-6 months)* Erasmus Interaction exchange (3 months)* Bureau - Industry collaboration Projects (3 - 6 months)* |
*Students choose one of these options per Semester. Business Skills for Design Advanced User Interface Design in Figma |
| Final Year | |
|
Design studio Project 1 Professional Practice |
Design studio Project 2 Critical Cultures - Thesis |
With technology becoming a bigger part of our everyday lives, Interaction Design is one of the fastest growing areas in design, and our industry-ready graduates have significant employment opportunities to work in design consultancies and multinational tech companies.
Interaction Design graduates have a wide range of local and global opportunities open to them, working in roles such as interaction designer, user experience (UX) designer, app designer, service designer, web designer, user interface designer, and design-led researcher. Graduates also develop careers in the emerging areas of design for health, sustainability, and social impact.
Please see the Study at NCAD section for full application details.
| Duration | 3 / 4 Years BA |
| Places | 20 |
| Applications |
CAO Course Code: AD222 Interaction Design |
| Entry Requirements |
Leaving Cert: 6 Subjects (2 X H5 and 4 X O6/H7) Subjects must include English, Irish and one of the following: a third language or Art or Design & Communication Graphics (DCG) Maths Requirements: Leaving Cert Maths or Technical Subject O6/H7 QQI/FETAC: 5 Distinctions Full Award + Maths requirement as per Leaving cert or equivalent |
|
Portfolio Requirement |
Click here for info on preparing a Portfolio for Interaction Design |
| Degree Awarded | BA Interaction Design / BA Design (International) |
BA Interaction Design Portfolio Workshop
Do you need help with your portfolio? Book your place at the Interaction Design Portfolio Workshop on Wednesday 8 January 2025. This workshop will benefit any students planning to apply for BA Product Design. Bookings for the workshop taking place on Wednesday 8 January 2025 will open on 1 November.
Take a look at our Workshop on Product Design and Interaction Design from January 2022
Open Day
The NCAD College Open Day is in autumn each year. You can attend taster lectures, talks, demonstrations and view First Year Entrance Portfolios. All are welcome. Interaction Design staff and students will be on hand to answer your questions.
Who should attend our events?
Anyone interested in applying for BA Interaction Design
Art & Design / Technology / Engineering / DCG / Computer Science teachers and tutors helping students prepare an entrance portfolio for NCAD.
Further details of events will be posted on our social media accounts below.
