Is Interaction Design a Good Major?
Interaction Design is a strong choice for students who want to combine creativity, technology, research, and problem-solving. Students should enjoy investigating why something is difficult to use, developing possible solutions, and revising their work after feedback. Expect to explain your decisions, collaborate with others, and test whether your ideas work for the people using them.
Do Interaction Designers Need to Know How to Code?
While many interaction designers don’t need to be expert coders, learning to code can help you create and pursue more specialized roles. Basic knowledge of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, or creative coding can help build prototypes, test ideas, and collaborate with developers.
PNCA offers courses so students can learn HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Figma. Through hands-on learning, students can apply their skills in responsive interfaces and working prototypes.
Flexible Career Paths
Interaction designers may work as freelancers or contractors, completing projects for different clients. Independent work involves finding clients, defining project scope, estimating fees, meeting deadlines, and managing revisions. Designers also need to manage contracts, invoicing, and other business responsibilities.PNCA hosts workshops to help artists build these skills so graduates can explore a wide range of career options.
Why Choose PNCA for
Interaction Design?
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A Foundation in Ethical Design
At PNCA, we prioritize design solutions that respond to challenges with empathy, imagination, and ethical awareness. Our degree highlights how coding, graphical elements, and emerging technology can provide accessible tools for humans. Complete hands-on projects, research, and a thesis to help build a portfolio that solves problems through inclusive designs.
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Oregon's Creative Technology Scene
Learn in an environment that supports creative technology, UI/UX, product design, and independent media. PNCA is located in the heart of Portland, connecting students to a strong community focused on collaboration, experimentation, and design. Consider building relationships with regional employers like Nike, OHSU, OMSI, LAIKA, Wieden+Kennedy, Instrument, AKQA, ShadowMachine, Deep Sky, Autodesk, Adobe, ESRI, Google, and Arup.
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Career Support
PNCA's Career Design hosts workshops and events to help you apply your education to professional opportunities. Learn how to file taxes for a creative practice, take workshops around CVs and portfolios, or join a lecture on how to apply for grants. Our curriculum also encourages practical hands-on experiences through our applied learning courses, internship options, and real-world projects. Build connections through the Design Lecture Series or gain experience through the Center for Design.
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Courses and Professors that Matter
Build a deeper understanding of user experience (UX), user interface (UI), and interaction design through a modern curriculum. Our courses help students understand the design process, discussing concepts like information architecture, user behavior, and usability testing. Our program also goes beyond digital products, encouraging students to explore physical spaces. Small classrooms also offer a better connection between professors and students, allowing students to ask industry questions, gain real-world insights, and learn from experts in the field.
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Build a Portfolio with Expert Guidance
Build a portfolio that stands out to employers, showcases your ideas, and demonstrates your technical skills and techniques. At PNCA, every assignment, course, and project is not only a way for you to build your skills, but also to strengthen your portfolio for employers. Alongside professors and career advisors, you’ll be able to create a one-of-a-kind portfolio.
Take the