The information here may reflect program requirements for future academic years. If you are a current student and would like to see the current or prior years’ requirements for this program, please see the University Catalog.
The Interaction Design minor in UX/UI Design prepares students to create experiences that move beyond the screen. Through multi-modal interaction—combining visual design, motion, sound, and code—students will learn how digital tools can connect communities and living ecosystems. Courses emphasize UI/UX methods, creative prototyping, and field research into living and civic systems to explore how technology can act as a medium for dialogue and change.
15 credits
The courses listed below fulfill the requirements for the UX/UI minor:
Required:
IXD 241 — Interaction Design Studio: Principles & Futures |
IXD 343 — Interaction Design Studio: Multimodal Interactions & Experiences |
GEN ED 123 — History of [...] |
Electives from within Interaction Design BFA Major:
IXD 242 — Creative Technology Lab: Mobile & Web Applications |
IXD 341 — Microinteractions & Motion Systems |
IXD 243 — Research & Methods: Empathy, Equity & Humane-Centered Design |
IXD 245 — Creative Technology Lab: Digital Ecologies & Web Systems |
Double Dip - The required Gen Ed course and one elective from within their respective major can be used to fulfill both the minor and their major requirements
Electives from outside the IXD Major at PNCA may be allowed on a case-by-case basis upon the determination of the minor advisor. A list of potential options is as follows:
Visual Craft & Aesthetics (UI Foundation): These courses strengthen the aesthetic and visual design skills essential for User Interface (UI) development.
Graphic Design: Focus on Typography, Visual Systems, Branding, and advanced layout. ○ Skill Developed: Mastery of Visual Hierarchy, Grid Systems, and clear communication through static elements.
GD 251: Fundamentals of Interactive Media
GD 351: Motion Graphics
GD 350: Interface & Structure (y)
GD 241 Design Studio I: Signs and Symbols
GD 242 Design Studio I: Psychology of Seeing
GD 245 Typography I
GD 246 Typography II
Painting & Drawing: Focus on Figure Drawing, Color Theory, and composition.
Skill Focus: Improved Visual Observation and a deeper understanding of color psychology and aesthetic principles. ○ PA 261 Observational Painting
PADR 263 Multimedia
DR261/361 Anatomy/Figure
Photography: Focus on Digital Imaging, Composition, and lighting.
Skill Focus: Advanced Image Editing and visual storytelling using photographic principles. ○ PH272 Concept Capture Print 1
PH237 Studio Lighting
Content, Narrative, & Empathy (UX Foundation) : These courses focus on the soft skills critical for User Experience (UX): understanding people and crafting compelling communication.
Illustration: Focus on Visual Storytelling, Character Development, and sequential art.
Skill Focus: Crucial for Storyboarding user journeys, creating detailed Personas, and crafting visual narratives. ○ IL257/S1: Character Design
IL257/S2: Env. & Architecture
IL257/S3: World Building
Creative Writing: Focus on Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, or narrative strategies.
Skill Focus: Strengthens UX Writing (microcopy), information architecture (IA), and persuasive communication.
CW 224 Scripting (narrative writing)
CW 324 Intensive Scripting (narrative sequence)
CW 221 Short Forms
Animated Arts: Focus on Time Arts, Storyboarding, Sound Design, and video/motion.
Skill Focus: Essential for designing Motion in interfaces, creating realistic Prototypes, and understanding the user experience over time. ○ PH 211 Fundamentals of Cinematography
AA 240 Visual Storytelling
AA 335 Intro to 3D Animation
Technical, Spatial, & Physical Interaction : These courses introduce skills that broaden IxD beyond a screen-only focus to include physical and spatial computing.
Intermedia: Focus on Physical Computing, Installation Art, or performance. Skill Focus: Understanding interaction with physical interfaces and artistic applications.
IM Special Topics: Sound (Sp 27)
IM Interactive Aesthetics
Sculpture/Ceramics: Focus on 3D Design, Rapid Prototyping, and materials. Skill Focus: Hands-on experience with prototyping tools and understanding form, space, and materiality in design.
Game Minor: Focus on Game Mechanics, World Building, and system design. Skill Focus: Teaches principles of engagement, reward loops, and designing complex interactive systems.
Willamette University