Foundations of UX and XR Design

Learn about emerging technologies such as augmented & virtual reality

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Course Dates

STARTS ON

TBD

Course Duration

DURATION

8 weeks, online
15-20 hours per week

Course Fee
Course Fee

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Why Study Foundations of UX and XR Design?

New digital and immersive experiences made possible by emerging technologies such as augmented, virtual and mixed reality (jointly known as “XR”) are changing the way we live and work. And the disruptions of this last year have accelerated the growth and adoption of new technologies i.e. to enhance workplace collaboration, e-commerce, education and training. Career opportunities for designers who can harness the power of Augmented reality (AR) and Virtual reality (VR) are evolving in tandem with the demand for augmented and immersive experiences.

The Foundations of UX and XR Design program was developed by NYU Tandon School of Engineering to provide an introduction to both UX and XR design principles and practices for traditional UX designers or individuals with visual design experience (web, architectural, fashion, industrial, interior design, etc.) As a participant, you’ll expand your UX skills while building a portfolio that advances your career designing cutting-edge user experiences.

Key Takeaways

  • Developing prototypes of new user experiences with immersive and augmented interfaces
  • Applying systemic inquiry strategies to your UX research
  • Analyzing the user journey and creating renderings of important parts of that journey
  • Designing a UI system and steps to a problem solution that address constraints and affordances
  • Creating a project plan for an XR application, considering Augmented reality (AR) and Virtual reality (VR) design maxims and best practices
  • Completing a capstone project that involves creating an AR and VR product and explaining key decisions and aspects of the creation process

Program Syllabus

Week 1:

Paradigm Shifts

Gain a historical context for XR and a frame of reference for contemporary and emerging technologies and challenges by studying important innovations. Then head out on your own to research future XR innovations.

Week 2:

Cutting Edge of Today

Consider critical factors for UX design in the context of cutting-edge XR experiences.

Week 3:

UX with a Broad Brush

Identify pain points for users, generate solutions for those pain points, and prototype those solutions using Figma, the collaborative interface design tool.

Week 4:

Beginning Research in UX

Discover best practices for research methodology, including defining a problem and applying systematic inquiry strategies to test solutions.

Week 5:

Design Development

Get acquainted with the different roles in the design development process and explore its various steps, from dissecting the user journey to proposing solutions to problems and creating renderings.

Week 6:

Immersive and Augmented Interfaces

Consider the different affordances and constraints associated with designing for XR, then experiment with designing for them for yourself.

Week 7:

Best Practices for XR Usability

Learn best practices and UX design principles for XR and non-XR environments as well as important considerations regarding screen space versus world space.

Week 8:

Capstone Project

Create an XR product using Amazon Sumerian and explain key decisions and aspects of the creation process.

Week 1:

Paradigm Shifts

Gain a historical context for XR and a frame of reference for contemporary and emerging technologies and challenges by studying important innovations. Then head out on your own to research future XR innovations.

Week 5:

Design Development

Get acquainted with the different roles in the design development process and explore its various steps, from dissecting the user journey to proposing solutions to problems and creating renderings.

Week 2:

Cutting Edge of Today

Consider critical factors for UX design in the context of cutting-edge XR experiences.

Week 6:

Immersive and Augmented Interfaces

Consider the different affordances and constraints associated with designing for XR, then experiment with designing for them for yourself.

Week 3:

UX with a Broad Brush

Identify pain points for users, generate solutions for those pain points, and prototype those solutions using Figma, the collaborative interface design tool.

Week 7:

Best Practices for XR Usability

Learn best practices and UX design principles for XR and non-XR environments as well as important considerations regarding screen space versus world space.

Week 4:

Beginning Research in UX

Discover best practices for research methodology, including defining a problem and applying systematic inquiry strategies to test solutions.

Week 8:

Capstone Project

Create an XR product using Amazon Sumerian and explain key decisions and aspects of the creation process.

Real-world Applications

Decorative image relating to Apple

Apple

Discuss Apple as the gold standard of user experience design, and the introduction of the Macintosh personal computer as an important moment in the history of UX design.

Decorative image relating to Google Cardboard

Google Cardboard

Use Google Cardboard as medium to explore different virtual reality experiences.

Oculus Quest

Discuss VR headsets like the Oculus Quest, and where they fit in the evolution of extended reality technology.

Decorative image relating to Craigslist

Craigslist

Study the user interface design elements of Craigslist.

YouTube

Study the user interface design elements of YouTube.

Vimeo

Study the user interface design elements of Vimeo.

Decorative image relating to Daily Motion

Daily Motion

Study the user interface design elements of Daily Motion.

Program Experience

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Video Lectures

Decorative image relating to  Industry Guest Speakers

Industry Guest Speakers

Decorative image relating to Assignments

Assignments

Decorative image relating to  Discussions

Discussions

Decorative image relating to Real-World Tools & Technology

Real-World Tools & Technology

Decorative image relating to  Capstone Project

Capstone Project

Decorative image relating to Career Support & Mentoring

Career Support & Mentoring

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Dedicated Program Support Team

Decorative image relating to stats about UX Designers jobs and career growth rate

UX Designers rank at no. 14 on the 100 Best Jobs in America list, with a projected 10-year growth rate of 18%.

SOURCE: CNN Money
Decorative image relating to stats on survey report on AR/VR

71% of companies in a recent survey report that they’re already using AR/VR or plan to in the next three to five years.

SOURCE: Robert Half Jobs and AI Anxiety Report, 2019
 Decorative image relating to stats on AR/VR spending growth

The financial services sector is projected to have the strongest AR/VR spending growth (133.9%) through 2023.

SOURCE: IDC Worldwide Semiannual Augmented and Virtual Reality Spending Guide

Who Should Attend

This introductory program is designed for professionals pursuing UX design careers with an interest in working with emerging technologies. Participants will have foundational visual design skills and experience with Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator, and be seeking to transition to working with emerging technologies—specifically AR and VR—while enhancing their skills in user experience design.

It is ideal for:

  • Designers looking to develop a deeper understanding of UX design concepts and the associated applications.
  • Product Designers/Managers looking to improve the user experience of the products/services offered by their company and explore new product ideas.
  • UX Developers/Engineers looking to advance in the field of UX design.
  • Consultants aiming to develop their knowledge of UX design to offer end-to-end solutions for their clients.
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Program Faculty

Nien Lam

Adjunct Faculty, NYU Tisch School of the Arts Co-founder of Line Break

Nien Lam is a designer, an educator, and a dad. He is a partner and co-founder of Line Break, a multi-disciplinary design and technology studio based in New York City. His clients have included Apple, Google, Pentagram, Pace Gallery, Estée Lauder, The Cleveland Clinic, Ai.... More info

Sebastian Buys

Adjunct Faculty, NYU Tisch School of the Arts Co-founder of Line Break

Sebastian Buys is a designer and lifelong coder. He is a partner and co-founder of Line Break, a multi-disciplinary design and technology studio based in New York City. His clients have included Apple, Google, Pentagram, Pace Gallery, Estée Lauder, The Cleveland Clinic, Ai.... More info

Regine Gilbert

Industry Assistant Professor, NYU Tandon School of Engineering

Regine Gilbert is a user experience designer, educator, and international public speaker with over 10 years of experience working in the technology arena. She has a strong belief in making the world a more accessible place—one that starts and ends with the user...... More info

Certificate

Example image of certificate that will be awarded after successful completion of this program

Certificate

Upon successful completion of the program, participants will be awarded a verified digital certificate by NYU Tandon.

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Ready to fast-track your career in UX and XR design?

Consider the Professional Certificate in UX & Emerging Interaction Design 6-month program and learn to create user experiences for these emerging technologies. Learn More

FAQs

  • How do I know if this program is right for me?

    After reviewing the information on the program landing page, we recommend you submit the short form above to gain access to the program brochure, which includes more in-depth information. If you still have questions on whether this program is a good fit for you, please email learner.success@emeritus.org, and a dedicated program advisor will follow-up with you very shortly.


    Are there any prerequisites for this program?

    Some programs do have prerequisites, particularly the more technical ones. This information will be noted on the program landing page, as well as in the program brochure. If you are uncertain about program prerequisites and your capabilities, please email us at the ID mentioned above.


    Note that, unless otherwise stated on the program web page, all programs are taught in English and proficiency in English is required.


    What is the typical class profile?

    More than 50 percent of our participants are from outside the United States. Class profiles vary from one cohort to the next, but, generally, our online certificates draw a highly diverse audience in terms of professional experience, industry, and geography — leading to a very rich peer learning and networking experience.


    What other dates will this program be offered in the future?

    Check back to this program web page or email us to inquire if future program dates or the timeline for future offerings have been confirmed yet.

  • How much time is required each week?

    Each program includes an estimated learner effort per week. This is referenced at the top of the program landing page under the Duration section, as well as in the program brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form at the top of this web page.


    How will my time be spent?

    We have designed this program to fit into your current working life as efficiently as possible. Time will be spent among a variety of activities including:



    • Engaging with recorded video lectures from faculty
    • Attending webinars and office hours, as per the specific program schedule
    • Reading or engaging with examples of core topics
    • Completing knowledge checks/quizzes and required activities
    • Engaging in moderated discussion groups with your peers
    • Completing your final project, if required

    The program is designed to be highly interactive while also allowing time for self-reflection and to demonstrate an understanding of the core topics through various active learning exercises. Please email us if you need further clarification on program activities.


    What is it like to learn online with the learning collaborator, Emeritus?

    More than 300,000 learners across 200 countries have chosen to advance their skills with Emeritus and its educational learning partners. In fact, 90 percent of the respondents of a recent survey across all our programs said that their learning outcomes were met or exceeded.

    All the contents of the course would be made available to students at the commencement of the course. However, to ensure the program delivers the desired learning outcomes the students may appoint Emeritus to manage the delivery of the program in a cohort-based manner the cost of which is already included in the overall course fee of the course.

    A dedicated program support team is available 24/5 (Monday to Friday) to answer questions about the learning platform, technical issues, or anything else that may affect your learning experience.


    How do I interact with other program participants?

    Peer learning adds substantially to the overall learning experience and is an important part of the program. You can connect and communicate with other participants through our learning platform.

  • What are the requirements to earn the certificate?

    Each program includes an estimated learner effort per week, so you can gauge what will be required before you enroll. This is referenced at the top of the program landing page under the Duration section, as well as in the program brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form at the top of this web page. All programs are designed to fit into your working life.

    This program is scored as a pass or no-pass; participants must complete the required activities to pass and obtain the certificate of completion. Some programs include a final project submission or other assignments to obtain passing status. This information will be noted in the program brochure. Please email us if you need further clarification on any specific program requirements.


    What type of certificate will I receive?

    Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive a smart digital certificate. The smart digital certificate can be shared with friends, family, schools, or potential employers. You can use it on your cover letter, resume, and/or display it on your LinkedIn profile.
    The digital certificate will be sent approximately two weeks after the program, once grading is complete.


    Can I get the hard copy of the certificate?

    No, only verified digital certificates will be issued upon successful completion. This allows you to share your credentials on social platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.


    Do I receive alumni status after completing this program?

    No, there is no alumni status granted for this program. In some cases, there are credits that count toward a higher level of certification. This information will be clearly noted in the program brochure.


    How long will I have access to the learning materials?

    You will have access to the online learning platform and all the videos and program materials for 12 months following the program start date. Access to the learning platform is restricted to registered participants per the terms of agreement.

  • What equipment or technical requirements are there for this program?

    Participants will need the latest version of their preferred browser to access the learning platform. In addition, Microsoft Office and a PDF viewer are required to access documents, spreadsheets, presentations, PDF files, and transcripts.


    Do I need to be online to access the program content?

    Yes, the learning platform is accessed via the internet, and video content is not available for download. However, you can download files of video transcripts, assignment templates, readings, etc. For maximum flexibility, you can access program content from a desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile device.

    Video lectures must be streamed via the internet, and any livestream webinars and office hours will require an internet connection. However, these sessions are always recorded, so you may view them later.

  • Can I still register if the registration deadline has passed?

    Yes, you can register up until seven days past the published start date of the program without missing any of the core program material or learnings.


    What is the program fee, and what forms of payment do you accept?

    The program fee is noted at the top of this program web page and usually referenced in the program brochure as well.

    • Flexible payment options are available (see details below as well as at the top of this program web page next to FEE).
    • Tuition assistance is available for participants who qualify. Please email learner.success@emeritus.org.

    What if I don’t have a credit card? Is there another method of payment accepted?

    Yes, you can do the bank remittance in the program currency via wire transfer or debit card. Please contact your program advisor, or email us for details.


    I was not able to use the discount code provided. Can you help?

    Yes! Please email us with the details of the program you are interested in, and we will assist you.


    How can I obtain an invoice for payment?

    Please email us your invoicing requirements and the specific program you’re interested in enrolling in.


    Is there an option to make flexible payments for this program?

    Yes, the flexible payment option allows a participant to pay the program fee in installments. This option is made available on the payment page and should be selected before submitting the payment.


    How can I obtain a W9 form?

    Please connect with us via email for assistance.

  • What is the policy on refunds and withdrawals?

    You may request a full refund within seven days of your payment or 14 days after the published start date of the program, whichever comes later. If your enrollment had previously been deferred, you will not be entitled to a refund. Partial (or pro-rated) refunds are not offered. All withdrawal and refund requests should be sent to admissions@emeritus.org.



    What is the policy on deferrals?

    After the published start date of the program, you have until the midpoint of the program to request to defer to a future cohort of the same program. A deferral request must be submitted along with a specified reason and explanation. Cohort changes may be made only once per enrollment and are subject to availability of other cohorts scheduled at our discretion. This will not be applicable for deferrals within the refund period, and the limit of one deferral per enrollment remains. All deferral requests should be sent to admissions@emeritus.org.

Didn't find what you were looking for? Write to us at learner.success@emeritus.org or Schedule a call with one of our Academic Advisors or call us at +1 680 205 8507 (US) / +44 145 370 2595 (UK) / +65 3163 6129  (SG)

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Early registrations are encouraged. Seats fill up quickly!