Have you wondered what user interface design is all about? Marna Haskins, Line Manager for the programme at Noroff, will give you the answers.
User interface design, or UI design, refers to the visual layout of the elements that a user might interact with in a digital product. The programme provides competence to develop user interface design for digital devices with a strong focus on accessibility and user-centred design principles across different platforms.
– The programme is suitable for anyone who is keen to learn more about design and find the topic interesting, Haskins says.
She explains that students come from a variety of different backgrounds.
– Some have background in graphic design or front-end development, to mention a few. Others have little to no prior experience, she says.
Focus on practical skills
Everything they learn is practical and with focus on getting them job readyMarna Haskins
The programme focuses on practical skills in all aspects of user interface design. Specific emphasis is placed on creating user-friendly digital products across different platforms.
– We start with an introduction to UI design, where the students will learn about the differences between UI and UX design, and the importance of user interface design. We then move on to talk about “design thinking”, and we introduce the students to design tools such as Adobe XD, Invision Studio and Figma, Haskins says.
She continues:
– The students will learn about universal design, storytelling, logo design, colour and typography, layout, and more. They will be able to create their own profiles for brands, and they will have knowledge on how to create templates for landing pages, websites, emails, and so on. They will also learn about prototyping and how to create complete prototypes with the use of leading design tools. Everything they learn is practical and with focus on getting them job ready.
Exciting job opportunities
After graduation, the students will be able to work in both national and international companies in need of UI designers.
– You can work with design agencies, digital product developers, software developers, media houses, or communication agencies, Haskins says.
She continues:
– A typical day for a UI designer would consist of working in a team to create a design system for a website or application, research and testing different parts of a UI, and of course, creating aesthetically pleasing digital products. However, this depends on whether the UI designer is a freelancer or if they work for a company. If they are employed, they need to ensure that the design system is regularly updated and that the brand is consistent in how it looks on all digital platforms.
User Interface Design is a one-year vocational programme at Noroff, and it is available online. You can read more about the programme here.
