Master degree in User Experience (UX) Design

Program Overview

The Master in User Experience Design program at BTS and the University of Barcelona prepares individuals to become professionals in designing digital solutions centered around user needs. Through a "learning by doing" methodology, students develop skills in analysis, design, prototyping, and evaluation of multi-platform user interfaces. The program emphasizes human behavior, technology, and digital solution requirements to optimize usability, preparing graduates for successful careers in various industries and roles within the field of UX design.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The Master in User Experience Design (UXD) program aims to prepare individuals to become professionals capable of designing digital solutions with user needs as the central focus. The program emphasizes a "learning by doing" methodology and focuses on the analysis, design, prototyping, and evaluation of multi-platform user interfaces with the objective of delivering exceptional user experiences. This program provides students with in-depth knowledge of human behavior, technology, and digital solution requirements to optimize usability.

Objectives:

• Master the skills to design digital solutions centered around user needs.
• Learn how users interact with technology via a "learning by doing" methodology focused on analysis, design, prototyping, and evaluation of multi-platform user interfaces.
• Develop an understanding of the important connections between technology and UX projects by learning web and mobile development languages.
• Full-time program
• Duration: 9 months
• Location: Barcelona, Spain
• Language: English
• Awarded by BTS and the University of Barcelona
• Starts: April/October 2024
• Professional Experience required

Program Fees:

• Online Option:
€15,500
• On-Campus Option:
€17,500

Outline:

The UXD program incorporates various modules focusing on different aspects of the field:

• Project-Based Learning:
• Develops UX-driven product strategy, learns about digital marketing and organizational structures, defines KPIs and calculates ROI on UX initiatives, and gains tools for professional visibility.
• Foundations in Human Factors:
• Explores the influence of human psychology, physiology, and sociology on the evolution of design and technology, learns about core human drives, decision-making and habit formation, and explores inclusive design principles.
• User-Centered Technology:
• Applies user-centered research techniques: online surveys, user interviews, observational studies, cultural probes, diary studies, focus groups, data analytics, etc.
• Content Strategy:
• Creates brand awareness, engaging content, learns about branding, content strategy, storytelling, UX writing and visual content production, writes creative briefs and digital marketing content.
• UI Design & Prototyping:
• Creates frictionless user interfaces, utilizes prototyping, and wireframing techniques and tools to create clickable wireflows and visual prototypes, defines and applies UI design principles.
• Testing and Assessment:
• Utilizes different tools and methodologies to analyze the success of solutions for users: testing methodologies, QA & QC, test planning, usability heuristics, competitive testing, A/B testing, heatmaps, recordings, feedback polls.
• UX Leadership & Management:
• Learns project management techniques: manages product lifecycles, plans resources, structures sprints using project management software, applies Agile mind-set to research & design efforts, explores people and change management.
• Entrepreneurship:
• Develops core capabilities: opportunity recognition, resource acquisition, entrepreneurial management, develops business models for start-ups, validates markets, manages project scalability, learns to deal with investors and write business plans.
• Interface Development:
• Explores the basics of front-end development for web and mobile, building proof of concepts and HIFI prototypes using HTML, HTML5, CSS3, Javascript foundations.
• Innovation & Creative Technology:
• Identifies new business opportunities and digital products, navigates design thinking and collaboratively synthesizes ideas, learns frameworks and ecosystems for innovation.
• Project Work:
• Assignments: Projects, essays, research papers may be used to assess comprehension, critical thinking, and application of knowledge.
• Examinations: Written or online examinations may test students' understanding of key concepts and theories.
• Presentations: Delivering presentations can assess communication skills, ability to synthesize information, and explain complex ideas effectively.
• Portfolio Development: Building a portfolio demonstrates the development of practical skills and knowledge throughout the program.

Teaching:

The program emphasizes experiential learning and student engagement:

• Project-Based Learning: Working on real-world projects provides practical experience and helps students apply theoretical knowledge.
• Interactive Classes: Encourages active participation, discussions, and collaboration in the classroom.
• Guest Speakers: Industry leaders and experts share insights and real-world perspectives.
• Industry Visits: Provides exposure to the practical application of UXD in different organizations.
• Personalization: Offers the option of tailoring the curriculum based on individual career interests.
• Mentorship: Individualized support is provided for academic, career, and professional development.

Careers:

The UXD program prepares individuals for successful careers in diverse industries and roles:

• UX Designer: Design user interfaces, conduct user research, run usability tests, and create wireframes and prototypes.
• UI Designer: Focuses on the visual appearance and interaction of digital products.
• UX Researcher: Conducts user research, analyzes data, and identifies user needs and behaviors.
• Content Strategist: Develops brand strategies, manages website content, and creates user-centered content.
• Product Manager: Works with cross-functional teams to define and deliver products that meet user needs.
• Interaction Designer: Design interactive elements, ensure seamless user experiences, and consider accessibility.

Other:

• Academic Partnerships: The program collaborates with the IL3-University of Barcelona, which is ranked as the best university in Spain.
• Location Advantage: Barcelona's vibrant digital ecosystem provides excellent networking and job opportunities.
• International Diversity: The program attracts a diverse pool of students from around the world, enriching the educational experience.
• Industry Connections: Visits and collaborations with leading technology companies offer invaluable learning experiences and potential for future employment.