I specialize in CS, but also want to be competent enough in user interface design?

Question

What will be my best option for a minor? Graphic design?....

Answer 1

No one wants to hear the answer: it depends. Are you an elegant person? Graphic design is not to teach you the art, but to perfect the talents that you already have. Some schools require that the portfolio be included in the program, even if it is secondary.

I am in your situation, but I realized that I do not have a background art to cut it into a formal graphic design. However, in the interface for user interface design, web design, etc. There are tons of tutorials and resources. I picked up a lot of everything that I was looking for "navigation tutorials" and similar interesting things.

However, if I had more skills in art, I would like to do graphic design, just for the experience. If you have a skill, go for it, but don’t think that you won’t be able to take it yourself if this is not an option.

Also, check out some other technology schools at your university. I know that my school IT program has a class exclusively on user interfaces and interactions.

Answer 2

You should study a rather young field Interaction with a human computer

Jeff Atwood has a recommended reading list with some books on product interface, interaction, and design. His blog is also (one of) the best of them imho.

Answer 3

Consider the product design - this is more about the whole process of creating something with the best possible for the client, with particular attention to ergonomics, appearance, etc.

My advice, however, would be to go out and get stuck on the open source project user interface side. This actual experience will be the biggest plus that you could prepare for your resume, and teach you the real UX, as well as collaboration and project management.

Also, find on the Internet those designers whose work you respect and admire and get around them - read their blogs, email them. Be humble, but have the courage to ask a stupid question, do not be afraid to know that you are ignorant, so that you can see the opportunity to learn.

Answer 4

If available, ergonomics . Some UK universities offer this as a full-blown subject ...

Answer 5

In my Telematics study, I followed two courses as part of a junior study in communication research, one of which was a course specifically for interface and interaction design. This way you can check for a specific course, not just small names. I would not expect the I & ID course to be part of a junior study in communication research, but I'm glad I was able to take it.

Answer 6

Industrial design, if you can find courses on it, it will suit interface design.

Answer 7

I also specialize in CS and I specialize in user interface design. Maybe your CS university didn't have user interface design courses? (And graphic design is not the same as UI design - the first is what the program should look like, the last is what the program should do.)

Here are some books that I would recommend you read if you want to embed the user interface design more. In alphabet order:

• About Face 3: The Basics of Interaction Design
• Do not make me think: an approach with a general approach to usability on the Internet, 2nd edition
• Everyday design
• Prisoners seek refuge: why high-tech products infuriate us and how to restore well-being
• Usability engineering
• User Interface Design: A Software Development Perspective - Preview and some additional material here .

The course I attended was mainly based on the book “User Interface Design: A Software Development Perspective”. I have not read this book yet, I just looked through it, but it seems that a good book has begun to study user interface design. Also all other books are good. Then, when you read some theory from books, you just need to practice the user interface design until you learn the meaning for good and bad use, and also get some training on how to collect requirements and usability.

Answer 8

I am a web developer. Here is my experience:

• BFA in sculpture
• self-trained graphic designer
• Chair pop psychologist
• very clear and concise communicator

My advice is not to rely on training, but to find a large user base (100+) and create a website for them, and then request feedback.

If in doubt, copy Apple.

Answer 9

It is granted that some people are naturally more artistic than others.

However, you can still read books on typography, design and architecture in accordance with the principles of good design.

You may not be able to create something beautiful like an extremely artistic person ... but you can at least create non-ugly interfaces.

Answer 10

If you have user interface design skills, I am tempted to say NOT graphic design or product design. Although they will give you a great perspective in the long run, they are a little tangential given the limited time you will have on a short course.

You will quickly move toward your goal if you find a course specifically for user interface design / HCI (Human Computer Interaction) / Usability / Information Architecture / User Experience. If this does not happen, see if there is a course in applied cognitive psychology, as you should receive some lectures on HCI.