About the Major

Interaction design students blend visual communication and technology to create interactive experiences on a wide variety of digital platforms. Students apply industry standard user experience strategies to the development of effective information architecture, intuitive user interfaces, and compelling interactive content. Utilizing research, experience mapping, wireframing, usability testing, and other strategies, students use empathy to develop strong digital products. The diverse body of work is refined into a strategic professional portfolio aimed at accomplishing each student’s educational and employment goals.

Interaction design students at San Diego City College can earn a Certificate of Achievement or Associate Degree in Interaction Design. The 33-unit certificate is ideal for students who want to gain the skills and portfolio to get an entry-level position in the field. The Associate Degree includes the same courses but adds general education requirements.

Degree Requirements

Semester One

100 Intro to Graphic Design
102 Digital Media I
104 Graphic Design History
106 Typography I

Semester Two

124 Page Layout
143 Interaction Design I
Elective Course *

Semester Three

153 Interaction Design II
Elective Course *

Semester Four

203 Interaction Design III
Elective Course *

* Three elective courses are required.
+ Non-major general education courses are required for the Associate Degree.

Semester One

100 Intro to Graphic Design
102 Digital Media I
104 Graphic Design History
106 Typography I

Semester Two

124 Page Layout
143 Interaction Design I
Elective Course *

Semester Three

153 Interaction Design II
Elective Course *

Semester Four

203 Interaction Design III
Elective Course *

* Three elective courses are required.

Courses

DSGN 100
Introduction to Graphic Design

This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of graphic design.

DSGN 102
Digital Media I

Students explore the tools and principles used in the creation of digital media.

DSGN 104
Graphic Design History

Learn important design movements in the context of diverse cultural and historical perspectives.

DSGN 106
Typography I

Learn foundational type skills and apply them to solve typographic problems.

DSGN 124
Page Layout

This course introduces students to the principles and strategies for creating effective design layouts.

DSGN 143
Interaction Design I

Explore the fundamentals of interaction design in the context of website design.

DSGN 153
Interaction Design II

Students explore the strategies and best practices that lead to successful mobile interactive experiences.

DSGN 203
Interaction Design III

Learn the design and development of websites through a series of technical workshops.

Electives

DSGN 120
Illustration

Students create digital illustration projects using a variety of tools and media.

DSGN 122 / ARTG 174A
Book Arts

This hands-on class will teach you the basics of creating unique books.

DSGN 202
Digital Media II

Students survey software and other tools used in the creation of still and time-based digital media.

DSGN 206
Typography II

Students will utilize advanced typographic principles to solve design problems.

DSGN 210
Branding and Packaging

This course covers the application of design principles to branding and packaging systems.

DSGN 213
Interaction Design IV

This advanced studio course exposes students to the latest applications of interaction design.

DSGN 216
City Studio

Build portfolio projects through professional experiences.

DSGN 218
Internship

Students gain real-world experience by applying for and completing an industry internship off site.

DSGN 248
Portfolio I

Students prepare for a design career by building a personal identity system, resume, and portfolio website.

DSGN 258
Portfolio II

This advanced course is the culmination of the graphic design program.

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