UXG1500 Introduction to Design Process (7 credits)
Prerequisite(s): None
This module introduces the design process as it applies to interactive experiences. Topics include exploration, research, proposals, prototypes, iteration, and polishing of an interactive experience.
UXG1501 Principles of Interactive Design (7 credits)
Prerequisite(s): None
This module explores the principles of interactive design and how they are used to create engaging experiences. Topics include the nature of the design profession, how tension leads to engagement, complexity versus depth, and how to test interactive experiences effectively.
UXG1505 Game Design Process (5 credits)
Prerequisite(s): UXG1500, UXG1501, UXG1205
This module covers the process of designing complete games through the creation of non-digital dice, card, and board games. Topics may include writing rules, playtesting, game state, randomness, hidden information, and game balance.
UXG1420 Introduction to Digital Production (7 credits)
Prerequisite(s): UXG1500, UXG1501
This module introduces the workflows, methodologies, and best practices for working within a modern digital game development environment. Topics may include game editors, components, basic scripting, input processing, importing art and audio, level creation, and source control.
UXG1560 User Experience Design 1 (6 credits)
Prerequisite(s): UXG1501
This module explores fundamental principles of interactive design and psychological principles related to design. Emphasis is placed on information architecture, graphic design concepts, user interface documentation, and interface prototyping techniques.
UXG2400 Project 2 (7 credits)
Prerequisite(s): UXG1420, UXG1505, UXG1560
This module is the first part of a two-trimester project. Students will work together on teams of three or more to create a simple real-time two-dimensional game or simulation. Techniques are explored for working effectively on a team, following a development process, using discipline-based best practices, and applying core discipline-based skills to game development. This first trimester focuses on pre-production to ensure the technology, tools, design, art, audio, and team are ready for full production in the following trimester.
UXG2450 Project 2 (Continued) (7 credits)
Prerequisite(s): UXG2400
In this module, students work to complete the projects they began in UXG2400. Techniques are explored for iterating effectively, formal testing, tracking progress, and integrating design, art, and audio into a unified experience. This second trimester focuses on production to bring the project to the point where the target audience finds it engaging.
UXG2520 System Design 1 (5 credits)
Prerequisite(s): UXG1505
This module focuses on how to create interactive systems with the proper balance of complexity versus depth. Topics may include combat systems, economic systems, social systems, and system balancing.
UXG2570 User Research 1 (5 credits)
Prerequisite(s): UXG1560, UXG1701
This module introduces the basic principles of user research and formal testing methodologies based on the scientific method. Topics include selecting research methods, selecting test candidates, focus group testing, metrics-based analysis, and end-user research.
UXG2501 Game Design 1 (5 credits)
Prerequisite(s): UXG1116, UXG2520, UXG2570
This module focuses on the design and implementation
of engaging digital game prototypes. Topics may include building tension, effective feedback, teaching the player, and using interactive elements to create engagement through accomplishment, challenge, and connection.
UXG2502 Game Design 2 (5 credits)
Prerequisite(s): UXG1165, UXG2540, UXG2501
This module focuses on the design and implementation
of engaging digital game prototypes. Topics may include using space effectively, kinesthetic flow, motivating through autonomy, and using interactive elements to create engagement through discovery, sensation, and fantasy.
UXG2540 Level Design (7 credits)
Prerequisite(s): UXG1116, UXG1505
This module introduces the basic principles of level and encounter design. The module focuses on the design of spatial environments, player guidance techniques, and controlling pacing through encounter frequency and variety.
UXG2565 Game Feel (5 credits)
Prerequisite(s): UXG1560
This module explores how visuals, audio, programming, and design intersect to create immersive interactive experiences. Emphasis is placed on the implementation of dynamic user interfaces, intuitive real-time feedback, and immersive control systems.
UXG3400 Project 3 (part 1) (7 credits)
Prerequisite(s): UXG2450, UXG2501
This module is the first trimester of a two- or three-trimester project, which will be continued in UXG3450, and then in UXG3475 for a three-trimester project. Students will work together on teams of three or more to create an advanced real-time game or simulation. Techniques are explored for creating high-performance teams, tuning development processes for specific projects, using advanced discipline-based best practices, and applying specialized discipline- based skills to game development. This first trimester focuses on preproduction to ensure the technology, tools, design, art, audio, and team are ready for full production in the following trimester.
UXG3450 Project 3 (part 2) (7 credits)
Prerequisite(s): UXG3400
In this module, students work to complete the projects they began in UXG3400. This second trimester focuses on production to bring the project to the point where the target audience finds it engaging. Furthermore, techniques are explored for creating effective resumes, interviewing, and pursuing internships. The project may be continued for a third trimester in UXG3475.
UXG3475 Project 3 (part 3) (8 credits)
Prerequisite(s): UXG3450
This module is the final trimester of the three-trimester project begun in UXG3400 and continued in UXG3450. Techniques are explored for polishing design, art, and audio, creating effective marketing materials, and highlighting individual contributions to the project. This trimester focuses on postproduction and shipping a highly polished final project.
UXG3500 Integrated Digital Design (5 credits)
Prerequisite(s): UXG3503, UXG1815, UXG3825
This module focuses on designing and implementing an original digital experience that integrates sensory, narrative, and interactive elements into an engaging overall work that is suitable as a portfolio piece.
UXG3503 Game Design 3 (5 credits)
Corequisite(s): UXG3503
Prerequisite(s): UXG1815, UXG3825
This module focuses on the design and implementation of highly original and engaging digital game prototypes. Topics may include originality in design, narrative engagement, motivating through connection, and using interactive elements to create engagement through fellowship, expression, and catharsis.
UXG3570 User Research 2 (5 credits)
Prerequisite(s): UXG2570
This module covers advanced user research techniques with an emphasis on information visualization. Topics include methods for collecting and building data sets, assessing the quality of those data sets, selecting the optimal method for data visualization, and creating user research reports.
UXG4400 Project 4 (8 credits)
Prerequisite(s): UXG3450
In this module, students prepare their personal portfolio of projects in order to be ready for a professional job search. This can involve a new project to demonstrate a particular professional skill, or taking a previous project to very high level of quality.
UXG4450 Project 4 (Continued) (8 credits)
Prerequisite(s): UXG4400
In this module, students prepare their personal portfolio of projects in order to be ready for a professional job search. This can involve a new project to demonstrate a particular professional skill, or working to complete a project they began in UXG4400.