Online Master in User Experience Design

What will I learn?

The Online Master in User Experience Design will help you to become a professional able to design digital solutions centered on user needs.

You will learn to identify how users interact with technology with a learning by doing methodology that is focused on the analysis, design, prototyping, and evaluation of multi-platform user interfaces. All of them are skills that will permit you to deliver a great user experience.

During the program, you will also be introduced to web and mobile development languages that will permit you to understand the most important links between technology and UX projects while programming usable interfaces.

Contents:

• Creative Technology & Innovation: the students will explore innovation methods and ideation techniques, and gain an understanding of creative processes and team collaboration. The assignment will investigate how to embrace random creativity and how to create space for planned ideation. The aim is to give the students tools to find and develop ideas, but also to tackle doubts and challenges.
• User Research: User research aims to give an overview of different design methodologies and guidance on usage of each. The students will learn to practically use different user-centered research techniques to gain an in-depth understanding of user expectations, wants and needs. The approach is both quantitative and qualitative. They will explore how target audiences of different industries and solutions interact with digital interfaces. This assignment is closely interlinked with Creative Technology & Innovation, UI Design & Prototyping and Content Strategy.
• Content Strategy: Content Strategy covers a wide range of subjects from Branding to Content design, engineering, creation, publication, and governance. The assignment navigates branding and content strategy for different industries, solutions and target groups. The students will learn to define a brand’s tone of voice, guidelines, and content messaging. The students will navigate the fields of SEO and metadata strategy. They will also learn to create content audits and inventories for existing solutions, and redesign information architectures.
  A focus will be on telling stories that visually and verbally engage existing and prospecting users of a solution. The students will practically work on producing imagery and copy in accordance with a brand’s guidelines and user groups. By learning how to write creative briefs the students will be able to communicate requirements to internal as well as external providers. The students will create branding and content assets for their final projects as well as for their own portfolios.
• Foundation in Human Factors: Foundations in Human Factors explores the impact of human psychology and physiology on design and technological evolution. It looks at the Core Human Drives and the role of mind and emotions in the decision-making process. The assignment investigates the relationship between human, machine and nature, and the role of behavioral design and habit-forming products. The students will learn to align human psychology with UX Design.
  The students will discover how to create meaningful products for others, what needs are to be fulfilled and how to incorporate concepts like empathy and ethics into the design process. Focus is on designing accessible solutions based on cognitive ergonomics including aspects of human vision, intellect, memory, size and motor control. The assignment gives students the opportunity to analyze and map human factors to digital concepts and interfaces. It offers a philosophical and explorative approach to UX design and the nature of humanity.
• UI Design & Prototyping: UI Prototyping & Design provides a practical approach for creating frictionless and engaging user interfaces. The assignment is closely interwoven with the assignments of User research, Content Strategy and Interface Development. The students will design prototypes, wireframes, and detailed user interfaces. They will analyze different business solutions and interfaces from a UI perspective and learn to draw flowcharts. In a collaborative way, different prototyping formats will be explored. Clickable wireflows, as well as visual UI prototypes will be created.
  The students will familiarize with the latest trends in UI design and work with the latest and most common tools in wireframing, prototyping and detailed UI design. They will learn to create designs for both responsive UI and mobile apps, based on user insights and business needs. The assignment will explore how to use a variety of online design resources to add agility to the design process. The students will learn how to define design systems, estimate time and resources and communicate UI requirements to engineering teams. The project based learning is focusing half on the final project deliverables and half on the UI mini-project case study. These assets will support the students in developing their portfolios.
• UX-Driven Business: UX Driven Business will start off by looking into digital UX trends of today and cover the evolution of digital breakthroughs and disruptions over the last decades and their impact on markets around the world. In product & UX strategy the students will analyze industry leaders and the growth and marketing strategies they have used to build successful digital businesses. This area covers a wide range of strategic tools for different business sectors, services, and business models. The students learn to conduct benchmarking and SWOT analysis. Conversion funnels are optimized and multi-channels CX touchpoints explored. This assignment also aims to support UX teams in getting buy-in and resources for UX Design & Research initiatives.
  The students will learn to think strategically and develop digital marketing strategies and understand the various tools and channels available to execute them effectively. A set of tools from UX Driven Business will also be applied on the final projects.
• Interface Development: Interface Development offers the students the foundations of front-end development for both web and mobile. The assignment is closely interlinked with UI Design & Prototyping and Testing & Assessment. Interface Development is designed to provide the skills, knowledge and practical “know-how” to autonomously develop functional applications that translate the prototypes to a real project. The students will learn the basics of responsive web design using HTML, HTML5, CSS3, Web Standards, etc. They will also explore the JavaScript foundations needed to develop their final project.
  During the program, the students will familiarize with concepts related with modern web and mobile development, AMP, PWA, JAMSTACK, Hybrid Development and some of the most popular frameworks like React, Angular, Vue. The assignment aims to give the students the tools needed to build HIFI prototypes and proof of concepts. The students will be able to identify potential technical and logistical issues that might interfere with the success of a project. By practically working on their projects they will gain a general understanding of time, effort and complexity involved in front and back-end development.
• UX Management: UX Management aims to equip and inspire the students in developing leadership and adaptability in UX related professions. The assignment will give the tools much need for managing, structuring and transforming visions and expectations into realistic roadmaps, effective teams, and successful solutions. Collaboration is key. The students will learn to synthesize feedback from a variety of sources and make decisions that support business growth and balanced team effort. In this assignment, the students will explore a wide range of subjects within product management, agile and leadership skills.
  The students will learn to plan resources, manage backlogs and structure sprints using adequate project management software. The approach will include product management for startups as well as for growth and corporate businesses. It aims to fit UX Research & Design efforts within agile driven processes. The students will learn to develop communication and presentation skills and explore fields like people management, change management, and crisis management. A selection of tools will be applied to develop their final projects, e.g. roadmap creation, feature & requirement planning, and project planning using a PM tool. Project presentation ready.
• Entrepreneurship: In the subject of Entrepreneurship students will learn to recognize, create and shape opportunities, and develop capabilities of resource acquisition and entrepreneurial management. The students will focus on creating and developing business models for startups based on customer development and continuous validation. They will learn to manage key product & financial metrics, as well as dealing with investors, and negotiating term sheets.
  The assignment aims to prepare students to develop and launch disruptive, scalable ventures that address a societal need. The framework of the theory comes from lean & agile processes, as well as real case studies. The students will explore different journeys of successful entrepreneurs and analyze common pitfalls. They will explore Entrepreneurship not only as an academic discipline; but also, as a way of living. The assignment also includes an angle of Entrepreneurship for creative minds, and a roadmap to how you set up and run your own UX design agency.
• Testing & Assessment: In Testing & Assessment, the students will examine different tools and methodologies for testing the efficiency and success of a solution for users. The approach is both qualitative and quantitative. The students will learn how to run usability testing with real users in scalable lab formats. They will learn to write test scripts, facilitate testing, assess the results to assure that the solution meets its objectives. The students will learn to create a backlog based on results and prioritize improvements based on user and business needs, and the complexity of implementation. An iterative methodology will be used to improve the solution.
  A/B testing, heat maps, conversion funnels, recordings, form analysis and feedback polls are other methods that the students will learn to use when evaluating user interaction, success rate, and drop-offs. The students will also perform competitive usability testing to assess their final project prototypes along with several competitor solutions. They will learn to write test reports and apply the teachings to their final projects.
• Final Project: The final project is the best opportunity to synthesize all the learnings from the Master in UX Design. The main goal is to equip the students with the adequate tools and knowledge to define and solve problems in an innovative and collaborative way.
  The Final project is interlinked with the different assignments. The students are taken on a journey of discovery through learning by doing. By managing projects in groups and create roadmaps they are enabled to become more effective team members and leaders. They learn to identify opportunities and design solutions and services with focus on user needs. They move through ideation, validation, and strategy to designing prototypes, wireframes and detailed layout. The students learn to define digital marketing strategy and proof of concept. Finally, the solution is developed into an interactive hi-fi prototype that will be presented on a Demo day.

Create the space where humans and technology come together.

Drive experience design and innovation thanks to a deep understanding of human behaviour, technology and digital solutions needs.

In today's digital economy, new business models, services, and digital solutions are continuously emerging, each with a fundamental need to understand and enhance user interaction. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is pivotal in this landscape, driving advancements in how these interactions are understood and optimized.

The Master in User Experience Design emphasizes AI's role in fostering empathy between people and technology by prioritizing user needs. A profound grasp of human behavior is essential, enabling the optimization of usability through innovative design and experience strategies.

What will you learn?

This program equips you to become a UX professional skilled in designing AI-enhanced digital solutions that are user-centric. You will learn to discern user interactions with technology using a practical, hands-on approach focused on analysis, design, prototyping, and evaluating multi-platform user interfaces. These competencies are crucial in delivering exceptional user experiences.

Throughout the course, you will also gain exposure to web and mobile development languages, essential for understanding and creating the crucial links between technology and UX projects. This includes programming user-friendly interfaces that integrate AI elements effectively.

Graduates of our program will be well-prepared for a range of exciting careers, including:

• User Experience (UX) Designer: Specializing in crafting engaging and effective interfaces that meet user needs.
• Product Designer: Focusing on the end-to-end development of products with a user-first approach, integrating AI to enhance functionality and user interaction.
• Interaction Designer: Designing interactive digital products and environments, often using AI to refine user interactions.
• UI/UX Developer: Bridging the gap between design and development, implementing practical aspects of user interface design with a focus on usability.
• UX Researcher: Employing AI tools to gather and analyze user data, informing design strategies and product improvements.
• Information Architect: Organizing information and content in a way that is navigable and understandable for users, supported by AI to optimize user flows and experiences.

In Barcelona Technology School classrooms, we welcome different profiles as we replicate the reality of the digital industry: different perspectives working together in user-centric solutions to solve different digital challenges.

The digital industry is exponentially growing worldwide and every year, more professionals are needed to cover more and more job openings; therefore, companies and startups are now more interested in professionals with multidisciplinary backgrounds, who can understand the transformative power of technology and the impact on the business and especially, centered on the real needs of the users.

Besides, you’ll be able to interact with peers from all over the world (more than 15 different nationalities per class, as an average).

Graduates of our program will be well-prepared for a range of exciting careers, including:

• User Experience (UX) Designer: Specializing in crafting engaging and effective interfaces that meet user needs.
• Product Designer: Focusing on the end-to-end development of products with a user-first approach, integrating AI to enhance functionality and user interaction.
• Interaction Designer: Designing interactive digital products and environments, often using AI to refine user interactions.
• UI/UX Developer: Bridging the gap between design and development, implementing practical aspects of user interface design with a focus on usability.
• UX Researcher: Employing AI tools to gather and analyze user data, informing design strategies and product improvements.
• Information Architect: Organizing information and content in a way that is navigable and understandable for users, supported by AI to optimize user flows and experiences.

Don't miss this opportunity to boost your skills in UX, while you have a life-changing experience. Whether you choose our vibrant on-campus experience in the sunny, dynamic city of Barcelona, or our online modality, you’ll be immersed in an international environment that fosters innovation and helps you to be a future UX digital leader.

Pursuing our Master's degrees you will have the opportunity to:

• Meet students from all over the world: BTS attracts students from diverse global backgrounds, creating a rich, multicultural learning environment. This international exposure fosters cross-cultural collaboration and broadens your perspective.
• Be exposed to a diverse environment: the diversity at BTS extends beyond nationalities to include varied professional and academic backgrounds. This mixture of experiences and viewpoints enhances discussions, promotes innovative thinking, and prepares you to work in multifaceted teams.
• Live a personalized experience: BTS offers a personalized educational experience, tailoring support to your individual needs and career aspirations. This ensures that you receive the guidance and resources necessary to achieve your personal and professional goals.
• Be immersed in Barcelona’s Digital ecosystem: at BTS, learning goes beyond the classroom. You'll immerse yourself in Barcelona's thriving tech ecosystem through visits to leading companies and events, connecting theory with real-world practice and gaining invaluable industry insights.Also, studying at BTS means living in the vibrant city of Barcelona, a hub of innovation, culture, and technology. This experience enriches your academic journey with the city's dynamic energy and lifestyle.And if you cannot take the experience in Barcelona, you can take our Masters in any of our online formats (Syncrhonous and Asyncrhonous), exploring as well the possibility to join in person for a period of the academic year.
• Obtain professional opportunities: the connections and experiences you gain at BTS open doors to numerous professional opportunities. With strong industry links and a focus on employability, BTS helps you build a network that supports your career growth in the digital industry.
• Obtaining a Double degree: BTS partners with the University of Barcelona-IL3, providing you with a double Master Degree, accredited with 60 ETCs by both recognized institutions.