Study Guide

Learning outcomes

This studio course includes the following parts and their respective learning goals:

(5 ECTS)
(5 ECTS)
(10 ECTS)

Implementation and methods of teaching

In the UI/IxD studio, the students build a better user experience by combining the physical and digital space in a real client case. The course starts with planning wayfinding systems, focusing on space as an interface and people as its users. The course will use both service design and user interface design methods to build systems that make navigation as natural and frictionless as possible. As the course progresses, more digital elements, such as interactive signage, will be introduced.

Space as an interface is an inherently interdisciplinary approach to our built environment.

Students work in small groups, lead their own design process and are responsible for the final outcome.

The studio also provides theory lessons and teaches good practice in the field
Teachers mentor student teams throughout the course.
There will also be interesting visitors.

Course materials and tasks are published in Moodle e-learning environment. The task submission is in Moodle as well. Course activity is followed by using the Moodle activity report.

Timing and attendance

The course lasts for the whole spring semester
Part of the days and weeks of the course are for independent work.

Teachers are available at least once a week, often more. The exact timetable will be found on Moodle.
Attendance mandatory on the theory and visit days indicated in the timetable.

Learning material and recommended literature

Central course litterature: 
Chris Calori (2015): Signage and way finding design (kirjastossa sähköisenä)
David Gibson (2009): The wayfinding handbook (kirjastossa sähköisenä)
Alan Cooper (2014): About Face: The Essentials of Interaction Design (kirjastossa sähköisenä)

Further reading and material used in the teaching will be added to Moodle e-learning environment.

Working life cooperation

Real life projects with clients. Visit to studios and outside organisations. Guest lectures from the design field.

Learning environment

Campus, excursions, moodle and other online tools

Student time use and work load

Attendance is mandatory to complete the course. Practical work will be carried out in groups for the client.

The studio working hours during the semester are 540 hours, part of the days and weeks of the course are independent work time.

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

1. and 2. year studies.
Preliminary assignment on wayfinding systems

Additional assignment on typography for those who have no previous studies in the field.

Assessment criteria

1–5

- Attendance
- Exercises and learning tasks
- Presentations and discussions
- Project management and outcome
- Peer evaluation and self-evaluation, learning diary

The client's assessment may affect the grade.

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

- The project outcome does not comply with the objectives of the assignment or is incomplete
- The design work does not answer the brief
- The research is insufficient
- The role and/or teamwork in the design project has failed

The course is also rejected if the student:
- Does not know how to use professional concepts and does not justify her/his/their activities
- Does not use the methods and processes learned in the course
- Can't act customer-oriented
- The student has not been present

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

- The project outcome is generally in line with the objectives of the assignment
- The design work at least partially answers the brief
- The research has been, to some extent, completed
- The role and/or teamwork has been performed acceptably.

A course grade of 1 also requires that the student:
- Can use professional concepts and justify their actions
- Can use learned methods and processes
- Can act customer-oriented

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

- The project outcome is according to the assignment's objectives and is implemented appropriately.
- The design work is wide-ranging and supports the brief
- The role and/or teamwork has been performed well

A course grade of 3 also requires that the student:
- Can use professional terms in a versatile way and communicate professionally
- Can choose methods and processes suitable for the activity and justify their choice
- Can take into account the needs of the target group and/or the client appropriately, as well as other course participants

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

- The project outcome aligns with the assignment's goals and even exceeds them.
- The design work is exceptionally well executed and answers the brief
- The student is proactive and acts excellently in their role in the team

A course grade of 5 also requires that the student:
- Can use methods expertly, communicate professionally, and consider all target groups.
- Can choose, combine and develop methods and processes suitable for the activity to support work
- Can take full responsibility for learning and the project
- Receives excellent feedback from the client and also from other course participants