Toward a Model of UX Education: Training UX Designers Within the Academy

Guiseppe Getto East Carolina University ; Fred Beecher

Abstract

Problem: Increased demand for user experience (UX) designers requires new approaches to teaching and training the next generation of these professionals. We present a model for building educational programs within academia that train job-ready designers. Key concepts: To be successful, this model necessitates a working knowledge of the UX process, the systematic use of sound principles during the design of digital products and services. The model also requires a pedagogical approach that puts learners in a position to solve real problems and that treats them as apprentices on their way to competency. Key lessons: Academic institutions clearly have parts to play in producing job-ready UX designers, but barriers exist to doing so, including access to adequate training in UX best practices. To overcome these barriers, we provide tips for understanding core UX competencies, developing partnerships with UX practitioners, and deploying UX education courses and programs. Implications: Though the barriers to producing sufficient numbers of well-trained UX designers are significant, the combined ingenuity of devoted professionals in both academia and industry can be leveraged to create sound educational opportunities for UX learners from all walks of life.

Journal
IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication
Published
2016-06-01
DOI
10.1109/tpc.2016.2561139
CompPile
Open Access
Closed
Topics
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Citation Context

Cited by in this index (13)

  1. Computers and Composition
  2. Communication Design Quarterly
  3. IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication
  4. IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication
  5. IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication
Show all 13 →
  1. IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication
  2. IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication
  3. IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication
  4. IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication
  5. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  6. Computers and Composition
  7. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  8. Communication Design Quarterly

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