This upper-level undergraduate course surveys topics related to the design of a broad range of industrial products and interfaces ranging from alarm clocks, cell phones, and dashboards to logos, presentations, text editors, and web sites. Each of these systems creates an "experience" for its users. "Experience Design" is a term used by the AIGA (American Institute of Graphic Arts) as an umbrella for subjects including graphic design, industrial design, and computer human interface design.

      Design of such systems requires familiarity with Human Factors, such as the perception of color, sound, and language, as well as contemporary ideas from the fields of Human Computer Interface and Usability. The class will analyze a number of case studies in depth and expert speakers from local design firms will present current perspectives. Students individially and in teams will design and implement a series of projects using tools such as html and javascript, which will be analyzed through in-class critique. The goals of the course are to familiarize students with fundamentals of human factors/ergonomics, increase student awareness of design in everyday experience, and enhance student skills in creativity and presentation. This course is intended primarily for engineering students. It requires senior standing in Engineering but no prior knowledge of design.