About the program

Find out why the MHCI+D program may be the perfect fit for you

The Master of Human-Computer Interaction and Design is offered by four departments: Computer Science & Engineering, Human Centered Design & Engineering, the Information School and Division of Design in the School of Art + Art History + Design, along with faculty from other UW departments. These four units comprise the award-winning research group known as DUB (Design: Use: Build).

This unique, cross-disciplinary approach seeks to educate a new generation of designers, engineers and researchers who can successfully combine the creative aspects of design and the study of human behavior with the analytical techniques of engineering. Graduates of the MHCI+D program will use their knowledge to create innovative, accessible products and technologies.

Learn more about MHCI+D’s commitment to access and equity here.

In this year long program, students will

• Work on the design and development of new products or services
• Discover design opportunities based on quantitative and qualitative data acquired from users
• Create low-fidelity prototypes from a variety of media and materials, from paper to video
• Build high-fidelity, functional prototypes on a variety of computing platforms, including desktop, web and mobile
• Understand and work with existing interface technologies
• Envision design alternatives using divergent thinking and structured brainstorming
• Communicate designs in a variety of visual forms, including sketches, images, and video
• Learn the skills of effective critique to analyze designs in a constructive, meaningful way
• Learn and practice techniques to bring empathy for users into the design process
• Coordinate through project management skills the execution of a significant team-based design project.