Dear All,
In 2007 The University of Kansas launched two professional graduate programs in Interaction Design and Design Management. Now five years later we have graduated some truly skilled and successful pros now working at Microsoft, Schwab, Garmin, Dell, DST, Ericsson, Google, and other firms.
Both grad programs lead to a 31 credit hour MA degree, with a 60 credit MFA degree option. A few course titles include Interaction Design; Design Scenarios & Simulations; Design and Strategic Innovation; Designing Business Services & Consumer Experiences; and, Advanced Human Factors in Design; Design Management; Design Strategies & Methods. Most required courses are taught evenings, and video conferenced between KU campuses in Kansas City and Lawrence.
Faculty have deep industry, research and teaching experience. Programs are NASAD accredited. Some graduate assistantship opportunities are available. Application deadlines are April 1 (for Spring term) and October 1 (for Fall term)
Questions? Contact me.
Some notable links:
Program info, sample student project work, testimonials:
KU Center for Design Research:
Recent student work:
Recent testimonials:
“KU’s Design Management program proved to be a great learning opportunity. The exposure to new concepts and processes could immediately be applied the next day on the job. Smaller class sizes and teachers who acted as mentors resulted in a set of tools, and techniques that will prove invaluable well into the future. I would highly recommend this program.”
– Georgette Sullivan, Visual & Interactive Associate Design Engineer, Dell
Q: What is the best part of design school?
A: “Applying theory to practice. Almost everything I’ve been introduced to in school I have applied to work projects, and this has greatly accelerated my experience and understanding.”
– Brian Smith, UX Manager, DST Technologies
“Design Management is really the remedy for many of the of the problems that occupy organizations today. Attempting to satisfy customers, members, clients, partners or users who have an ever evolving collection of subtle expectations is simply not being achieved by many professionals with narrow specializations. Design Management studies at KU teach how one can integrate existing resources, spawn healthy collaboration and generate actionable insights for any kind of problem or situation. Lost in the gap between the scientific proof and the business case study are real people with real needs. Understanding them and getting them what they need is the whole purpose of the KU Masters in Design Management.”
– Christopher Simon, Schwab
Q: What advice would you give to someone thinking about graduate study in design?
A: “What are ya waiting for?” Life is too short to wonder. You’ll never look at the world in the same way.”
– Angel Stahl, Network Planner, Ericsson
“KU’s Design Management program proved to be a great learning opportunity. The exposure to new concepts and processes could immediately be applied the next day on the job. Smaller class sizes and teachers who acted as mentors resulted in a set of tools, and techniques that will prove invaluable well into the future. I would highly recommend this program.”
– Ricarda Miller, UX Architect/Interactive Art Director at MMG Worldwide