Studying interaction design abroad
What is interaction design?
Interaction design is the practice of creating products and systems that people use and enjoy. It focuses on how users move through a website, app, or device, and how the product responds to their actions. The goal is to make technology clear, useful, and easy to learn.
This field draws on ideas from design, psychology, computer science, and communication. As a student you will learn to plan user journeys, make interface layouts, and test prototypes to find what works best. Work in interaction design might involve mobile apps, voice interfaces, wearable devices, or interactive public displays.
Why study interaction design abroad?
Studying interaction design in another country gives you new viewpoints and fresh design habits. Different cultures use technology in different ways, and seeing those differences helps you become a better designer. Living and studying overseas also helps you build teamwork skills with people from many backgrounds, which is important when designing for a global audience.
Being abroad provides chances to join international projects, internships, or studios. These experiences make your portfolio stronger and help you meet people who may become future colleagues or collaborators.
What you will study
Interaction design programs usually mix theory with practical work. Typical topics include:
- Human-Computer Interaction: learning how people use digital systems.
- User Experience (UX) Design: understanding and improving the whole user journey.
- User Interface (UI) Design: creating the visible parts users click, tap, or swipe.
- Information Architecture: organising content so users can find it quickly.
- Prototyping and Usability Testing: building models and collecting user feedback.
- Design Thinking: solving problems in creative, user-centered ways.
- Coding for Designers: basic programming so prototypes can be made interactive.
Many courses include group studio classes, live client projects, and internships with tech companies or design agencies.
Related subjects you might also like:
- Graphic Design
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Computer Science
- Digital Media
- Product Design
Accreditation
At undergraduate level you may earn a Bachelor of Design (BDes) or a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Interaction Design, Digital Design, or a similar subject. Some universities offer a Bachelor of Science (BSc) when the course has a stronger technical focus.
Postgraduate options include Master of Design (MDes), Master of Arts (MA), or Master of Science (MSc) in Interaction Design, UX Design, or Human-Computer Interaction. These degrees often let you specialise in areas such as immersive technology, service design, or accessibility.
Professional bodies and UX organisations sometimes offer certificates or membership that recognise good practice and ethical design work.
Careers
A degree in interaction design opens many career paths. Common roles are UX designer, UI designer, interaction designer, and user researcher. You might also work as a product designer, service designer, or design strategist.
Interaction designers work across industries such as education, healthcare, games, finance, and public services. With experience you can move into senior design roles, management, or specialised areas like accessibility, motion design, or voice interface design.
Design skills are valuable worldwide, so studying interaction design abroad can help you find international job opportunities and work on projects that reach many users.