Program Overview
The BFA in Design with a concentration in Interaction Design prepares students to shape how people engage with digital products, services, and environments. As an interaction design major, you will explore the intersection of design, technology, and human behavior—learning how to create intuitive, accessible, and meaningful user experiences across platforms. This studio-based curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving, equipping you with the tools to design for a rapidly evolving digital world.
Throughout the interaction design major, students build a strong foundation in visual communication, design thinking, and user-centered research. Early coursework introduces essential principles such as typography, layout, color, and composition, while also emphasizing how users interact with digital interfaces. As you progress, you will apply these fundamentals to projects that address real-world challenges, designing websites, mobile applications, and interactive systems that respond to user needs and behaviors.
A key component of the interaction design major is learning how to design with empathy. Students conduct user research, develop personas, and map user journeys to better understand how people interact with technology. These insights inform the design process, ensuring that solutions are not only visually compelling but also functional and inclusive. This human-centered approach is central to the bachelor of interaction design, preparing graduates to create experiences that are both innovative and accessible.
Collaboration is also integral to the interaction design major experience. Students often work in teams, mirroring professional design environments where cross-disciplinary collaboration is essential. You may partner with peers in fields such as computer science, business, or communications to develop comprehensive design solutions. These collaborative projects help you build communication skills and prepare for the dynamic nature of design careers.
As part of the interaction design major, students gain proficiency in industry-standard tools and technologies used to prototype, test, and refine interactive experiences. From wireframing and prototyping software to usability testing methods, you will develop a versatile skill set that aligns with current industry expectations. This technical knowledge complements your creative development, making you a well-rounded designer.
The curriculum also emphasizes iterative design—encouraging students to test ideas, gather feedback, and refine their work. This process helps students develop resilience and adaptability, key traits for success in the design field. By the time you complete your bachelor’s degree in interaction design, you will have built a professional portfolio that showcases your ability to solve complex design problems.
Learn more about KU
Undergraduate
For more information about the program, visit the program page below.
Interaction Design, BFASchool of Architecture and Design
The Bachelor’s in Interaction Design is part of the KU School of Architecture and Design, where students are driven to meet challenges through relentless creativity and solutions-based design.Bachelor’s in Interaction Design Learning Outcomes
Students completing the interaction design major will be able to:
- Apply human-centered design principles to create intuitive and engaging interactive experiences
- Conduct user research and translate insights into actionable design solutions
- Demonstrate proficiency in prototyping, usability testing, and iterative design processes
- Communicate design concepts effectively through visual, written, and verbal methods
- Integrate visual design fundamentals with interaction design strategies
- Collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams to solve complex problems
- Develop a professional portfolio that reflects a cohesive design process and outcome
- Analyze ethical, cultural, and accessibility considerations in interactive design
What Careers are Possible with a Bachelor’s in Interaction Design?
Graduates of the interaction design major are well-positioned for careers in fast-growing, design-driven industries. According to Lightcast, demand for professionals with user experience and interaction design skills continues to rise across sectors.
Potential career paths include:
- User Experience (UX) Designer
- User Interface (UI) Designer
- Interaction Designer
- Web Designer
- Mobile App Designer
These roles can be found in industries such as technology, healthcare, finance, education, and entertainment. With a bachelor of interaction design, graduates can pursue opportunities at startups, established companies, or as independent designers.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition for the interaction design major varies based on residency status and enrollment level. Students are encouraged to explore financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities, to help make their education more affordable.
The university offers a range of merit-based and need-based aid programs to students in the bachelor’s degree in interaction design. For more information, visit KU Financial Aid.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the interaction design major at KU requires meeting general university freshman and transfer admission standards.
Applicants to Animation, Illustration, Industrial Design, Interaction Design, or Visual Communication Design who do not meet guaranteed criteria must submit a portfolio. Portfolios should be submitted in PDF format via email to arcd@ku.edu.
For detailed admission criteria and audition requirements, visit the School of Architecture & Design.
Student Life and Learning Experience
Students in the interaction design major benefit from a vibrant and collaborative learning environment. Studio courses encourage hands-on exploration, experimentation, and critique, helping students refine their skills and creative voice.
Opportunities for internships, research, and community-based projects allow students to gain real-world experience while building professional connections. Many students in the bachelor of interaction design participate in exhibitions, design competitions, and collaborative projects that showcase their work.
Student organizations and design clubs provide additional opportunities to connect with peers, develop leadership skills, and engage with the broader design community.
Bachelor’s in Interaction Design Sample Courses
Coursework in the interaction design major may include:
- Introduction to Digital Design
- Fundamentals in UI/UX Design
- Dataviz and Digital Storytelling
- Design Systems
These courses help students in the bachelor’s degree in interaction design develop both technical and creative expertise, preparing them for a range of professional roles. For a full list of degree requirements, visit the KU Catalog.
Bachelor’s in Interaction Design Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply?
Applications are open and accepted on a rolling basis.
How long will it take to complete the degree?
Students typically complete this degree in four years.