Master of Science in Human Computer Interaction and Design

Why study Human Computer Interaction and Design at EIT Digital?

Smart devices (mobile phones, PDAs, tablet computers), smart products (car, navigation) and smart environments (ambient intelligence) are enabling new services that require innovative interfaces. Human Computer Interaction and Design (HCID) focuses on the study, design, development and evaluation of novel user interfaces, interactive systems and services.

The EIT Digital Master’s degree HCID is an interdisciplinary programme where our User-Centred Design approach places the users at the centre of the design process. By combining human aspects (at a cognitive, aesthetic and sensory-motor levels) to technological and business aspects, we create new products and services with great usability and user experience, and a solid customer demand, which often translate into commercial success.

HCID serves as the bridge to new products and services. Students learn how to design and define how people interact and live with the modern ever-changing technical world.

How is the programme structured?

All EIT Digital Master School programmes follow the same scheme:

• Students study one year at an ‘entry’ university and one year at an ‘exit’ university in two of EIT Digital’s hot spots around Europe.
• Upon completion, graduates receive degrees from the two universities and a certificate awarded by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology.
• The first year is similar at all entry points with basic courses to lay the foundation for the chosen technical programme focus. Some elective courses may also be chosen. At the same time, students are introduced to business and management. During the second semester, a design project is combined with business development exercises. These teach how to turn technology into business and how to present a convincing business plan.
• In between the first year and the second year, a summer school addresses business opportunities within a socially relevant theme.
• The second year offers a specialisation and a graduation project. The graduation project includes an internship at a company or a research institute and results in a Master thesis with a strong innovation and entrepreneurship dimension.

What are the career opportunities?

Graduates from the HCID master’s programme qualify for jobs in international and local organisations in both technical and business roles. Graduates could become:

• User experience (UX) or interaction designer
• UX Architect
• Usability engineer
• Interactive systems engineer
• Human factors expert
• Business developer
• Product manager
• Consultant

Through their multidisciplinary attitude, HCID graduates are valuable in open innovation settings where different aspects (market, users, social aspects, media technologies) come together. They can choose to work within companies that provide value-added products and services, such as game companies, e-learning, web developers, and entertainment. An alternative path would be to start your own company to provide product or technology development, media content, business development or consultancy services.