Game Design

The field of interactive design has moved from an era where designers were self-taught and learned on the job, to one where even entry-level designers are expected to have proven design skills, as well as knowledge of technology, information processing, and psychology. Interactive designers must continually place themselves in the minds of their users and players, shaping every action and response, carefully teaching them what they need to know, and skillfully blending the interactive, spatial, narrative, visual, and aural aspects of an experience. Whether working on digital tools and simulations, on traditional or digital games, or even on physical installations, this degree program prepares graduates to be interactive designers, capable of working in large teams, communicating and collaborating with other designers, artists, and engineers, able to create any kind of interactive experience.

Graduates will be well-versed in both interactive design and game design theory, including user interface design, usability, spatial design, system design, and behavior design. Graduates will have extensive experience testing, iterating, and polishing both digital and non-digital designs through the completion of both individual and team projects. Graduates will also be familiar with the basics of psychology, programming, computer graphics, sound design, and writing.

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Arts in Game Design degree program, students are expected to achieve the following outcomes:

• Achieve basic proficiency in the concepts and skills of multiple design specialties: System Design, Level Design, Technical Design, Narrative Design, User Experience Design, and User Research
• Apply knowledge of design principles and human psychology to create engaging experiences
• Analyze and understand the needs of a given audience to create an engaging experience
• Analyze problems and constraints to identify and define appropriate design solutions that demonstrate a balanced approach to the needs of different audiences
• Demonstrate the ability to rapidly implement and test design prototypes as part of the iterative design process
• Understand deeply how to measure and iteratively improve experiences for multiple audiences
• Understand the professional, social, and ethical responsibilities of design
• Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively with a range of audiences
• Function effectively on multidisciplinary teams to create engaging experiences
• Use current techniques, skills, and tools to create effective designs
• Recognize the need for ongoing professional development and demonstrate ability to research new topics and approaches
• Demonstrate fluency in at least two different design specialties: System Design, Level Design, Technical Design, Narrative Design, User Experience Design, or User Research

Graduates of this degree program will be prepared to enter the software industry as entry-level User Experience Designers and the game industry as entry-level Game Designers. Possible entry-level position titles include User Interface Designer, 
User Experience Designer, Usability Researcher, Installation Designer, Game Scripter, Technical Designer, System Designer, Level Designer, Content Designer, Encounter Designer, Quest Designer, and Game Designer. This degree program also includes secondary training that can contribute directly to a graduate obtaining positions with titles such as Producer, Program Manager, Writer, Technical Writer, and Editor. After many years in the industry, graduates may obtain titles such as Lead Designer, User Experience Architect, Creative Director, and Director.