Product & User Experience Design

Product & User Experience designers create digital and physical products that give users valuable, relevant engaging experiences in various environments, including digital interface and applications, physical consumer products, and hybrid combinations. They develop, plan, prototype, and test product elements of a product that have an impact on the user experience using a human-centered, iterative method. A product designer frequently collaborates on this process with peers from other disciplines, including business, marketing, software developers, manufacturing, and product engineering process partners.

Product & User Experience Design program at BYU engages students early in various skill-building exercises and projects that mirror professional practice. As members of a small cohort group, students engage in digital and physical product projects under close faculty direction. The program provides students with the opportunities to interact with industry project mentors, semester-long studio projects, a required internship before graduation, and a capstone project which can be self-directed or collaborative. Product & User Experience designers often work to create digital and physical products for a wide range of industries including electronic products; outdoor, sports and recreational products; personal and home products; medical, commercial, and industrial equipment; environment and furniture; toys and children's products. Designers are also equipped to participate in design research in areas such as usability, systems, and information architecture.

How Do I Get Into The Program?

STEPS:

1. Apply and be accepted to BYU

2. Sign up as a PRE-Product & User Experience Design major online through your mymap or at the advisement center - 1090 WCCB.

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PRE-MAJOR

DESPX 115

3. This is the first step towards your Product & User Experience Design BFA: take DESPX 115 fall semester. Upon performance in the class, you may be promoted to PRE-BFA status.

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PRE-BFA

DESPX 220

DESPX 260 or DESGD 260

5. The PRE-BFA is the next step towards your Product & User Experience Design BFA, once you are accepted, then take the three courses listed: DESPX 220, 260 (or DESGD 260).

6. Apply for the BFA in June

(you can only apply twice).

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BFA

Take classes in the Product & User Experience Design BFA major starting Fall Semester with your fellow BFA student cohort.

I'm In - Now What?

Internships

Students accepted into the BFA in Product & User Experience Design have the opportunity to visit Dutch Design Week in Eindhoven, Netherlands, San Francisco, Chicago, Boston, or another Product Designer hub within the United States with your fellow Product Designer students. Participating in collaborative programs and field experiences with industry groups will create networking opportunities for internships. BFA majors are required to participate in an internship prior to their last year in the program. Work with the professors in the program for guidance on how to find an internship.

Capstone

Prior to graduation, Product & User Experience BFA students are required to complete an individual Capstone project. The capstone incorporates the following areas of academics: research, writing, history and context, presentation, and markets and business. Upon completion of their capstone project, students are encouraged to present their show in a physical space, often in Design Department Gallery- 1313

After Graduation

Jobs

Graduates from the Product & User Experience Design Program will be able to exhibit a professional work ethic, demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively, and present themselves professionally through a well-designed portfolio and effective written and oral communication. Upon graduation, alumni go on to create digital and physical products for a wide range of industries. Designers are also equipped to participate in design research in areas such as usability systems, and information architecture.

Alumni

BYU Product & User Experience Design Alumni have been awarded numerous esteemed awards.