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M-DES-USER-EXPERIENCE in General at SRM Institute of Science and Technology
Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is General at SRM Institute of Science and Technology Chengalpattu?
This User Experience (UX) Design program at SRM Institute of Science and Technology focuses on equipping students with advanced skills in designing intuitive and engaging digital products and services. With India''''s booming digital economy, there''''s a critical demand for UX professionals who can create user-centric solutions. This program emphasizes a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, ensuring graduates are industry-ready. It uniquely integrates design thinking with technological innovation to address real-world challenges.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from design, engineering, or computer science backgrounds seeking entry into the thriving UX industry. It also caters to working professionals, including developers, graphic designers, or product managers, looking to upskill and transition into specialized UX roles. Career changers with a strong portfolio and passion for human-centered design will also find this program beneficial, provided they meet the academic prerequisites.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including UX Designer, Product Designer, Interaction Designer, UX Researcher, and Information Architect. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 4-8 LPA, with experienced professionals earning upwards of INR 15-25 LPA in leading tech companies and startups. The program fosters growth trajectories into leadership roles like Head of UX or Design Director, aligning with global professional certifications.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Strong Design Portfolio Early- (Semester 1-2)
Actively apply theoretical knowledge from subjects like Visual Design and Human Computer Interaction to create small, compelling design projects. Document your process, iterations, and final outcomes. This will be crucial for internship applications.
Tools & Resources
Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch, Behance, Dribbble
Career Connection
A strong portfolio is the primary gateway to internships and entry-level UX jobs in India, demonstrating practical skills to potential employers.
Master UX Research Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Dive deep into UX Research & Analysis, conducting user interviews, usability testing, and data synthesis for academic projects. Seek opportunities to assist faculty or local startups with their research needs to gain hands-on experience.
Tools & Resources
Google Forms, Optimal Workshop, Maze, Miro, UserTesting.com (free trials)
Career Connection
Proficiency in UX research is highly valued by Indian companies for understanding user needs and validating design decisions, opening doors to UX Researcher roles.
Engage in Design Thinking Workshops & Challenges- (Semester 1-2)
Participate in campus workshops, hackathons, and online design challenges focused on design thinking and problem-solving. Collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds (engineering, business) to simulate real-world team environments.
Tools & Resources
Design Thinking bootcamps, online challenge platforms, SRMIST design clubs
Career Connection
Develops critical soft skills like collaboration, problem-solving, and rapid prototyping, essential for team-based design roles in the Indian tech industry.
Intermediate Stage
Specialize through Electives & Live Projects- (Semester 3)
Carefully choose electives like Immersive Experiences or AI in UX based on career interests. Actively seek out industry-sponsored projects or collaborate with startups to apply specialized knowledge and build a niche expertise in emerging areas.
Tools & Resources
Specific tools for AR/VR design (e.g., Unity, Blender), AI/ML platforms, SRMIST''''s industry partnership cell
Career Connection
Developing specialized skills makes you highly competitive for advanced roles in specific domains, attracting companies working on cutting-edge technologies in India.
Network with Industry Professionals- (Semester 3)
Attend industry conferences, UX meetups, and webinars. Actively connect with professionals on LinkedIn, seeking informational interviews or mentorship. Leverage SRMIST alumni network for insights and opportunities.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Design conferences (e.g., DesignUp, IndiaHCI), local UX communities
Career Connection
Networking is vital for discovering hidden job opportunities, getting referrals, and staying updated on industry trends, which is crucial for placements in India.
Develop Robust Prototyping & Usability Skills- (Semester 3)
Focus on creating high-fidelity prototypes and conducting thorough usability evaluations for your Project I. Seek feedback rigorously and iterate designs based on user insights and technical feasibility.
Tools & Resources
Figma, Adobe XD, InVision, Axure RP, Userlytics
Career Connection
Strong prototyping and evaluation skills are core requirements for most UX/Product Designer roles, ensuring you can deliver functional and user-friendly designs.
Advanced Stage
Complete an Industry-Relevant Capstone Project- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant effort to your Project II, ideally partnering with an industry mentor or company. Ensure the project solves a real-world problem, showcases your end-to-end UX process, and leads to a tangible, demonstrable outcome.
Tools & Resources
All design and prototyping tools, project management software, industry connections
Career Connection
A well-executed capstone project often serves as a key interview piece, directly demonstrating your ability to contribute to an organization upon graduation.
Master Interview Skills & Presentation- (Semester 4)
Practice explaining your portfolio projects, design rationale, and problem-solving approach in mock interviews. Focus on clear communication and confidence, preparing for technical and behavioral questions common in Indian tech interviews.
Tools & Resources
Mock interview platforms, career services at SRMIST, peer review sessions
Career Connection
Strong interview and presentation skills are critical for converting internship offers into full-time roles and securing desired placements.
Build a Professional Online Presence- (Semester 4)
Curate an impressive online portfolio website that showcases your best work, design process, and professional brand. Optimize your LinkedIn profile for UX roles, highlighting skills and project contributions.
Tools & Resources
Personal website builders (e.g., Webflow, Adobe Portfolio), LinkedIn
Career Connection
An online presence is your digital resume, crucial for recruiters and hiring managers in India to discover your talent and assess your fit for their teams.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B. Des / B. Tech / B. E / B. Arch / B.Sc. in Computer Science / IT / BCA / MCA / M. Sc. in Computer Science / IT or equivalent. Candidates with Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline with relevant experience will also be considered. Portfolio of design work and Statement of Purpose are mandatory. Appearance in SRMIST online common aptitude test (SRMIST-CAT) and Personal Interview.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 81 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PD2101 | Design Process & Methodology | Core | 4 | Design Thinking Frameworks, User Centric Design Principles, Design Research Methods, Ideation & Concept Generation, Prototyping Techniques |
| UX2101 | Human Computer Interaction | Core | 4 | HCI Paradigms & Principles, Interaction Styles & Metaphors, Usability & User Experience, Cognitive Psychology in HCI, Evaluation of User Interfaces |
| PD2103 | Visual Design | Core | 4 | Elements & Principles of Visual Design, Color Theory & Application, Typography Fundamentals, Layout & Composition, Visual Hierarchy & Aesthetics |
| UX2102 | UX Research & Analysis | Core | 4 | User Research Planning, Qualitative Research Methods, Quantitative Research Methods, Data Analysis & Synthesis, Persona & Journey Mapping |
| LD2101 | Professional Communication | Core | 2 | Verbal & Non-Verbal Communication, Effective Written Communication, Presentation Skills, Interpersonal & Team Communication, Professional Ethics & Etiquette |
| UX2103 | Elective I | Elective | 3 | Cognitive Psychology for Design (UX21E1): Perception, Memory, Attention, Decision Making, Interaction Design for Emerging Technologies (UX21E2): IoT, AR/VR, Voice Interfaces, Haptics, Design for Accessibility (UX21E3): Inclusive Design, WCAG, Assistive Technologies, Universal Design |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PD2102 | Innovation & Design Entrepreneurship | Core | 4 | Design Innovation Strategies, Business Model Canvas, Startup Ecosystem & Funding, Intellectual Property Rights, Entrepreneurial Mindset & Leadership |
| UX2104 | Information Architecture & Content Strategy | Core | 4 | Information Organization Systems, Navigation & Labeling Design, Content Audit & Inventory, UX Writing Principles, Content Governance & Strategy |
| UX2105 | Prototyping & Usability Evaluation | Core | 4 | Low-Fidelity Prototyping, High-Fidelity Prototyping Tools, Usability Testing Methodologies, Heuristic Evaluation, A/B Testing & Data Analysis |
| UX2106 | Service Design | Core | 4 | Service Design Principles, Stakeholder Mapping, Service Blueprinting, Touchpoint Design, Service Innovation & Implementation |
| LD2102 | Design Management | Core | 2 | Design Project Management, Leading Design Teams, Design Strategy & Branding, Design Operations, Ethical Design Practices |
| UX2107 | Elective II | Elective | 3 | User Experience Metrics & Analytics (UX21E4): UX Metrics, Analytics Tools, Data Interpretation, Gamification for UX (UX21E5): Game Mechanics, Psychology of Play, Engagement Strategies, Emotional Design (UX21E6): Affective Computing, Emotional Response, Persuasive Design |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UX2108 | Design Systems & Guidelines | Core | 4 | Component Libraries & Style Guides, Pattern Libraries & Design Tokens, Scalable Design Architecture, Cross-Platform Consistency, Maintaining Design Systems |
| UX2109 | UX Strategy & Leadership | Core | 4 | Strategic UX Planning, Design Vision & Roadmapping, Stakeholder Management, Leading Design Teams & Culture, Measuring Business Value of UX |
| LD2103 | Research & Publication Ethics | Core | 2 | Research Integrity & Misconduct, Plagiarism & Authorship, Ethical Review Processes, Data Management & Confidentiality, Publication Best Practices |
| UX2110 | Elective III | Elective | 3 | Immersive Experiences (AR/VR/MR) (UX21E7): AR/VR Interaction, Spatial Computing, 3D UI, Design for Voice User Interfaces (UX21E8): VUI Principles, Conversational AI, NLP, Voice Assistants, AI in UX (UX21E9): AI Principles, Machine Learning, Personalized Experiences, AI Ethics |
| UX2111 | Project I | Project | 7 | Advanced Problem Identification, Comprehensive User Research, Conceptual Design & Wireframing, Detailed Prototyping & Iteration, Usability Testing & Refinement |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UX2112 | Project II | Project | 17 | Full-Scale Project Execution, Industry Collaboration & Mentorship, Advanced Design Iteration & Validation, Final Product/Service Delivery, Professional Portfolio Integration |
