Essentially, design consists of arriving at an understanding of the problem, coming up with solutions and developing those into a product. However, this process is not linear but iterative. Our students develop prototypes that they use to figure out whether they are headed in the right direction. They incorporate the findings from this process into the next prototype, and so on, and so forth. In order to create ‘good’ solutions, it is important that they have a good sense of the social context in which their products will end up (think, for example, about the discussion around privacy and Facebook). They also need to stay up-to-date on technological developments, and think about how these can be used in their designs. Finally, it is important that they know how to work harmoniously and effectively with other professionals.

Interaction design is about the structure and behaviour of interactive products – for example, your phone, where important functionalities and updates are instantly available through notifications and tool panels. Or Google Maps, which can be entirely operated using your mouse and keyboard – or even just your hands. And sat nav can even be controlled using just your voice. Netflix puts popular TV shows and movies directly onto your homepage, and allows you to access others by searching and browsing.
An interaction designer is responsible for optimising a digital product’s ‘flow’. In order to do this, they structure all content in a logical way and develop a way of navigating it that ensures that a website or application supports the user’s goals effectively. This enables users to find the information they are looking for easily, or carry out a complicated task in a simple way using an app. A good interface, after all, is invisible! 

The visual designer is responsible for the layout of an interactive digital product, down to every last detail (hierarchy, form, colour, typography, grid). The visual designer designs each separate screen the user interacts with, ensuring they have an optimum visual user experience. Visual designers deal with questions like: where on the screen can what information be found? Or: what is the best way to visualise this menu or button? The visual designer is also responsible for consistently incorporating the product’s visual language into each visual element, and in doing so influences the behaviour of the product’s users. In addition, the visual designer is capable of developing a good style guide.

Front-end developers write the code that is required to ensure a digital design actually works. Put in simple terms, they ensure that you can click on links and fill out forms. In addition, with their knowledge of the technological possibilities and limitations, they contribute to a solid end product. At CMD Amsterdam, all students learn how they can use code to build prototypes in the browser. This enables them to immediately check whether the great interface ideas they have actually work in practice. Through electives, you can even specialise as a front-end developer with a focus on design and interaction, or as a designer with a solid grasp on technology.