Course Description

CT302 Digital Product Design I is a comprehensive course that equips students with essential skills to excel in digital product design. The course is divided into two parts: the first focuses on interface design using Figma, while the second delves into product thinking and UI design fundamentals. Students will engage in hands-on projects and in-depth exploration of design principles, understanding systemic thinking and scalable design. Through the product thinking method, 5W1H, students will develop problem-solving digital product concepts and features.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

1. Create and manage complex designs using Figma.

2. Understand Figma as a UI tool and implement advanced concepts including components, variables, styles, and auto layout in digital product design.

3. Apply UI design fundamentals to create responsive and visually appealing interfaces.

4. Develop interactive prototypes and present digital product/feature ideas effectively.

5. Complete a comprehensive digital design project demonstrating interface design knowledge and UI fundamentals.

Projects & Evaluation

1. E-commerce Research & Presentation – 20%

• Select and analyze two exemplary e-commerce websites. Explain why they are effective from both design and user experience perspectives.

• Propose three potential e-commerce brand candidates for a website revamp. Clearly identify the challenges each brand faces and the opportunities for improvement, with a particular focus on the Product Detail Page, a key area for driving engagement, conversion, and brand differentiation.

• Emphasize the strategic importance of the Product Detail Page and Homepage, as these are critical for driving engagement, communicating brand value, and supporting user decision-making.

• Analyze from both business and consumer perspectives. Go beyond visual design—consider experience, functionality, performance, and user engagement.

• Create a visual presentation in Figma.

• Submit a 3-minute Loom video recording that presents your research and insights.

• Duration: 3 weeks.

2. E-commerce Website Proposal – 20%

• Define a brand profile, including target audience, mission, and brand archetype.

• You are proposing a refreshed e-commerce strategy and visual experience for the brand, without altering its core identity.

• Identify opportunities for the brand to thrive in a competitive e-commerce landscape. Include a comparative analysis.

• Create a sitemap and low-fidelity wireframes.

• Define the preliminary art direction: moodboard, design statement, and design principles.

• Present your work in a 3-minute pitch and submit a Loom recording.

• Duration: 4 weeks.

3. Responsive E-commerce Website Design & Presentation – 40%

• Design a responsive e-commerce homepage and a product detail page with two breakpoints: desktop and mobile.

• Develop a design system that includes a consistent type scale, color system, and foundational components.

• Prepare a professional 4-minute pitch that clearly explains your content structure and interaction design.

• Submit a Loom video recording.

• Duration: 6 weeks.
  
  

  [Evaluation Criteria]

• Design Quality – Visual appeal, consistency, and adherence to design principles

• Responsiveness – Effective adaptation across mobile, tablet, and desktop

• Usability – Intuitive layout, navigation, and interaction

• Technical Execution – Skillful use of Figma tools (Auto Layout, constraints, components)

• Documentation – Clear rationale and explanation of design decisions

• Presentation – Professional delivery and communication of the design process and outcome

4. Weekly Assignment – 10%

• “Week of the App/Web” (10 entries per semester): Choose a digital product and explain what makes it effective or notable (blog format)

5. Professionalism (Class Participation & Attendance) – 10%

• Actively engage in class discussions, critiques, and activities
  Maintain regular attendance and punctuality