Junior year in Drexel’s User Experience & Interaction Design (UXID) program is a game-changer. This is the year where classroom learning meets real-world application, with many students entering their first co-op experience. It’s a time to refine skills, work on professional projects, and start thinking about the future of a career in UX.
Core Classes
While some students spend part of the year in their co-op placement, coursework continues to build on previous knowledge with a focus on advanced UX methodologies and industry applications. Key classes include:
- IDM Workshop (IDM371, IDM372): Work in team environments to analyze project requirements, develop a strategy for development, and utilize your design skills to present findings to the client. Build a high-fidelity interactive digital media prototype with a focus on usability testing.
- Future Digital Media (DIGM475): This course examines current and emerging issues in digital media through readings and discussions on news, product announcements, articles, and industry predictions. It provides a comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of digital media, including its future directions and long-term possibilities.
- IDM Electives: Many students explore course electives to focus on building their skills in the area of UXID that they want to pursue after graduation. Some of these courses include Validating Product Ideas, SwiftUI, and Javascript Frameworks (Svelte, ReactJS).
Skills You’ll Learn
Junior year pushes students to take their UX skills to the next level, including:
✅ Professional UX Workflow – Collaborate with developers, product managers, and stakeholders in a real-world setting.
✅ Design Systems & UI Libraries – Create scalable design components for large-scale projects.
✅ Advanced UX Research & Testing – Conduct user research in professional environments and apply data-driven insights.
✅ Time & Project Management – Balance coursework, co-op responsibilities, and portfolio-building.
Projects & Real-World Challenges
The biggest shift in junior year is the transition from theoretical projects to real-world problem-solving. Co-op students get hands-on experience working with clients, building products, and learning how UX functions in a business setting. For those still in coursework, projects become more advanced, often requiring collaboration with companies or interdisciplinary teams.
Tips for Success
🎯 Make the most of your co-op. Learn as much as possible, ask questions, and take on challenging projects.
🎯 Refine your portfolio. Showcase co-op work (if allowed) and update case studies with real-world applications.
🎯 Build industry connections. Network with professionals and start looking ahead to senior-year internships or full-time job opportunities.
🎯 Stay adaptable. UX work environments vary widely, so learn to adjust to different workflows and company cultures.
Looking Ahead
With junior year coming to a close, senior year is all about specializing in UX fields of interest, completing capstone projects, and preparing for post-grad career opportunities. The experiences gained in co-op and advanced coursework will shape the path toward becoming a full-fledged UX professional.