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 teams to analyze project requirements, strategize solutions, and develop high-fidelity prototypes with a usability focus.
- Future Digital Media (DIGM475): Explore emerging trends in digital media through case studies, product analysis, and industry forecasting.
- IDM Electives: Dive deeper into specialized topics like Validating Product Ideas, SwiftUI, or frameworks such as Svelte and 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, PMs, and stakeholders on real projects
- Design Systems & UI Libraries: Build scalable, reusable components for large teams
- Advanced UX Research & Testing: Execute studies and apply user data to design decisions
- Time & Project Management: Juggle co-op, coursework, and ongoing portfolio development
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: Take initiative, ask questions, and try to own part of a real product.
- Refine your portfolio: Include co-op work (with permission) and highlight real-world problem-solving.
- Build industry connections: Attend networking events, keep in touch with mentors, and follow up after co-op ends.
- Stay adaptable: Learn to adjust to varying UX workflows and team structures.
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.