Introduction
This introductory unit explores the principles and practices of Experience Design within structured environments. Working across digital and physical dimensions, this unit focuses on task-oriented experience design. Students will develop an understanding of how users navigate and interact with designed experiences, examining both functional aspects (way-finding systems, interface design, service touch-points) and emotional dimensions (user satisfaction, confidence, engagement). The unit introduces key concepts in perception theory to help students understand how users process information and make decisions within designed environments. Students will learn to apply service design methodologies to map user journeys and identify pain points. They will explore how heuristic principles guide intuitive interactions and develop skills with digital tools essential for prototyping and testing experience design solutions.
Summary
| Unit name | Experience Design Systems |
| Unit code | KDA106 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | Sciences and Engineering School of Architecture and Design |
| Discipline | Architecture & Design |
| Coordinator | Doctor Jose Vicente Garcia Cesar |
| Available as an elective? | Yes |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Introductory |
Sustainable Development Goals
The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.
Availability
Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August
Learning Outcomes
- Identify the fundamental principles of experience design.
- Apply appropriate service design tools and methods.
- Analyse how functional and emotional elements influence user interactions.
- Create cohesive experience design solutions across touchpoints.
Fee Information
2027 fee information will be available in August.
Teaching
| Assessment | User Journey & Emotional Mapping Project (25%)|Interactive Prototype with Heuristic Evaluation (35%)|Experience Design Resolution (40%) |
|---|---|
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
Burickson, A., Lupton, E., & Holeman, E. (2023). Experience Design: A Participatory Manifesto (1st ed.). Yale University Press. https://doi.org/10.2307/jj.6535477 https://www.vlaanderen.be/publicaties/public-service-design-a-guide-for-the-application-of-service-design-in-public-organisations |
|---|---|
| Recommended | Suonheimo, M., Jones, P. H., & Lee, S.-H. (Eds.). (2025). Systemic service design. Routledge. Uffelen, C. van. (2021). Designing orientation¿: signage, concepts & wayfinding systems (1st edition.). Braun. Gibson, D. (2009). The wayfinding handbook¿: information design for public places (1st ed.). Princeton Architectural Press.
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