Yonsei News

Underwood International College (UIC), a prestigious world-class interdisciplinary institution, is composed of three divisions: the Underwood Division, the Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences Division, and the Integrated Science and Engineering Division. 

The Information and Interaction Design (IID) major, one of eight programs within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS), develops globally minded professionals with multidisciplinary thinking and creative problem-solving skills through a design-driven approach grounded in integrated humanities and social sciences education. It shares its origins with the Creative Technology Management (CTM) and Culture and Design Management majors, which were established in 2012 as part of the Techno-Art Division, Korea's first undergraduate program integrating design, management, and technology. Now part of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, it continues to lead convergence education and research through collaboration with other disciplines. Students majoring in IID develop the ability to devise user-centered solutions across diverse fields by leveraging digital computing technologies and a comprehensive understanding of human behavior.
 

An A to Z of Information Interaction Design majors. Hear from Professor Kang Younah.

Design to Enrich Human Life

The IID major epitomizes the concept of “connecting technology and humans through design.” In this context, design transcends aesthetics to encompass the functionality, usability, and meaningful integration of technology into everyday life, aiming to enhance convenience and enrich the human experience. For example, while speech recognition and natural language processing technologies have long existed, their design as personal voice assistants, such as Siri and Bixby, represents a key design decision. Thus, the IID major is closely aligned with Human-Computer Interaction in academia and User Experience (UX) in industry.

Human-Computer Interaction or UX is traditionally recognized as an interdisciplinary field, intersecting design and computer science as core disciplines, alongside psychology (rooted in cognitive science), cultural anthropology (focused on user research methods), and sociology and futures studies (which explore the societal impacts of technology). At UIC, students from completely different fields, such as comparative literature and economics, have excelled in the IID double major, highlighting its wide-ranging applicability.

Ultimately, the IID major focuses on envisioning the interaction between technology and humanity through design to shape a better future. It provides a platform for students to develop a human-centered approach to "how the world could be" by integrating creative design, relevant technologies, and the systematic study of human behavior. The goal is to cultivate communicators and problem solvers who can shape products, services, and environments.

Creativity Across Disciplines: Learning Through Projects

The IID major highlights the persuasive power of design, viewing it not merely as an aesthetic expression but as a pivotal tool for communication and facilitating human interaction. Students are equipped to create powerful designs capable of transforming individuals and society. Achieving this requires a diverse skill set, particularly computational and design thinking, which are core components of the undergraduate curriculum. These foundational skills prepare students to thrive in a wide range of professional roles.

The interdisciplinary environment of UIC’s HASS, which includes the IID major, and the project-based nature of its courses are increasingly recognized as key advantages for students in their future research and professional practice. As noted, designing technology demands a multidisciplinary approach, and UIC’s environment—where students are encouraged to bridge fields such as literature and science, design and management, and technology and humanities—represents a significant strength. Notably, students in CTM and Cultural Design Management (CDM), which are closely related to IID, collaborate in multidisciplinary teams on capstone projects as part of their graduation requirements. This cross-disciplinary collaboration broadens their problem-solving perspectives and enables them to approach design challenges from multiple angles.

Additionally, nearly all of IID's courses are project-based, offering students the invaluable experience of applying knowledge to complex, real-world problems and developing design solutions. This hands-on learning is difficult to achieve in a short timeframe, making it a distinctive strength of the program. Rather than having work disappear after a course ends, students build a portfolio and track record from their class projects. Especially in a field such as UX, where few undergraduate majors focus on this area, the ability to approach design from multiple perspectives beyond aesthetics is a significant competitive advantage. Students are not merely memorizing theoretical principles of design but are gaining practical experience in problem-solving through design thinking. This fosters a practitioner mindset, developing resilience and the confidence to say, "I can do it too." Graduates often receive feedback from employers and graduate school advisors noting that, while new to their roles, they possess the maturity and skills of professionals with several years of experience.

IID People

Currently, the program is led by two full-time faculty members and one adjunct, with an enrollment of 96 undergraduate students, including those pursuing double majors. Many students who wish to continue their academic journey opt for graduate studies in the Department of Innovation at UIC. One of UIC's strengths lies in its undergraduate structure, which offers students the flexibility to pursue multiple majors with relatively low barriers to entry. While some students are drawn to IID from the outset, many others develop an interest after taking introductory courses, discovering the major through hands-on experience.

The IID major attracts a diverse range of students, typically those drawn to solving complex, ill-defined problems, those interested in human behavior, and those eager to continually improve and innovate. Due to its interdisciplinary nature, which combines planning-oriented courses focused on user experience, technical classes for problem-solving implementation, and aesthetic courses for creating visually compelling designs, many students initially explore individual classes that pique their interest before ultimately deciding to major or double major in IID.

A double major in Comparative Literature and IID recently won an award at the Prix Ars Electronica, often regarded as the media arts world’s equivalent of the Academy Awards. Another IID alumnus has joined the team at Sphere Entertainment Co., the world’s largest spherical venue located in Las Vegas. Sphere is a cutting-edge organization that blends technology, art, design, and entertainment and is poised to take on a range of innovative projects in the future. Reflecting on his experience, the alumnus noted, "IID’s atmosphere and professors gave me the freedom to explore design at the intersection of humanity and technology." Given this environment, we can expect to see more talented individuals like him emerging in the future.

The Human-Centered Design Process and IID Curriculum

The IID curriculum combines studio, seminar, and methodology courses grounded in a human-centered design process that integrates insights from the humanities, social sciences, human-computer interaction, and design. Students engage with a broad range of topics, from foundational concepts in communication and design—such as typography, information design, mobile app prototyping, user experience research, and visualization techniques—to applied technologies such as interaction design, physical computing, and a culminating capstone project.

In each class, students address a range of issues to cultivate both analytical and empathetic insights into human interactions, environments, and systems, equipping them to envision the future of communication. They also refine their ability to communicate ideas through critiques, presentations, and demonstrations, enhancing their effectiveness across various contexts. The four-year program culminates with a capstone project in the final year, along with a techno-art capstone project. By the program’s conclusion, students will possess a unique blend of creative design, technical expertise, and research-driven problem-solving skills, enabling them to shape and present the role of technology in future human interactions.

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FRESHMEN             

●    INTRODUCTION TO IID

●    INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL TOOLS

●    COLOR DESIGN

●    BASIC DRAWING (1//2)

●    IDEA VISUALIZATION

———————————————————————————

SOPHOMORE

●    COMMUNICATING WITH TYPE

●    INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL COMPUTING

●    INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE

●    BRAND IN MOTION

●    THEORIES AND PRACTICES OF PUBLIC ART 

●    CRITICAL STUDIES OF VISUAL IMAGES

●    DESIGN HISTORY

●    DATA VISUALIZATION    

———————————————————————————

JUNIOR

●    INTERACTION DESIGN

●    VISUAL SYSTEMS

●    USER EXPERIENCE RESEARCH METHODS

●    HUMAN-AI INTERACTION

●    AI CONTENT CREATION: IMAGE AND VIDEO

●    AI-DRIVEN BRAND SYSTEM

●    EDITORIAL DESIGN

●    SOCIAL DIGITAL INNOVATION PROJECTS

———————————————————————————

SENIOR

●    SENIOR PROJECT(1/2)

●    TECHNO-ART CAPSTONE PROJECT

●    DESIGN AND INNOVATION IN REAL BUSINESS

———————————————————————————

Within the IID major, there is an unofficial distinction between the Interaction Design and Information Design tracks. In the Interaction Design track, students explore both theoretical and practical approaches to researching user experiences, as well as designing, implementing, and testing services or products based on those insights through project-based learning. In the Information Design track, students focus on presenting information effectively and aesthetically, learning how to deliver it to users through carefully crafted projects.

The major requirements for IID encompass both tracks, with students free to choose electives from either area. For instance, if you are interested in visual design and study Illustrator in the "Communicating with Type" course during your sophomore year, you can expand your skills by taking electives in photography, video, editorial design, and more. If, later on, you're drawn to designing new services within the Interaction Design track, you can pursue courses in user research methodology, among others. This flexible approach allows students to explore both tracks as the program's required courses provide experience in both domains. While the curriculum is structured, students are not formally required to choose a specific track, and many opt to engage with both areas.

With the rapid advancement of technology, there is a growing need for designers to consider how various forms of AI can be integrated into daily life in ways that are both convenient and ethical. In response to this trend, IID has expanded its curriculum to include courses on AR/VR, machine learning, and AI, such as AI-driven Brand Systems, Human-AI Interaction, and Machine Learning for Designers.

IID Highlights

Graduation Exhibition, Project Exhibition, and Capstone Gala Night

IID hosts three major exhibitions each year: an end-of-semester showcase featuring work from all classes, an assignment exhibition at the conclusion of each semester, and a graduation show each fall. These exhibitions serve not only as a platform for student work but also as a space for IID students, faculty, and interdisciplinary groups to engage and interact. Each exhibition includes an opening ceremony, attended by professors and students from various departments, as well as family members, visiting scholars, and industry professionals interested in the work of the department and its students.

The Graduation Exhibition provides graduating IID majors with the opportunity to showcase their innovative solutions to complex problems through design thinking. Throughout the process, students engage with social and cultural issues, exploring creative approaches to fostering change and growth. The focus of their work is on communicating deeper meaning and emphasizing social responsibility, aiming to connect with audiences on a level beyond mere output.

2024 IID Graduation Exhibition
IID Spring 2024 Challenge Competition

Each year, at the end of the spring semester, IID majors present their capstone projects alongside students from the CDM and CTM majors at the Capstone Gala Night. Now in its 11th year, this event allows students to showcase their innovative solutions to business opportunities or social problems, presenting their business models to a diverse audience. As a multi-stakeholder event, it provides a valuable opportunity for students to network and make connections before entering the professional world. The class and its presentation projects are increasingly recognized by the academic community as a model of excellence in education.

2023 Techno-Art Division Capstone Gala Major Fairs

The IID Major Fairs provide students with valuable insights into their career and academic choices. After completing their freshman year, Underwood International students must select a major from a range of options, a decision that requires a thorough understanding of each program. To support this, IID majors organize information sessions, independent of the college, to help students make informed choices. Professors and alumni attend these sessions to offer detailed information about the majors, curriculum, and post-graduation career paths. Professors explain the specifics of each major, while alumni share career advice based on their own experiences, giving students the opportunity to explore potential career paths alongside the comprehensive curriculum IID offers.

Homecoming

The IID Homecoming event offers a unique opportunity for alumni and current students to connect and network. Alumni are invited to speak directly with students, providing them with the chance to ask questions about their career paths and post-graduation experiences. Through these conversations, alumni share valuable insights and advice on career exploration, helping current students reflect more deeply on their future. The event serves as a resource for students, offering guidance as they consider various career paths after graduation.

Where do our graduates go from here?

IID graduates pursue a diverse range of career paths, including roles as planners, consultants, UX designers, researchers, developers, and entrepreneurs. Many also continue their education by enrolling in prestigious master's and doctoral programs at universities such as MIT, CMU, Oxford, and Georgia Tech.

The majority of graduates find positions in large corporations, startups, or consulting firms, often in UX-related roles. The core skills learned in IID—identifying user needs, translating them into products or services, evaluating their effectiveness, and iterating for improvement—equip graduates to excel in fields such as marketing and consulting, even if they transition away from planning and design.

At the undergraduate level, few institutions specialize in UX, and with all courses taught in English, we believe our program offers a distinct competitive advantage. Many of our graduates have gone on to work for prominent companies such as Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Motor Company, LG Electronics, Naver, and Kakao, as well as consulting firms such as McKinsey and Kearney. Others have joined fintech companies such as Tosu and NH Financial or global corporations such as Google, HP, Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson, Philips, and the Bank of England.

Our program is also making significant strides in academia. Despite its relatively short history and small size, IID students who pursue graduate studies are already achieving remarkable results. Their ability to develop work at the undergraduate level and publish papers in international journals and conferences reflects both the passion of our students and the high quality of our program.

For Students Interested in Majoring in IID

Being skilled in design means being able to see both the big picture and the finer details. It involves understanding the overarching purpose of your work while quickly and sensibly evaluating the consequences of your decisions. On a micro level, it requires the ability to prioritize tasks effectively, ensuring that even the smallest tasks are completed with care and efficiency. Ultimately, it demands flexibility and the willingness to take on a variety of roles. Successful designers are those who embrace responsibility and enjoy tackling sometimes labor-intensive tasks. Those with an insatiable curiosity and a mindset of continuous learning and exploration will find the most value in their university experience if they choose to major in IID.

We have found that students who start without a strong foundation but possess a great deal of curiosity often thrive in our program. Therefore, do not hesitate to try a class or two first—it is a great way to see if the major is the right fit for you, with just the right level of challenge.

I believe the IID major offers a broad range of possibilities, allowing students to transition from any background and pursue diverse career paths. IID stands at the forefront of today’s rapidly evolving world, where new technologies continually reshape our lives. I would highly recommend the IID major to anyone who seeks to imagine the future in a creative, ethical, and innovative way—not merely for technological advancement but to explore how technology can serve humanity, enhance lives, and make a meaningful impact on society.

"What will the future look like? How can our lives be better? To answer these abstract questions,
I think it is an important role of interaction design to show concrete possibilities.
It was this belief that led me to leave Google over a decade ago and join the early days of IID.
We're thrilled to see the success of our graduates and look forward to the growth that lies ahead. Go IID!"

Professor Kang Younah / UIC Information Interaction Design Major

"I wish you to learn the rules like a professional, so you can break them like an artist.
With our specialty classes, you'll master the basics like a pro and bend the rules creatively like an artist.
We want you to envision this transformation, with innovative thinking and a user-centered perspective built on a solid foundation.
And we encourage you to create designs that connect with people in your own unique way!"

Song Jean Young / Professor of Information Interaction Design, UIC

"When I was looking to create a new design major in 2011, two concepts came to mind that are at the core of human activity:
Information (in-form) and interaction (inter-act). Even with rapid advances in technology and changing trends,
the ability to be flexible, adaptable, and take initiative to solve problems remains crucial.
I invite you to explore new future possibilities with the Information and Interaction Design major."

Professor Soojin Jun / Graduate School of Communication

Visit the original article in Korean: 연세소식