Master's Thesis in Interaction and Media Design

Level of Study

Master

Teaching semester

Autumn/Spring

Place of Instruction

Media City Bergen

Objectives and Content

The aim of the course is for the students to conduct a practice-based and autonomous research project in media and interaction design.

The master's project combines a practice-based component with a theoretical and analytical written component. The practice-based component includes the design or evaluation of an interactive media system. The goal is to contribute to innovation, or to consider technical innovation within media technology. The practice-based component can be the development of a prototype or empirical fieldwork the student evaluates and analyzes an existing media product or practices at a media company. The practice-based component may be executed in conjunction with fellow students, and/or in connection with a media or technology company.

The theoretical component is an individually written master's thesis, which is an academic analysis and evaluation of the practical component.

Learning Outcomes

A student who has completed the course should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

• can apply theory and methods from interaction design and user experience at a high level in the design of new media
• can identify and use relevant research methods in a practical project

Skills

The student

• can follow a project plan, lead, execute and complete a practice-based research project within user-oriented media design or media interaction design
• can critically evaluate and argue for methodological and theoretical choices related to practice-based research projects within interaction design for digital media

General competence

The student

• can collect data, analyze data, and discuss research results
• can write independently, longer academic assignments based on a practical project, and present their own research orally
• can communicate about academic issues, analyzes and conclusions within the subject areas user oriented media design and interaction design for media
• can analyze relevant ethical issues related to subject, occupation and research
• can quickly adapt to new challenges and acquire new professional knowledge, and utilize this knowledge in independent and creative work linked to the design of user experience for the media
• can contribute to research, development and innovation work within the subject areas, and can update their knowledge within the field

Required Previous Knowledge

MIX301, INFO361 and MIX302

Access to the Course

Master's Programme in Media and Interaction Design

Teaching and learning methods

Supervision, seminars and workshops (approximately 50 hours)

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

In addition to working with their own master¿s project, students will participate in the following compulsory activities:

• Supervision meetings with their supervisor and practice teachers / mentor
• Participation in progress seminars
• Display the master project to an audience

Update: Because of the Covid-19 situation students will not have to attend seminars physically in the fall semester of 2021.

Forms of Assessment

Master's thesis and adjusting oral exam.

1. The master's thesis has a practical and an individually written component.
   • The written component is an academic assignment of about 15 000-20 000 words. This assignment should put the practical work in a scientific context. The written component accounts for 55% of the total master's thesis grade.
   • The practical component is a prototype and/or a larger evaluation work and can be individual or carried out in a group. The practical work accounts for 45% of the total master's thesis grade.

Grading Scale

A-F

Assessment Semester

Autumn/Spring

Course Evaluation

All courses are evaluated according to UiB's system for quality assurance of education.