CCA Launches New Interaction Design Program

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 11, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Who will create the future mobile experience, invent the next breakthrough in gaming, change the way we listen to music, and reinvent social networks? A new breed of specialists -- interaction designers -- who are taking technology and human interaction to the next level.

In fall 2011, California College of the Arts (CCA), an international leader in art and design education, will launch a groundbreaking undergraduate program in this emerging field. Watch the video here: http://www.youtube.com/user/CCAarts#p/a/u/0/H6T_pNLm-ow.

"By designing tools, experiences, and products, interaction designers can have a tremendous impact on the world. Our graduates are highly trained, socially aware designers with a tremendous capacity for creativity," commented Provost Mark Breitenberg.

About the Interaction Design Program

CCA's Interaction Design Program will prepare students to create innovative designed experiences in the realms of work, lifestyle, play, education, and health—from computers and mobile devices to interactive physical spaces, games, and social networks. By learning investigative research, systemic thinking, creative prototyping, and hands-on building, students will develop technical skills (wireframes, flows, visuals, motion) for interactive canvases such as mobile, desktop, car, game console, film, sculpture, clothes, and buildings.

Program Leadership

Dr. Kristian Simsarian, cofounder of the Software Experiences Practice at IDEO and already a member of CCA's design faculty, will chair the program. He comments, "Surprisingly, there is not yet a consistent source for talent in this field. CCA is the ideal place to build a world-class interaction design program."

Silicon Valley Connections

The program was created with input from thinkers at Google, YouTube, Apple, Intel, Nokia, and IDEO. Such companies, as well as nonprofit organizations, will take part in vibrant exchanges with students through sponsored studios and other project-based courses. Students will also have internship opportunities to build their professional networks.

For more information about CCA's Interaction Design Program, visit www.cca.edu/interaction or call 800.447.1ART.

About California College of the Arts

Founded in 1907, California College of the Arts is noted for the interdisciplinary and breadth of its programs. It offers studies in 21 undergraduate and seven graduate majors in the areas of fine arts, architecture, design, and writing. With campuses in San Francisco and Oakland, CCA currently enrolls 1,800 full-time students. Noted alumni include the painters Nathan Oliveira and Raymond Saunders; the filmmaker Wayne Wang; the conceptual artists David Ireland and Dennis Oppenheim; and the designers Lucille Tenazas and Michael Vanderbyl.

SOURCE California College of the Arts