Master Digital Experience Design

Presentation

A new Master's program in Digital Experience Design (DXD) will be offered by ECAL from the start of the 2025 academic year. This two-year course, unique in Switzerland, is aimed at students with a Bachelor's degree in digital design, computer science or communication systems, who wish to specialize in the design of digital experiences and interfaces that take into account the specific needs of users and contexts of use.

The program offers an experience and user-centered approach, integrating advanced research and design methodologies. Students work on practical projects that integrate cutting-edge tools and techniques to design interactive interfaces and complete digital experiences.

The program is also designed to meet the requirements of industries where digital technology plays a key role, by preparing graduates to work in a variety of professional environments. It also pays particular attention to the professionalization of students, connecting them with industry and preparing them to meet current and future challenges.

Finally, the program benefits from close collaboration with the EPFL+ECAL Lab, an EPFL transdisciplinary research center renowned for its expertise at the intersection of design, technology and human sciences.

Language: English

Diploma: Master of Arts HES-SO in Design with specialization in Digital Experience Design

Yearly fees: Fees detail

Credits: 120 ECTS

Length: 4 semesters

Useful links: Admissions Contact

Infrastructures: Technology Centre EPFL+ECAL Lab

Information

Program Overview

Curriculum

Added Value

Admission

Career Opportunities: UX Designer, UI Designer, Interaction Designer, Product Designer, Service Designer, Web Designer, Inclusive Designer, UX Engineer, Design System Designer, 3D VR/AR UI Designer, Creative Technologist, Motion UI Designer, Motion UX Designer, Information Architect, UX Strategist…

Learning objectives

Proficiency in digital design tools and methodologies

Much Faster / Much Slower, Thomas Gaudin

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Advanced Interaction Design: ability to design innovative and engaging digital experiences, supported by a high level of proficiency in prototyping tools and user-centered design methods.
Prototyping and Iteration: ability to design prototypes, conduct research, carry out user studies and tests to iterate and refine solutions, ensuring they meet both user and project needs.
Conceptual Consistency: ability to develop concepts that carry values and meaning, and are understandable to a targeted audience.

Integration of critical and ethical thinking in the design of digital products

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Critical and Experimental Thinking: application of speculative and experimental approaches to explore new solutions and concepts in the digital field.
Ethical Responsibility: heightened awareness of the social and ethical impacts of design decisions, integrating these considerations at every stage of the creative process.
Trend Monitoring and Foresight: development of a robust system, including methods and tools, for continuous monitoring and effective anticipation of trends and technological advancements.

Collaboration in varied and cross-disciplinary environments

LA POSTE × ECAL, Alexandre Gambarini , Angeline Rossetti , Elsa Trummer

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Transdisciplinary Collaboration: ability to understand and integrate knowledge from various disciplines to work effectively within teams composed of members from diverse fields (psychology, social sciences, engineering, etc.).
Working with Industry: gaining hands-on experience during the programme through industry collaborations, learning how to communicate, meet standards, and respond to professional expectations.
System Representation and Visualization: proficiency in visualization techniques to effectively represent complex digital processes, concepts, and systems (flowcharts, user flows, wireframes, etc.).

Throughout the programme, there is a strong emphasis on a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach that reflects the dynamics of today’s professional world. Students are encouraged to participate in thematic workshops and to collaborate with a range of partners from industrial, academic, and creative sectors.

Program

This section lists the detailed modules and courses for each semester of the programme.

Semestre 1 2 3 4

Common modules

ECAL — HEAD

Training in research I (3 ECTS)
Transversal workshop I (3 ECTS)

Common modules

Photography, Product Design, Type Design and Digital Experience Design

Cross Lectures I (4 ECTS)
MA Thesis preparation I (5 ECTS)

Orientation Modules

Digital Experience Design

Interface Design I (7 ECTS)
Experience Design I (8 ECTS)

Common modules

ECAL — HEAD

Training in research II (3 ECTS)
Transversal workshop II (3 ECTS)

Common modules

Photography, Product design, Type Design and Digital Experience Design

Cross Lectures II (4 ECTS)
MA Thesis preparation II (5 ECTS)

Orientation Modules

Digital Experience Design

Interface Design II (8 ECTS)
Experience Design II (7 ECTS)

Common modules

ECAL — HEAD

Training in research III (3 ECTS)
Transversal workshop III (3 ECTS)

Common Modules

Photography, Product Design, Type Design and Digital Experience Design

Cross Lectures III (3 ECTS)
MA Thesis preparation III (6 ECTS)

Orientation Modules

Digital Experience Design

Interface Design III (8 ECTS)
Experience Design III (7 ECTS)

Common modules

ECAL — HEAD

Master Thesis: Theoretical project
(9 ECTS)
Master Thesis: Practical project
(21 ECTS)

The detailed program documents are currently being developed and will be available soon.

Study Plan

Frequently asked questions

Programme

What is the difference between ECAL’s BA in Media & Interaction Design and the new MA in Digital Experience Design?

The BA in Media & Interaction Design focuses on creative exploration and experimentation in the field of digital and interactive media. It encourages students to push the boundaries of interaction design through conceptual and hands-on projects.

The MA in Digital Experience Design builds on this foundation by offering a more industry-oriented approach. It is designed to prepare students to meet professional standards and lead ambitious and large-scale projects in the digital world. The programme places a strong emphasis on strategic thinking, real-world applications, and collaboration with industry partners.

This Master’s degree can also be considered as a specialization in UX and UI design, providing in-depth knowledge and expertise in the creation of meaningful, user-centered digital experiences.

How is this master's degree different from other programmes offered in Europe?

This Master’s programme stands out by combining ECAL’s long-standing excellence in design education with the cutting-edge expertise of the EPFL+ECAL Lab. It offers a unique approach to specializing in UX/UI design, closely linked to the dynamics of a design research laboratory.

Teaching is enriched by real case studies from projects developed at the EPFL+ECAL Lab, often taught directly by the designers and researchers involved. In addition, students will be introduced to the Lab’s distinctive methodology for design-led research and digital innovation, giving them tools to tackle complex challenges in a meaningful and impactful way.

Classes & Schedule

How big is a cohort?

Each cohort is limited to a maximum of 15 students. However, the final number may vary depending on the quality and diversity of the applications received, as the programme favours excellence and a strong dynamic within the group.

What does a typical weekly schedule look like?

Courses are generally grouped together over one or two days per week. This allows the rest of the week to be devoted to individual or group work related to the programme. The courses take place in dedicated rooms, while individual work is carried out in the Master’s open space.

The semester is structured around regular classes but also includes intensive block weeks and workshops. Each semester ends with evaluations based on the projects and work completed.

Can this Master be taken online?

No, the Master is a full-time, in-person on-site programme. Students are required to be physically present on campus during the semesters.

Portfolio & Admission

What type of work should be included in the portfolio?

We are looking for a demonstration of your abilities, versatility, and motivation. Your portfolio should present a variety of projects that reflect both your creative and technical skills, as well as your interest in the design of digital experience. We want to understand how you think, what drives you, and what you are capable of creating.

More information about admission requirements can be found here:

Admission

What level of programming is required?

Candidates should have basic to intermediate programming skills. Although the Master’s degree programme is mainly design-centered, we expect students to be able to prototype and code independently.

Experience with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, web frameworks (such as React.js or Vue.js), web tools (like Node.js or Deno), and/or other programming languages is highly advantageous.

Can students from other disciplines (e.g. Product Design, Graphic Design) apply?

Yes, students from related disciplines can apply. However, the portfolio must include projects that demonstrate skills relevant to the MA in Digital Experience Design. Candidates should have some technical foundations or previous experience in the field.

> Go to the general FAQ about Master's Admissions at ECAL

Internship

If I want to do an internship between semesters 2 and 3, will ECAL help me find one?

Internships are not mandatory and are based on individual motivation. While ECAL does not actively place students in internships, it encourages them to take the initiative to search and apply. In addition, the school has a strong network of industrial partners and occasionally shares relevant opportunities with students.

Contact

Any other questions?
Do not hesitate to contact the ECAL secretariat for any further information.

Tél. +41 (0)21.316.99.39
inscription@ecal.ch

Staff

Head of programme implementation: Lara Défayes
Steering Committee: Vincent Jacquier
Pauline Saglio
Academic Director: Xavier Duchoud
Professors: coming soon
Lecturers: coming soon
Visiting Lecturers: coming soon

Academic Partner

EPFL+ECAL Lab

The Master DXD benefits from close collaboration with the EPFL+ECAL Lab, an EPFL transdisciplinary research center renowned for its expertise at the intersection of design, technology and human sciences.

Discover the EPFL+ECAL Lab

Ressources

Technology Center

The Technology Center is the place to be for deep learning (AI), augmented reality, virtual or mixed reality, the use of medical sensors, motion tracking, photogrammetry, access to the platforms of the leading providers of applications for smartphones and touchscreen tablets, home automation, robotics, projection mapping software and more.

The center occupies a 100m2 area accommodated with meeting space, computer space, projection space. It serves as a showplace for new concepts in design, communications systems, and collaborative research. The goal is to ignite a new energy and connectivity within our visual communication departments.

Discover the Technology Center