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Understanding User-Centered Design

People collaborating on a design using markers, paper, and sticky notes.

User-Centered Design — or, as it is more commonly known, User Experience Design (UX) — has risen into prominence within the past decade, becoming one of Brandeis GPS’s most popular graduate degrees.

While one can intuit the focus of user-centered design or UX design from its name, few people know what actually goes into UX design, what educational or professional background is needed to succeed in the field, or what career opportunities are available. This article will unveil these details and more, delving into the ins-and-outs of User-Centered Design.

What is User-Centered Design?

In simple terms, User-Centered Design is the process of creating products that are easy, engaging, and enjoyable to use. Whether the product is an app, website, or physical device, design is crucial to the user’s experience. A product’s concept may be revolutionary, but all potential benefit is lost if the audience cannot easily navigate, interact with, or understand it.

While aesthetics certainly play a role, the real focus of User-Centered Design is the user experience, which is impacted by the product’s function, usability, and value to the user. UX practitioners combine insights from psychology and UX research with creativity and technical skills to improve the efficiency, accessibility, and appeal of products so that they can be fully utilized and enjoyed by the audience.

What kind of background is needed to study User-Centered Design?

There are no specific background requirements for individuals who wish to study User-Centered Design. Although previous knowledge of psychology, design, coding, and programming may be useful, most User-Centered Design programs do not have prerequisites. This, along with the high demand for UX experts, makes User-Centered Design one of the most appealing fields for individuals who are looking to make a career change.

What skills are needed to succeed in User-Centered Design?

In addition to perfecting their knowledge of basic UX design principles, UX practitioners must master a variety of hard skills in order to succeed in the field. These skills include UX research, prototyping, design thinking, information architecture, visual design, and more. Experience with coding can also be useful — both for designing and for collaborating with the software developers on your team. However, new tools have made it possible for UX practitioners to succeed without knowing how to code.

Soft skills are also crucial for success in the UX field. UX design requires a deep understanding of others’ needs, individuals pursuing a career in the field must be empathetic. They must also be highly inquisitive, as UX design requires a constant search for new and better solutions. Lastly, organizational skills are crucial — UX practitioners must compile large amounts of research, feedback, and ideas into one design, and close attention to detail is needed to ensure that all elements are properly incorporated.

What career opportunities are available in User-Centered Design?

As competition in the markets for apps, websites, and devices intensifies, companies in all industries are looking for specialists who can help to differentiate and improve the usability of their products. According to a study on LinkedIn, UX design was the fifth most-needed skill in 2020. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for Web Developers and Digital Designers — a field that may include UX designers — is expected to increase by 23 percent from 2021 to 2031. With our increased use of technology following the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, accessibility and usability are becoming priorities of society — and UX experts are the ones with the skills and tools to meet these needs.

In addition to conducting research and designing products within teams of software engineers and other designers, UX specialists often work on projects related to obtaining and retaining customers, and may even provide insight on how to improve employee satisfaction within their own company. This versatility means that a degree in User-Centered design can open the door to a wide variety of job titles and career opportunities.

Why study User-Centered Design at GPS?

With both part-time and full-time online options, the MS in User-Centered Design at Brandeis GPS offers you the flexibility to learn at your own pace from UX professionals at the top of their field. Rather than focusing solely on design aesthetics, our User-Centered Design program explores the science of human behavior to gain a deeper understanding of user experience (UX) and engagement principles. With areas of focus such as Design, Strategy, or Research and Analytics, you can select an elective path based on your personal interests and career goals. Not only this, but our capstone course and internship options will provide you with the opportunity to put your new knowledge and skills into practice, thus providing you with real experience to support your transition into a UX career. You’ll graduate with a portfolio showcasing your skills, empowering you to advance in your organization or launch a new career improving digital products, websites, and software applications.

For more information about the Brandeis GPS master’s in User-Centered Design, visit the program webpage.

Faces of GPS: Meet Harry Skoyles, Director of Student Services

March 3, 2023 / epulizzi / 0 Comments

man smiles at camera In this next edition of Faces of GPS, we’re thrilled to introduce Harry Skoyles, our new Director of Student Services. Read below to learn more about Harry and his position at GPS!

Q: What inspired you to work at GPS?

I am passionate about online education and was drawn to GPS as a setting that understands the role of online education in promoting equity and access to higher education.

Q: What are the responsibilities of your role at GPS?

As the Director of Student Services, I oversee the student advising team and I am focused on developing initiatives and programming that promote student persistence. The role is centered on promoting a positive student experience from matriculation to graduation.

Q: What are you most looking forward to about your new position as Director of Student Services?

I am excited to work and collaborate with a wonderful team at GPS and get to know and support our students. What I like about working with students is having the opportunity to engage with individuals from different backgrounds and with different interests, all within the context of their journey in higher education. Online learners in particular, especially graduate students, come to their programs with a range of experiences and perspectives, and I am passionate about helping ensure that all students have a fulfilling and successful academic experience in which they are able to apply their knowledge and expertise throughout.

Q: What are some fun facts about you?

I live in Cambridge, MA with my wife Heather, our 2-year-old Sophia, and our Boston Terrier, Fig Newton. I love to cook, play guitar, and see live music.

To connect with Harry or any other member of the GPS advising team, please visit our Advising page.

Faces of GPS is an occasional series that profiles Brandeis University Graduate Professional Studies students, faculty and staff. Read more Faces of GPS stories.

Faculty Spotlight: Software Engineering

February 28, 2023 / epulizzi / 0 Comments

Faculty: Erik Hemdal

Program: Software Engineering

Spring-2 Course: RSEG 126 Release Control & Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (DevOps)

Education: Rochester Institute of Technology, MS

Bio: Erik Hemdal is a Principal Quality Development Engineer at InterSystems Corporation. Previously, he served for many years in various customer success, development, and quality assurance positions.

About the course

Release control is the foundation of software quality. In this course, we’ll explore a variety of topics that are important for software release control and configuration management. Good practices in these areas can be the difference between a resounding success and a spectacular failure for a development team – or even an entire software organization. Without reliable release and configuration control, software quality is impossible to achieve.

For more information on the Software Engineering MS or other online master’s degrees available at GPS, please visit brandeis.edu/gps.

Faculty Spotlight: Digital Marketing and Design

February 27, 2023 / epulizzi / 0 Comments

Faculty: Dr. Kyle Allison

Program: Digital Marketing and Design

Course: RDMD 110: Search Engine Marketing and Optimization

Education: California Intercontinental University, DBA; Amberton University, MBA; University of North Texas, BA

Bio: Dr. Kyle Allison is known as The Doctor of Digital Strategy. He is an author, business & marketing professor, and senior executive in the e-commerce & digital marketing industry. Having worked for some of the top retail organizations in the industry, from Best Buy, Dick’s Sporting Goods, & the Exchange, Dr. Allison has led high-impact digital strategies in technology, marketing campaigns, e-commerce experiences, and more. Focused on enthusiasm, education, and excellence, the core of the business strategy is in all pillars of his academic and professional work experience.

As a passionate professor with experience in a wide variety of digital marketing, analytics, management, and business subjects, Dr. Allison enjoys guiding the next generation of digital marketing professionals.

What can students expect to learn in this course?

Students will learn in SEM and SEO the framework, concepts and relevance of these disciplines. Students will learn and appreciate the knowledge they will gain on what keyword research is, and how to strengthen google search ranking based on SEO type strategies. In addition, students will learn about paid listings or paid search ads, that help generate brand awareness and website traffic. Also, sometimes individuals may think that SEO is just about the keywords, and it is, but in this class we will teach the importance of the entire website experience as well, and how that helps boost rankings of search results. There is a good amount of both analytics but creative elements of SEO and SEM so it serves a good balance for any learner type.

What do you enjoy about teaching this course?

I look forward to being able to tie the course content to real world application. SEO/SEM constantly changes in real time, so with this very real-time digital channel, I look forward to engaging the students on these concepts.

Anything else you would like to share with a prospective student?

If you love technology and solving puzzles, this class is for you!

For more information on the Digital Marketing and Design MS or other online master’s degrees available at GPS, please visit brandeis.edu/gps.

Faculty Spotlight: Bioinformatics

February 22, 2023 / epulizzi / 2 Comments

Faculty: Alexandra Maertens

Program: Bioinformatics

Spring-2 Course: RBIF 114: Molecular Profiling and Biomarker Discovery

Education: PhD in Toxicology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Bio: Alexandra Maertens is an Assistant Scientist at the Center for Alternatives in Animal Testing at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and a consultant at the Consortium for Environmental Risk Assessment. Alexandra is interested in how many new mechanisms of genetic regulation are being uncovered – every day more is learned about the importance of DNA architecture, epigenetic mechanisms, non-coding RNA.

What can students expect to learn in this course?

In this course, students will learn basic bioinformatics analysis techniques to understand omics data and connect that data to biomarkers that can be used to predict relevant health outcomes, as well as some newer technologies such as proteomics and metabolomics.

What do you enjoy about teaching this course?

I enjoy the variety of students – ranging from MDs who are brushing up their -omics skills to bench scientists looking to explore bioinformatics.

Anything else you would like to share with a prospective student?

Don’t be intimidated by the coding – there is of course a bit of a learning curve, but it is not as steep as it appears!

For more information on the Bioinformatics MS or other online master’s degrees available at GPS, please visit brandeis.edu/gps.

Faculty Spotlight: Dave Lumerman

February 6, 2023 / epulizzi / 0 Comments

Dave Lumerman, User-Centered Design faculty, is Corporate Vice President of User Experience at New York Life Insurance, where he develops engaging interaction for New York Life websites, applications and interactive experiences, and has done so for over 20 years. Previously, he developed online games and game shows with Pearson Television and Uproar! Games, most notably “Family Feud” and “To Tell the Truth.” Dave earned his masters degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and undergraduate degree from the School of Visual Arts in New York City.

What led you to the User Experience (UX) field?

I have been involved with user experience longer than people have used the term. As a game designer you become very interested in the mechanics of what motivates people to complete actions, this is something today we refer to as gamification.

But it wasn’t until my early days at my current company that we began referring to the field as it is today. That’s when I began to really focus on user experience, when I methodically started crafting designs and then testing them and seeing how the interaction I was designing affected (both positively and negatively) the experience.

What industry trend is currently exciting you?

The trend toward accessibility and beyond is exciting. Transitioning from creating an experience for a narrow set of special users, to taking the leap to inclusive design, which is considering the full range of human diversity to empower people – all people – to design products, sites and services is more beneficial.

What are your best hopes for students in your courses?

While tools and technique are a natural part of all the courses I teach, the greatest thing I can impart to my students is the ability to think independently, and form their own conclusions and analysis. It’s the independent thought, the ability to “show their work” intellectually that is key. This idea is my north star for my students, and will hopefully take them through successful careers to places they couldn’t even imagine today.

Any advice for students or alumni who are job searching or preparing for a UX job search in the near future?

My advice aligns with drawing conclusions and creating thoughtful analysis. Anyone with enough time and patience can create a portfolio of work, but what sets you apart is the ability to explain the choices you made, and reasoning behind the pictures.

Having artifacts that are done well and explained well – in human terms, not pseudo analytical terms – can get your foot in the door. Once you are in, being thoughtful, with the ability to present your ideas and conclusions effectively will help you excel.

What is a fun fact about you that the Brandeis GPS community members may not already know?

Most folks don’t know that I am a serial cast iron collector. I love cooking using cast iron, dutch ovens, and cast iron pans, in the oven, the stovetop or over a campfire. I own so many cast iron pieces that I have a five-foot stand in my dining room dedicated to holding it all – much to my wife’s chagrin.

For more information on the User-Centered Design MS or other online master’s degrees available at GPS, please visit brandeis.edu/gps.

Brandeis GPS Student Spotlight

February 3, 2023 / msirois / 0 Comments

Student Spotlight

Virginia Breese ’23

Massachusetts

MS in Bioinformatics

Scientist II, Foundation Medicine

In her spare time, Virginia likes being outdoors – hiking, camping, and even walking from the train in the morning. She’s working on completing New Hampshire’s forty-eight 4,000 footers and is planning a Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim backpacking trip this winter. She also enjoys crafting and any excuse for a DIY project.

Get to know Virginia Breese!

Why did you choose Brandeis GPS?
I was initially drawn to the bioinformatics program curriculum. The course offerings were very applicable to my specific industry goals. After completing a couple of courses before officially enrolling in the program, I also found that the course format was an ideal balance between independent, collaborative and guided learning.

What inspired you to choose your field of study?
As a wet-lab scientist developing Next Generation Sequencing-based molecular oncology assays, I’ve worked very closely with and learned a lot from my computational biologist and bioinformatician colleagues. These collaborations inspired me to learn more on the data analysis side of my industry.

How have you enjoyed your experience at Brandeis thus far?
The program has been challenging but extremely rewarding. I’ve gained invaluable data analysis skills but have also enjoyed the shared progression along-side my fellow students.

What are your hopes and aspirations for the rest of your time at Brandeis?
As I transition into the electives stage of the program, I’m looking forward to exploring the various ways in which my newly acquired bioinformatics foundation can be applied.

What are your plans for after graduation?
While I think I’ll always enjoy a role in wet-lab experimental design and some time at the bench, I hope to transition a bit more into the computational space, possibly bridging the gap between lab and analytical groups.

What advice would you give to incoming students?
I found that time management is key in completing this coursework, particularly if you’re balancing a full-time career while pursuing your degree. Also, try to embrace the discussion forums with your peers, even though it can be time consuming. Genuinely attempt to process the week’s information as a group. Some weeks you might see something a bit clearer than one of your classmates and some weeks you might need help digesting the material. This dynamic really helps everyone get the most out of the courses and also builds connections despite being fully online.

What has been your favorite class to-date?
This is hard. I value each course I’ve taken so far, each for a different reason. One favorite would be “Molecular Biology, Genetics and Disease” with Drs Ehrenkaufer and Ng. I appreciate the breadth of material that was touched upon in the course, including foundational molecular biology, a bit of coding, and even presentation skills. It was the most engaging fully online course I’ve experienced so far. I also have to mention RBIF111. Despite being the most difficult so far, I’m impressed with how much I learned in that 10-week period.

For more information on the MS in Bioinformatics or any other GPS programs, visit brandeis.edu/gps/.

The Basics of Bioinformatics

February 1, 2023 / msirois / 0 Comments

The MS in Bioinformatics is one of Brandeis GPS’s fastest growing programs. With a new fast-track option, you can earn your degree in just 15 months. But what is bioinformatics? Who should study bioinformatics? And what career opportunities are available to those with a bioinformatics degree? The following article will break down the basics of bioinformatics and give insight into this emerging field.

What is bioinformatics?

Bioinformatics is a fascinating field at the forefront of medical and pharmaceutical innovation. Using computer technology and other analytical tools, bioinformaticians are able to extract insights from huge amounts of biological data. By analyzing genome sequence data and creating databases and tools to make genomic data more accessible, bioinformatics practitioners are giving scientists and clinicians a better understanding of the relationship between health and disease. Discoveries in the field of bioinformatics have led to the development of new treatments, such as chemotherapy, and the acceleration of vaccinations, such as the COVID-19 vaccine. Insight gained from bioinformatics has also paved the way for personalized medicine, which has the potential to dramatically improve health outcomes in the future.

What kind of background is needed to study bioinformatics?

Bioinformatics is a discipline that combines aspects of computer science, mathematics, physics, and biology. As much of bioinformatics deals with molecular data, individuals interested in pursuing a bioinformatics degree should have completed undergraduate-level coursework in molecular biology or biochemistry. Coursework in statistics, probability or biostatistics is also required. Individuals applying to Brandeis GPS must also meet general admissions requirements to be eligible for the Bioinformatics program.

What bioinformatics careers are available?

An MS in Bioinformatics opens the door to career opportunities in various settings, including biomedical firms, pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, research institutions, and more. Bioinformatics practitioners may take on a variety of job titles, such as bioinformatics scientist, engineer, computer specialist, analyst, or consultant. Each of these roles entail slightly different responsibilities, but all require a strong understanding of mathematical, statistical and computational methods and the latest bioinformatics tools.

Job outlooks vary slightly depending on a bioinformatician’s specialization and industry of choice. Bureau of Labor Statistics data reveals that job growth for all occupations that may include bioinformaticians – such as statisticians, data scientists, and computer scientists – is higher than average across occupations. The demand for individuals who can understand and apply insights from genetic data is especially high as more COVID-19 variants emerge and more vaccines are needed.

Why study bioinformatics at GPS?

Unlike other bioinformatics programs, courses at Brandeis GPS are designed specifically for the Bioinformatics program. The curriculum is influenced by the real-world expertise of our faculty and advisory board members, who are active professionals at the top of their field. Faculty member Dr. Richard Allen, for example, is a Senior Principal Scientist at Pfizer, where he works to apply mathematical and quantitative techniques to address critical uncertainties in the drug discovery and development process. With GPS’s small classes, you’ll have the opportunity to make connections with instructors like Dr. Allen, all while experiencing the convenience of online learning. Our part-time and fast-track options also mean you can choose to pursue your education at the pace that works best for you. With an MS in Bioinformatics from Brandeis GPS, you’ll have the analytical skills and practical knowledge necessary to excel in a field that’s revolutionizing diagnostics and treatments.

For more information about the Brandeis GPS master’s in Bioinformatics, visit the program webpage.

Brandeis GPS Alumni Spotlight

January 24, 2023 / msirois / 0 Comments

Alumni Spotlight

Kristen Moores ’22

Raleigh, NC

MS in User Centered Design

UX Designer, American Kennel Club

When she’s not busy working on a computer, you can usually find Kristen exploring the great outdoors for wild edible mushrooms, enjoying a tasty IPA at a craft brewery, or relaxing with her dog Tig. She’s also an avid traveler and has recently had the opportunity to visit some fantastic places like Portland, Maine; Newfoundland, Canada; Tulum, Mexico; and Lisbon, Portugal.

Get to know Kristen Moores!

Why did you decide to pursue a master’s degree?

I love working with technology and seeing how people interact with it. I’ve always been curious about new technologies and how they might shape our future. I was excited about the opportunity to participate in this process and use my skills and knowledge to help create products that would improve people’s lives.

What was your most valued experience at GPS?

I worked on projects that helped me build a strong UX portfolio – this helped me greatly when seeking my first job. I also appreciated the chance to learn from instructors who were seasoned industry professionals with extensive knowledge and experience. Additionally, I found it enriching to collaborate on projects with peers from diverse backgrounds and levels of experience.

How has your GPS degree prepared you for life after graduation?

Sharing my projects with the class was a valuable experience. It was a great way to gain confidence in communicating my ideas and design decisions to a broader audience. In my current job, I often present my research and designs to my colleagues and project stakeholders. Practicing in class was a big help in preparing me for this.

What strategies did you find helpful as you balanced responsibilities in work, school, and life?

Taking one class each quarter while working full-time worked well for me, as I could focus on one subject while keeping up with my job. Time management and planning ahead were vital for making it work. But it’s important to remember that life can throw unexpected curveballs, so feel free to contact your professors for help if you ever need to catch up.

What advice would you give to prospective students?

Brushing up on the basics of design and user research before starting your program is a great idea. A good foundation will help you start strong and make the most of your time in the program. Also, feel free to experiment and play around with different design tools. It’s the best way to learn and grow as a designer – have fun!

For more information on the User-Centered Design MS or any other GPS programs, visit brandeis.edu/gps/.

Faculty Spotlight: Ross Morrone

January 9, 2023 / epulizzi / 0 Comments

a family of five huddle together and smile at the camera Faculty member Ross Morrone teaches courses in both the Strategic Analytics and Digital Marketing and Design MS programs. Ross is passionate about sharing his professional experience with students to give them a unique perspective on marketing, analytics, and more. He earned his MS in Computer Information Systems from Youngstown University. Ross has personal marketing ventures that include his podcast This is Marketing and a YouTube channel to document his family’s summer camping adventures.

What led you to the marketing field?

I started my career in 2006 as a web developer at Youngstown State in Ohio. It might be surprising, but I have no formal education in marketing. At that time the Internet was moving faster than any marketing office could keep up with and I saw opportunities to immerse myself into new trends and technologies that were keeping pace. I wouldn’t say I led myself into the marketing field as much as I would say that it grabbed ahold of me. I fell in love with the idea that through design, marketing, advertising and branding I could help connect customers in a meaningful way to whatever any business was selling.

What industry trend is currently exciting you?

The focus on data! Data rules the world and I’m excited that there is this trend in higher education that is focused on programming around helping to create professionals that understand how that data impacts everything from marketing to business operations. The challenge is creating teams that can share that data between one another to help improve those operations in a strategic way.

What are your best hopes for the students in your courses?

My hope when I started teaching was to bring my own professional experiences to my courses and give students a practical understanding of how marketing works. Over the years, I got to see those ah-ha moments in the discussions where I knew they were taking my lessons and applying them to their own careers. At the end of the day, I teach because I believe through my own career wins and losses that I have experience that will help others. I want every student to walk away after 10 weeks with ideas that will help them in their own careers – the best part is I get to see this all the time. It’s really rewarding!

Any advice for students or alumni who are job searching or preparing for a marketing job search in the near future?

Do not settle on one idea of what marketing is. Marketing is 1,000 different things that make up the whole. Read about new trends, think innovatively and try everything you can. I’ve failed over and over with marketing ideas, not landing a client I wanted to or investing in a campaign that did not turn out well – and I still do all the time. It’s through that process I have a better understanding of why and what needs to be done differently to be successful for whatever business I am working with. It’s easy to feel like you have imposter syndrome in marketing when a marketing strategy doesn’t pan out the way you thought it would, but if you are willing to learn from it you will continue to flourish in your career.

What is a fun fact about you that Brandeis GPS community members may not already know?

My wife, Steph, and I manage a YouTube channel (@smorervfun) that focuses on following us around when we camp with our kids in the summer. It’s our second YouTube channel that we have (the other is @RandomReviewsHowTos) that we are hoping to monetize next year. Is this a cheap marketing plug? You betcha! But it’s a great way for us to capture those moments with our kids and have others follow along, plus, we have those videos to watch forever. We’ve also made a lot of friends that we get to regularly see at campgrounds that have found us through YouTube and it’s awesome to have that community on the trails!

For more information on the Strategic Analytics MS, the Digital Marketing and Design MS, or other online master’s degrees available at GPS, please visit brandeis.edu/gps.