Rutgers School of Communication and Information is excited to announce the launch of the Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) concentration within the Master of Information (MI) program. Formerly known as Interaction Design and Informatics, the new name reflects the program’s evolving focus and alignment with industry trends.

Designed to meet the increasing demand for expertise in user experience, digital innovation, and emerging technologies, the HCI concentration builds on the program’s strong foundation in human-centered design.

“The name Human-Computer Interaction better captures the concentration’s mission to prepare students to design, implement, and evaluate technologies that enhance user experiences and meet human needs,” said Associate Professor of Library and Information Science Sunyoung Kim, coordinator of the HCI concentration. “As technology becomes more integrated into daily life, professionals who can bridge the gap between people and digital systems are in greater demand.”

HCI Concentration Overview
The Human-Computer Interaction concentration equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary for dynamic careers in fields like UX design, interaction design, usability research, and product management. Graduates of the concentration can pursue roles such as:

• UX Designer: Crafting user-friendly interfaces and experiences for digital products
• Interaction Designer: Focusing on how users interact with technology to create seamless workflows
• Product Manager: Overseeing the development of user-centered products from conception to launch
• UX Researcher: Conducting studies to understand user needs, behaviors, and preferences
• Usability Analyst: Evaluating products and providing recommendations for improved usability of digital products
• Human Factors Specialist: Ensuring technology is safe, efficient, and aligned with human capabilities

Key Learning Objectives

Students in this concentration will develop both practical and theoretical skills essential for success in their careers. Key learning objectives include:

• Creating innovative user interfaces through a user-centered design thinking process
• Engaging with qualitative and quantitative data acquired from users to inform the design thinking process
• Mastering prototyping skills, from low-fidelity paper prototypes to high-fidelity interactive prototypes
• Developing analytical perspectives to understand and evaluate user interfaces
• Practicing communication skills to effectively deliver design ideas
• Collaborating on projects through team-based work

Get Involved and Learn More

This updated concentration name underscores the program’s commitment to equipping students with the skills needed to succeed in this fast-growing field. It also highlights Rutgers’ ongoing dedication to offering revolutionary educational opportunities that help students thrive in the ever-evolving field of Human-Computer Interaction. Students can reach out to the concentration coordinator, Sunyoung Kim, at sunyoung.kim@rutgers.edu for any questions regarding the transition or course details.