Interaction Design and Web Development
Design and build something beautiful
Gain the confidence and skill set to design and code the next generation of interactive websites and mobile applications. Explore every aspect of web and mobile app development, and turn that knowledge into a successful career.
The Ifill School of Media, Humanities and Social Sciences’ Communications Department and the School of Sciences and Health Professions' Computer Science Department jointly offer our bachelor’s degree in interaction design and web development. This program offers two tracks to specialize in: Interaction Design (BA) or Technology (BS).
Simmons also offers related majors in Computer Science, Communications, and Public Relations and Integrated Marketing Communications.
What Will You Study as an Interaction Design and Web Development Major?
Our program in Interaction Design and Web Development combines classes from the Communications and Computer Science departments. Working alongside our experienced faculty, you'll blend theory with practice, building sophisticated websites with modern programming languages and solving complex interactive design problems.
You’ll gain an understanding of audience expectations and how to meet them using prototyping and coding. You may choose to focus on interaction and user-experience design (IxD and UX) in the Interaction Design track (BA), or, you can focus on full-stack web development in the Technology Track (BS).
No matter your concentration, you'll gain foundational knowledge of both front-end and back-end development processes. Some of the topics you’ll explore:
- Interaction Design — Explore interaction design principles and tools needed to create dynamic web and mobile experiences. You’ll design user interfaces using prototyping software, test for usability, and oversee the website development process.
- Foundations of Computer Science — Learn computer science fundamentals and programming languages like Python.
- Web Design — Learn how to create user-friendly websites using HTML and CSS, create and edit web graphics, establish site hierarchy, and design information architecture
- User Experience — Learn skills for creating engaging user journeys for digital applications and real-world scenarios. Engage in creating ideal audience profiles, usability testing, and prototyping.
- Human-Centered Design — Discover how understanding your audience and users can lead not only to better solutions but also to solving the right problems. You’ll keep real people at the center of design, leading to more innovative and transformative solutions.
- Web-Centric Programming — Gain skills in software development and information technology. Use HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript with jQuery, AJAX, and server-side Perl
Simmons University’s Boston location is ideal for accessing internships. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to apply your knowledge in real-world environments.
Pursue a Successful Career in Interaction Design and Web Development
Our well-rounded curriculum will ensure your professional marketability.
Our students hone their design and technical abilities and thrive in careers in various industries. Some potential jobs include:
- Front-end Developer
- Web Developer
- Web Designer
- Graphic Designer
- Software Engineer
- Interaction Designer
- User Experience Designer
Our Faculty
Nanette Veilleux
Professor and Director of the Data Science Program
Kat Lombard-Cook
Assistant Professor and Design and Integrated Media Tracks Director
Margaret Menzin
Professor of Computer Science and Mathematics and Program Director of Mathematical Sciences
Spotlight on Interaction Design & Web Development Students and Alums
Computer Science Researchers Develop Humanitarian Software
As part of Simmons’ Faculty-Student Collaborative Fellowship program, computer science majors Maleehah Africawala ’25, Fayza Beshir ’25, Emily Douglas ’25, and Megan McNamara ’25 worked under the supervision of Professor Nanette Veilleux to develop humanitarian software for Simmons’ REEF Support Center.
What is Interaction Design?
All designers aspire to engage and delight their users. Interaction Design, or IxD, seeks to create optimal conditions for engagement between people and products — both digital and physical.
Passionate Leaders Project: Spring 2022 Cohort
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Jillianna Farietta ’16 on Applying Computer Science in the Non-Profit Sector
Jillianna Farietta '16 has been a “computer geek” from a young age. Now a Web Developer at Fenway Health, Jillianna applies the valuable lessons she learned at Simmons to her position every day.