An introduction to interaction design
An introduction to interaction design is a self-paced online course delivered by The Open University (OpenLearn). It is free, takes about 10 hours, and awards a statement of participation (free).
FreeChecked on 29 September 2026
- Relevance to work
- 1.8 / 3
- Cost and access
- 2 / 2
- Provider
- 2 / 2
- Credential
- 0.8 / 1.5
- Currency
- 0.45 / 1.5
- Total
- 7 / 10
Provider learner rating: 4.5 out of 5 from 6 ratings on provider page, as at 2026-09-29
Key facts
| Cost | FreeFree OpenLearn course, read on the provider page on 29 Sep 2026. Free statement of participation on completion. |
|---|---|
| Time | 10 hours (provider stated) |
| Level | Intermediate |
| Format | self-paced online |
| Prerequisites | none |
| Credential | statement of participation (free) |
| Open to | Worldwide |
| Free in | Worldwide |
| Content written for | Any country |
| Last checked | 2026-09-29 |
Topics:Design and creativity
Things to know
- Content was last updated in June 2018, so examples may feel dated even though the principles hold
- Rating is based on only 6 learner ratings
- Level 2 (intermediate) university material; expect reading and reflection activities
- A free OpenLearn account is needed to track progress and get the statement of participation
Summary
A university-level introduction to how interactive products such as apps, websites and business systems are designed to give people a good user experience. It helps anyone who specifies, buys, tests or builds digital tools understand user-centred design and how to critique a design.
You will be able to
- Explain what interaction design is and why user-centred design matters
- Describe how people's sensory, thinking and physical abilities shape design
- Outline the design process of requirements, prototyping, evaluation and iteration
- Analyse and critique the design of interactive products
- Choose and apply suitable interaction design techniques
Modules
- What is interaction design
- Goals and principles of user-centred design
- The 'who, where and what' of the design context
- Interaction design activities and methods
Who it suits
Workers new to design who want a grounded understanding of user experience for digital products and services.
Who is behind it
- Delivered by
- The Open University
- Hosted on
- OpenLearn (open.edu/openlearn)
- Funded by
- Not stated
- Partners
- Not stated
Related courses
Questions
- Is An introduction to interaction design free?
- Yes. It is free for anyone, anywhere in the world. Free OpenLearn course, read on the provider page on 29 Sep 2026. Free statement of participation on completion. Checked 29 September 2026 against the provider's own page.
- How long does it take?
- About 10 hours (provider stated).
- Do you get a certificate?
- Yes. It awards a statement of participation, free.
- Who is it for?
- Workers new to design who want a grounded understanding of user experience for digital products and services.
- Can I take it from outside Australia?
- Yes. It is open worldwide. It is free in: Worldwide.
Sources
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