ECAL Master in Digital Experience Design
The Master in Digital Experience Design at ECAL is a postgraduate program dedicated to exploring the convergence of design, technology, and human-centered innovation. EPFL+ECAL Lab is the Academic Partner, contributing a range of advanced courses and design briefs that focus on digital innovation, creative development and user research.
During the program, students are guided through complementary modules that combine conceptual thinking, interface design, and experiential approaches. The program equips them to tackle complex interdisciplinary projects with a professional perspective and to critically reflect on the role of design in shaping digital futures.
Collaboration with EPFL+ECAL Lab
The EPFL+ECAL Lab contributes on the following modules: Interface Design, Experience Design, Thesis Preparation and Master Project.
Interface Design
Interface Design explores the creation of digital environments that are both functional and aesthetically refined. Through classes such as Macro UI, Pixel Perfect, Evolution of AI, Micro UI, Beyond Clicks, and Blueprints, students investigate the different scales and dimensions of interface design. They are challenged to balance usability with creativity, and to rethink the conventions of digital interaction.
Experience Design
Experience Design focuses on the human dimension of digital creation. Modules such as Humans Lens, Reality Check, UX Bootcamp, Doing and Test Decoding, Test, Fix, Fail, A Critical Eye, Participatory Design, and My Own Rules invite students to analyze how people perceive, interact with, and are affected by digital systems. Students learn the fundamental concepts and practices of conducting generative and evaluative research with real people to design experiences that are meaningful, inclusive, and grounded in real-world contexts.
Thesis Preparation
Running over three semesters, this course aims to build the student’s theoretical knowledge, critical inquiry and personal positioning. Based on the development of a written thesis of 8-10,000 words, students are mentored in the articulation of a coherent research project. Through clear steps to refine and situate their work, students devise a novel proposition grounded in existing academic knowledge, theory and contemporary design practice.
Master Project
The Master Project is the culmination of the program. Students synthesize their learning into a major interdisciplinary project that demonstrates their ability to research, innovate, prototype, and critically reflect on digital experience design.They are accompanied throughout this process, ensuring that projects are both conceptually strong and technically robust.
Working in close collaboration with its founding partner, the EPFL+ECAL Lab offers complementary expertise in design research, science and technology. It aims to widen the scope of designers’ work in order to create sustainable innovation. Through courses, infrastructure and project support, the lab provides ECAL students a one of a kind setting enabling them to experiment with emerging technologies and thus, develop new knowledge and skills.