9 answers
Hannah
Student
Leavenworth, Kansas
5
Questions
Asked
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What are some good minor programs to take if you plan on majoring in interaction/product design in college ?
I can see photography being one, but what are some potential others?
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9 answers
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hello Hannah. If you're planning to study interaction or product design in college, picking a good minor can help you become a better designer and open up more job options. Photography is a great choice, but there are some potential ones like the following:
1) Psychology is a useful minor, especially if you study how people think and behave. This can help you understand what users need and how they interact with products, so you can design things that are easier and more enjoyable to use.
2) Computer science is also a smart choice, especially if you're working on digital products. Knowing a little bit about coding can help you build simple versions of your ideas and work better with developers.
3) You might also consider business or entrepreneurship if you're interested in starting your own company or designing products for real-world markets.
4) User experience (UX) design or human-computer interaction are great minors too, if your school offers them, because they focus on making technology easier and more fun to use.
5) Art or graphic design is another good option. These subjects help you make your work look more attractive and professional.
6) Communication studies is another complementary minor, as it teaches you how to clearly articulate your design choices and collaborate effectively with teams and clients.
In short, choose a minor that adds to your design skills, whether that’s creative, technical, or about understanding people better. Hope this helps. All the best!
1) Psychology is a useful minor, especially if you study how people think and behave. This can help you understand what users need and how they interact with products, so you can design things that are easier and more enjoyable to use.
2) Computer science is also a smart choice, especially if you're working on digital products. Knowing a little bit about coding can help you build simple versions of your ideas and work better with developers.
3) You might also consider business or entrepreneurship if you're interested in starting your own company or designing products for real-world markets.
4) User experience (UX) design or human-computer interaction are great minors too, if your school offers them, because they focus on making technology easier and more fun to use.
5) Art or graphic design is another good option. These subjects help you make your work look more attractive and professional.
6) Communication studies is another complementary minor, as it teaches you how to clearly articulate your design choices and collaborate effectively with teams and clients.
In short, choose a minor that adds to your design skills, whether that’s creative, technical, or about understanding people better. Hope this helps. All the best!
Heather Juneau
UX/Product Design
3
Answers
Harbor Springs, Michigan
Updated
Heather’s Answer
Hi Hannah,
These answers are fantastic! I also wanted to share some tools you might want to learn on the side:
Figma: This is the go-to tool for design collaboration. It's a good idea to take some courses or workshops to get comfortable with it.
User Research Methods: Get familiar with usability testing, surveys, interviews, card sorts, and the tools that help with these, like Maze, Optimal Workshop, Dovetail, and Lyssna.
AI Tools: Try using AI to speed up tasks like brainstorming, writing, creating user flows, and prototyping. AI is becoming a big part of design work.
User-Centered Design: Whatever you learn, always focus on the people who will use the product. This mindset is key.
Big Picture: While majors and minors are useful, what really shines is your portfolio. Show projects where you research, ideate, design, and test. Pair your design degree with a minor that helps you understand people, technology, or business. Also, keep up with tools like Figma and AI to stay ahead.
These answers are fantastic! I also wanted to share some tools you might want to learn on the side:
Figma: This is the go-to tool for design collaboration. It's a good idea to take some courses or workshops to get comfortable with it.
User Research Methods: Get familiar with usability testing, surveys, interviews, card sorts, and the tools that help with these, like Maze, Optimal Workshop, Dovetail, and Lyssna.
AI Tools: Try using AI to speed up tasks like brainstorming, writing, creating user flows, and prototyping. AI is becoming a big part of design work.
User-Centered Design: Whatever you learn, always focus on the people who will use the product. This mindset is key.
Big Picture: While majors and minors are useful, what really shines is your portfolio. Show projects where you research, ideate, design, and test. Pair your design degree with a minor that helps you understand people, technology, or business. Also, keep up with tools like Figma and AI to stay ahead.
I'll keep these tips in mind, thank you!
Hannah
Phill Pezo
Industrial Design
103
Answers
Nutley, New Jersey
Updated
Phill’s Answer
Hello Hannah,
It is great to hear that you are planning out what you would like to get a minor in along with interaction/product design. It is great to aim high, but I would first lay out why I would want a minor degree in another subject. When students have two interests in mind, similar or not, a minor can be beneficial. However, there are times when getting a minor might be too much work or financial wise. In this case there can be other ways to learn and gain experience in another subject outside of a university.
If a student is interested in another subject, or would like to learn and gain experience to add to their studies/resume, than they can also get an internship. Internships, mentorships, apprenticeships can all be great ways to gain experience and learn in the real world. Start looking for companies and fields that might interest you. Over time, start reaching out to make connections. This can be done online or in person. Eventually, see if they can take an intern.
You can also choose to do an extra creative class if you are looking to do something else on too of that.
Best of luck on your journey!
It is great to hear that you are planning out what you would like to get a minor in along with interaction/product design. It is great to aim high, but I would first lay out why I would want a minor degree in another subject. When students have two interests in mind, similar or not, a minor can be beneficial. However, there are times when getting a minor might be too much work or financial wise. In this case there can be other ways to learn and gain experience in another subject outside of a university.
If a student is interested in another subject, or would like to learn and gain experience to add to their studies/resume, than they can also get an internship. Internships, mentorships, apprenticeships can all be great ways to gain experience and learn in the real world. Start looking for companies and fields that might interest you. Over time, start reaching out to make connections. This can be done online or in person. Eventually, see if they can take an intern.
You can also choose to do an extra creative class if you are looking to do something else on too of that.
Best of luck on your journey!
Wow, these were some great points thank you!
Hannah
Joseph Ford
222
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
User Experience and Business and also Information Systems. These are areas that can make you Marketable as you venture through your college experience. Also keep you intune with the changing of the technology world such as AI. AI will have an affect on your future.
Thank you for the insight!
Hannah
Candelaria Cresta
Product Design
9
Answers
Porto Alegre, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Updated
Candelaria’s Answer
Hi Hannah! Hope you're doing good!
Good minors to pair with product design could be graphic design, marketing, or motion design since they all help with visual thinking and storytelling. You could also check out project management (great if you like teamwork, collaboration and leadership) or AI / data-related programs, which are becoming suuuper relevant in product and UX.
Just remembrer, you don’t have to decide right away. Trying out a few classes first is honestly the best way to figure out what you enjoy the most. Sometimes one class is enough to spark interest (or show you it’s not for you). Exploring different areas helped me a lot!
Best of Luck,
Candelaria
Good minors to pair with product design could be graphic design, marketing, or motion design since they all help with visual thinking and storytelling. You could also check out project management (great if you like teamwork, collaboration and leadership) or AI / data-related programs, which are becoming suuuper relevant in product and UX.
Just remembrer, you don’t have to decide right away. Trying out a few classes first is honestly the best way to figure out what you enjoy the most. Sometimes one class is enough to spark interest (or show you it’s not for you). Exploring different areas helped me a lot!
Best of Luck,
Candelaria
Mandi Renae Alexander
UX/UI Designer
2
Answers
Georgetown, Texas
Updated
Mandi Renae’s Answer
This answer might be tough to hear, but it's important. Consider adding a computer science minor. Many UX designers skip this skill, but if you can both design and understand coding or speak the developer's language, you'll become a rare talent in the design world. This will make you stand out from others.
I'll keep this Minor option in mind!
Hannah
Jeffrey Wallk
Product Management & Knowledge Engineering
15
Answers
Schaumburg, Illinois
Updated
Jeffrey’s Answer
Hi Hannah,
Here are 3 things to consider:
1. Design Thinking - you can get certified and learn about how to apply the discipline developed by Stanford. Everything starts with the Customer and learning how to Understand what customers want (check out books by Prof. Clayton Christensen) and how to create solutions and generate fresh ideas (Lateral Thinking by Edward De Bono)
2. Join PDMA (Product Development Management Association) as a student and network with others who are in the field and may guide you further. PDMA provides best practices and certification and they have a very active network
3. Learn to use AI as a tool to increase your awareness and value - this is true of every profession and job these days.
You can always take more courses as you go...but spend your money and time wisely and become a sponge for knowledge. I've got a ton of material and on the above topics if they are helpful.
Jeffrey
Jeffrey
Here are 3 things to consider:
1. Design Thinking - you can get certified and learn about how to apply the discipline developed by Stanford. Everything starts with the Customer and learning how to Understand what customers want (check out books by Prof. Clayton Christensen) and how to create solutions and generate fresh ideas (Lateral Thinking by Edward De Bono)
2. Join PDMA (Product Development Management Association) as a student and network with others who are in the field and may guide you further. PDMA provides best practices and certification and they have a very active network
3. Learn to use AI as a tool to increase your awareness and value - this is true of every profession and job these days.
You can always take more courses as you go...but spend your money and time wisely and become a sponge for knowledge. I've got a ton of material and on the above topics if they are helpful.
Jeffrey
Jeffrey
Alan Chen
Product Engineering
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Alan’s Answer
Hey Hannah, choosing product and interaction design is a fantastic decision! It's a field with plenty of opportunities, though it can be competitive, especially for beginners in areas like tech and finance.
If you're thinking about a minor, consider what truly excites you. If photography interests you, that's great! But if not, pick something you're passionate about. With the job market always changing, it's better to focus on what you love. This way, you'll build on your strengths and gain skills you can use anywhere. Many people find that their majors lead to general roles, so it's important to focus on what fits you best.
Discovering what you love is a journey. Even older folks are always exploring new interests. Dive into activities you enjoy and see what draws you to them. Try attending events and meeting people with similar passions. Networking can really help you find job opportunities. Internships are also key, offering both job prospects and real-world experience. Many interns end up with full-time offers, so it's a great way to learn more about a career.
AI is a helpful tool if you're curious about something new. It can give you a quick overview, resources, and even help you understand what minoring in a hobby might involve.
Ultimately, the choice is yours, and that's the fun part of college. It can be a bit overwhelming to decide, but remember, it's all part of the experience. I changed my major 3 times and barely used my degree in my 15+ year career in tech. So, don't stress too much and enjoy your time in college!
Read Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans
Explore your hobbies: Attend meetups/events, network with people, and get an internship
Use AI to get a snapshot of your minor
If you're thinking about a minor, consider what truly excites you. If photography interests you, that's great! But if not, pick something you're passionate about. With the job market always changing, it's better to focus on what you love. This way, you'll build on your strengths and gain skills you can use anywhere. Many people find that their majors lead to general roles, so it's important to focus on what fits you best.
Discovering what you love is a journey. Even older folks are always exploring new interests. Dive into activities you enjoy and see what draws you to them. Try attending events and meeting people with similar passions. Networking can really help you find job opportunities. Internships are also key, offering both job prospects and real-world experience. Many interns end up with full-time offers, so it's a great way to learn more about a career.
AI is a helpful tool if you're curious about something new. It can give you a quick overview, resources, and even help you understand what minoring in a hobby might involve.
Ultimately, the choice is yours, and that's the fun part of college. It can be a bit overwhelming to decide, but remember, it's all part of the experience. I changed my major 3 times and barely used my degree in my 15+ year career in tech. So, don't stress too much and enjoy your time in college!
Alan recommends the following next steps:
Anthony Fransella
User Experience Researcher and Designer
2
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Anthony’s Answer
Hi Hannah, great question.
To some degree it depends on what you want to do once you graduate. There are many types of product design after all. Let me offer a few thoughts for different outcomes:
- Psychology. This is a field that will be useful for any kind of UX-oriented endeavor, where you want to really figure out the 'why' of how customers are using a product. It opens the door to User Research, which is a skill I believe all Designers (everyone in Product actually) should have to some degree. So, if you're looking to be a Product Designer for software, this would be my pick. It's a very common degree to see.
- Business/Product Management. If you want to hedge your bets against AI, this could be a path. The classic triad in the start of a new project is the Product Manager, a Researcher, and a Designer. There is some thought that these are merging a bit with the advent of AI-enablement. Having a minor in PM may give you a leg up if you need to transition into that sort of hybrid role in the future, and it's harder to get that experience than it is Research experience.
- Data Science. If you think you might want to emphasize the research side of things, getting a minor in Data Science would give you an advantage over most user researchers, who tend to be heavier on the qualitative side of things. It would show that you're a smart, serious person in a way that a business or psych degree might not.
Hope that helps, reach out anytime if you have questions!
To some degree it depends on what you want to do once you graduate. There are many types of product design after all. Let me offer a few thoughts for different outcomes:
- Psychology. This is a field that will be useful for any kind of UX-oriented endeavor, where you want to really figure out the 'why' of how customers are using a product. It opens the door to User Research, which is a skill I believe all Designers (everyone in Product actually) should have to some degree. So, if you're looking to be a Product Designer for software, this would be my pick. It's a very common degree to see.
- Business/Product Management. If you want to hedge your bets against AI, this could be a path. The classic triad in the start of a new project is the Product Manager, a Researcher, and a Designer. There is some thought that these are merging a bit with the advent of AI-enablement. Having a minor in PM may give you a leg up if you need to transition into that sort of hybrid role in the future, and it's harder to get that experience than it is Research experience.
- Data Science. If you think you might want to emphasize the research side of things, getting a minor in Data Science would give you an advantage over most user researchers, who tend to be heavier on the qualitative side of things. It would show that you're a smart, serious person in a way that a business or psych degree might not.
Hope that helps, reach out anytime if you have questions!
This is great information, thanks!
Hannah