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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Interaction Design 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
123965  Diploma in Interaction Design 
ORIGINATOR
Academic Institute of Excellence (Pty) Ltd 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Diploma (Min 360)  Field 02 - Culture and Arts  Design Studies 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0429/25  2025-02-04  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
115926  Diploma in Interaction Design  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  360  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The qualification provides critical skillsets to discover, investigate, design and report on the impact of user-centred design approaches during human interaction with technology. By understanding the flow of user experience, learners integrate user research into digital designs to promote engagement and enhance the functionality and usability of technology. Learners are also introduced to business practices and operations and the useful application of marketing tactics to achieve business objectives and the role of technology therein. By applying concepts and design technology, learners can create wireframes and prototypes for trial and testing mechanisms, ensuring the design and development of the product has an active user-centred design approach to enhance user experience and encourage engagement.

Rationale:
In modern-day society, the advancement of technology has impacted every industry and created advancements within sectors ensuring businesses modify their operating techniques and in most cases, enhance the development of products and services. Technologically advanced devices such as smartphones, tablets and virtual reality gaming consoles have also impacted the usability needs and functionality requirements by the users who operate the devices and connect to the internet. Due to these advancements, the relationship between humans and technology has impacted the way that graphic designers and web developers create technical products or services used on the world wide web. The creative team now needs to have a comprehensive understanding of what they are designing, whom they are designing it for, and why.

The qualification is a modern-day designer can integrate design thinking, information architecture and user research to design and create digital products and tools that stimulate and encourage human interaction. By understanding the user and functional needs of the developed digital assets, designers can successfully integrate technology into any strategic plan to improve and advance business objectives. The qualification design ensures qualified learners can function and operate in any business sector by providing an introduction to business communication and management practices as well as the design skillsets for technical design and development.

Qualified learners enter the industry armed with theoretical knowledge and advanced design skillsets and technical ability. The learners enter the creative industry with user experience focused approach to building and designing digital tools to promote and encourage human interaction with technology, securing their place in a competitive world. To further advance their status, academically learners who complete this qualification will be able to articulate into higher related qualification such as an Advanced Diploma or transfer to a Degree level qualification. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Learners would be regarded eligible for an RPL process if they:
  • Have appropriate work experience of at least five years or providing evidence of appropriate knowledge and skills obtained in a shorter period of time.
  • Attended the RPL orientation sessions and completed all tasks and assessments successfully.

    Forms of RPL:
    There are two main forms of RPL which reflect the different purposes, the different processes and the different National Qualifications Framework (NQF) levels within which RPL may take place:
  • RPL for access: To provide an alternative access route into a programme of learning for those who do not meet the formal entry requirements. RPL for access applies to accredited learning programmes. Learners who do not meet the formal entrance requirements of a qualification but wish to further their career prospects could follow RPL for access route. This process will provide access to a qualification through a mediated process consisting of career guidance and portfolio development support, leading to appropriate assessments.
  • RPL for credits: To provide for the awarding of credits towards advanced standing/status.
  • RPL for advanced standing: Learner who have proven knowledge gained in the workplace and informal study could follow the RPL for advanced standing route. This process will provide access to an NQF registered qualification on a higher level through a mediated process consisting of an intervention with career guidance and portfolio development support, leading to appropriate assessments.

    Advanced standing is awarded for knowledge and skills acquired through experience and not for experience alone.

    Advanced standing are awarded against the outcomes of the qualification deemed to have mastered and related entrance requirements to the next level qualification.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4.
    Or
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Diploma studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4 granting access to Diploma studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises of compulsory modules at NQF Level 5 and 6 totalling 362 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 5, 120 Credits.
  • Visual Communications, 35 Credits .
  • User Research 1, 8 Credits.
  • Business Practices, 8 Credits.
  • Design Applications, 44 Credits.
  • Marketing Communications 1, 8 Credits.
  • Information Architecture, 8 Credits.
  • Summative Assessment, 9 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 6, 242 Credits.
  • User Research 2, 7 Credits.
  • Digital Media Studies, 25 Credits.
  • Marketing Communications 2, 15 Credits.
  • User Interface Design 1, 15 Credits.
  • User Interface Design 2, 20 Credits.
  • User Experience Development 1, 20 Credits.
  • Work Placement Learning, 8 Credits.
  • Summative Assessment, 12 Credits.
  • Wireframes & Prototyping, 21 Credits.
  • User Experience Development 2, 27 Credits.
  • Web Analytics, 17 Credits.
  • Testing & Reporting, 25 Credits.
  • Work Placement Learning, 8 Credits.
  • Summative Assessment & Final Portfolio, 22 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Identify and define digital assets that strategically enhance and promote business objectives by validating the impact and application of digital tools to all stakeholders.
    2. Apply research methodologies to identify, structure and build graphic mockups of application interface designs fit for target market and purpose.
    3. Create a digital sitemap prototype by applying the conceptual theories of information architecture and integrating user research to demonstrate the user journey during interaction with the digital tool.
    4. Apply technical languages to graphic interface designs and develop digital prototypes to demonstrate the user experience during interaction with technology.
    5. Test and report on the interaction design and enhance the flow of the user's journey and experience by applying the technology advancements.
    6. Report and coherently communicate the design process and effectiveness of implementing user-centred design approaches to demonstrate purpose to all stakeholders
    7. Collaborate and effectively work within a digital product development team to effectively create and produce digital assets. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Assessment methods:
    The following associated assessment criteria apply across all Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Define the strategic objectives, target market and the role of technology in the business and industry by presenting a business plan to stakeholders.
  • Identify marketing approaches and tactics that effectively communicate business objectives through the application of technology and technological advances.
  • Design useful digital communication aids by applying technical design tools to produce conceptual ideas for business purposes and objectives.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of and implement information architecture concepts by constructing wireframes fit for purpose.
  • Apply user research methodologies to identify user-centred design approaches and user journey flows applicable to the target market,
  • Identify media channels and technology applications that are contextual to the target audience by recommending and justifying digital assets that are fit for business communication purposes,
  • Integrate acquired knowledge to develop a digital marketing strategy inclusive of implementation plans and forecasts for improving business objectives,
  • Demonstrate an understanding of advanced design concepts by producing digital video's and ideas that create human interactive environments that assist in communicating business objectives.
  • Create a demonstration of the user journey flow by applying digital design tools and techniques to produce graphic user interfaces and mockups.
  • Apply user-centred design approaches and implement technical languages to create prototypes of digital assets that demonstrate enhanced user experience.
  • Analyse and evaluate digital assets and provide a report on the user experience based on user testing methods,
  • Apply user-centred design enhancements to encourage and improve user engagement and experience during interaction with technology,
  • Implement user research methodologies and technical design skillsets to build a wireframe that showcases the user journey flow and functional layout of the digital application,
  • Build a prototype that conclusively demonstrates the user experience and stimulates human senses through design experience,
  • Evaluate and analyse web-related analytical data and interpret information.

    Integrated Assessment:
    During the three year pedagogy, learners are both formally and summatively assessed in each academic year.

    Formative assessment includes:
  • Individual and Group Classroom Assignments.
  • Individual and Group Practical Projects.
  • Individual Written Reports.
  • Individual and Group Oral and Visual Presentations.

    Formative assessments test the practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies of learners. Due to the nature and design of the qualification, assessments are integrated and experiential - providing a real-world context and approach to the delivery of outcomes.

    Summative Assessments includes:
  • Practical Projects.
  • Written Reports.
  • Oral and Visual Presentations.

    At the end of each year, the summative assessment provides evidence of a learner's readiness to expand and build on the knowledge acquired during the first and second years and progress through the third year to achieve the overall exit level outcomes.

    Work Placement Learning (WPL):
    WPL plays a role in the readiness of graduates to enter and contribute to South African society and the world of work. To promote and complement the assessment strategy, it serves as a strategic component to the curricular and pedagogical design. The three-year diploma allocates four weeks to WPL and learners are required to complete two weeks in their second academic year of study and complete the last two weeks during their third academic year. Learners are required to collaborate and function within a design team, apply their knowledge at industry standards and immerse themselves in the workplace environment. Learners take responsibility and accountability of personal learning and provide a rationale that justifies decisions, provides personal interests and successful work placement learning contracts the process Programme Coordinator and Principal/Registrar oversee the process. Each two-week industry-focused session is credit-bearing and is fundamental to learner's overall success. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Diploma in Interaction design is specifically created so that the modern-day designer is able to integrate design thinking, information architecture and user research to design and create digital products and tools that stimulate and encourage human interaction. By understanding the user and functional needs of the digital assets being developed, designers are able to successfully integrate technology into any strategic plan to improve and advance business objectives.

    To validate the viability of this course in a national and international arena, the following is a comparison of international courses of similar academic content and credits.

    1. Institution: Emily Carr University of Art and Design
    Country: Canada
    Name of the qualification: Bachelor of Design and Certificate in Interaction Design
    Duration: Three years
    Level: 7
    Focus: Interaction Design
    Web Address: https://www.ecuad.ca/interaction-design

    2. Institution: NYU School of Professional Studies
    Country: USA
    Name of the qualification: Diploma in User Experience Design
    Duration: Three years
    Focus: Interaction Design
    Web Address: https://www.sps.nyu.edu/professional-pathways/diplomas/technology/user-experience-design.html 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Diploma in Interior Design, NQF Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Interaction Design, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Interior Design, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification.
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Academic Institute of Excellence (Pty) Ltd 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.