Human Factors in Information Design

TABS HFID

Combine technology and product design with a keen understanding of human behavior to influence change in a way that improves the user experience. Through the Master of Science in Human Factors in Information Design (MSHFID), working professionals learn innovative approaches to product development that integrate the goals of the business and the end-user. This innovative program is housed within a business school, giving students the unique ability to see the role that design plays in the larger organizational structure. This powerful combination puts MSHFID students in high demand for senior-level positions at leading companies.

The MSHFID program:

  • Emphasizes human behavior relative to product design, universal accessibility, usability and the user experience;

  • Prepares students for careers as an interaction designer, interface designer, information architect, usability engineer or user experience specialist;

  • Integrates user-centered design processes in the larger business organization;

  • Gives students the opportunity to interact with professionals in diverse organizations;

  • Comprises a group of students who maintain an active blog where they share industry news, promote events and post job opportunities.

Education and Experience Requirements:

  • A bachelor of science degree in communication or engineering; a bachelor of arts in new media, design, psychology; or permission from the program director;

  • Relevant experience in design; software, web or hardware development; industrial design; information architecture; interaction design; front-end development; product management; social media; or usability testing.

Gain a deep understanding of the user experience and learn business management skills without leaving your home or office. An online option for earning the highly respected MS in Human Factors in Information Design degree at Bentley is now available.

Students study part time, with online and on-campus participants taking part in the same classes, at the same time. Sessions meet in the evening, starting at either 5:00 or 7:30 p.m. (EST). Online students must complete a one-week residency on the Bentley campus (August 6-10, 2012) which fulfills one required course in the curriculum. Online participants must live outside Massachusetts.

The MSHFID program director is available for academic planning and career advising. Other Bentley departments, including career services and graduate student services, are prepared to fully support the online community.

Online students must meet all regular admission requirements and follow the normal application process. Given the strong interest in this offering, be sure to submit your application materials as soon as possible – and no later than June 1.

Find out more about hybrid learning at Bentley, including a photo demonstration and technical requirements.

The MSHFID program makes extensive use of the Design and Usability Center (DUC) at Bentley. The center and its full-time staff of usability professionals provide consulting services to clients around the globe. MSHFID students selected to the Graduate Assistantship program can receive financial support and valuable experience by working in the DUC on projects for corporate clients.

Core Courses - 9 credits required

Three courses

Foundations in Human Factors
Managing a User Centered Design Team
Testing and Assessment Programs

HF Elective Courses - 15 credits required

Select five courses from the following:

Managing a User Centered Design Team
Localization and the Global Market
Visualizing Information
Information Architecture: User-Centered Design for the World Wide Web
Measuring the User Experience
Special Topics in Human Computer Interaction (HCI)

Topics include:

  • Medical Informatics and Universal Accessibility
  • Research Methods
Intelligent User Interfaces
Advanced User Interface Design
Prototyping and Interaction Design
Field Methods
Ethnography of Work for Design
Internship in HFID
Research Methods for Human Factors
User Experience Thesis

Non-HF Elective Courses - 6 credits required

Select two course from the following or any other graduate level course (600 level or higher) with approval of the Program Director.

Object-Oriented Programming
Computer and Network Foundations
Business Process Management
Information Management
Managing Effective Work Teams
Negotiating
Managing Organizational Change
Management of Technology
Project Management
Management of Innovation
Intermediate Statistical Modeling for Business
Quantitative Analysis for Business and Finance

Graduates from the Bentley Information Design Certificate program can transfer the equivalent of 6 graduate credits to the MSHFID. These credits can apply to any 2 of the following courses:

HF 720
Localization and the Global Market
HF 730
Visualizing Information
HF 740
Information Architecture: User-Centered Design for the World Wide Web
HF 755
Special Topics in Human Computer Interaction (HCI)
HF 760
Intelligent User Interfaces
HF 770
Prototyping and Interaction Design