Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) are everywhere, from complex desktop applications to smartphone menus and wearable displays. This course explored the history and core principles of GUIs, applying them in real-world tools like Figma and Origami.
Students designed a mobile interface related to the weather, combining theory with hands-on practice. They learned to create intuitive user experiences by understanding audience motivation, mental models, and interaction design. The course also covered visual communication, information visualisation, and the technical constraints of platforms and operating systems.
By the end, students had developed a solid foundation in GUI design, balancing aesthetics, usability, and functionality.
Benjamin Zweig is an interaction and interface designer from the San Francisco Bay Area. As a Member of Design Staff at OpenAI, his practice bridges novel technical exploration with foundational design principles. His work has shaped user experiences for Meta, Airtable, and Twitch.
On his own time, Benjamin is passionate about found object photography and modular synthesis.
Julian Francis Kelly is a visual and software designer based in New York City. He has worked for companies including Meta, The New York Times, and New Computer. He currently works with early stage startups, focusing on mixing traditional motion and typographic principles with contemporary interaction design. He holds a BFA from The Rhode Island School of Design.
Outside of work, Julian enjoys studying illuminated manuscripts and patterns in nature, as well as cross country skiing.
