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.
With over 20 years of experience in UX, interaction design, and mixed reality, Ricardo Acosta has worked with industry leaders like Microsoft, the BBC, and award-winning startups. His expertise spans the entire design spectrum—from conceptualisation and prototyping to crafting immersive user experiences in VR and AR.
Ricardo worked at Microsoft, where he contributed to pioneering mixed reality interactions and he played a key role in redefining UI/UX for immersive applications. including projects like Microsoft Maquette, Paint3D and Windows Mixed Reality for Work. He is also the creative force behind Unplugged: Air Guitar, an innovative VR game that won multiple awards, including Best Oculus Quest Game 2021.
Passionate about the intersection of technology and human behaviour, Ricardo specialises in developing intuitive interaction paradigms that push the boundaries of user experience. He has delivered multiple design talks around the world at events and university conferences, sharing his expertise on designing for mixed reality, bridging the gap between creativity and technical execution, and crafting meaningful digital environments.
