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. |
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY |
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: |
Bachelor of Experience Design |
SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
119813 | Bachelor of Experience Design | |||
ORIGINATOR | ||||
The Independent Institute of Education (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 | ||
National First Degree | 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 07 | Regular-Provider-ELOAC |
REGISTRATION STATUS | SAQA DECISION NUMBER | REGISTRATION START DATE | REGISTRATION END DATE | |
Registered | EXCO 1011/22 | 2022-10-04 | 2025-10-04 | |
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
2026-10-04 | 2031-10-04 |
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 does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. |
PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION |
Purpose:
The purpose of this Bachelor of Experience Design is to equip learners with the knowledge, skills and graduate attributes required for a career in experience design, with a focus on User Experience Design (UX) and Motion Design. Experience Design as a discipline is concerned with designing people's experience of their interactions with objects (physical or digital), spaces (real or virtual) and systems. Experience Design focuses on the utility, usability, satisfaction, and delight resulting from people's interactions with man-made artefacts. It encompasses the human experience of many different aspects such as mobile and web applications, digital content, interior and exterior spaces, wayfinding, products, retail environments and services. This qualification will enable learners to apply a well-rounded knowledge base to practice as experience designers across a broad range of fields within a business, government departments, or as entrepreneurs. The qualification will provide learners with the option to either focus on User Experience (UX) Design or Motion Design, from the second year of study. User Experience (UX) Design focuses specifically on people's experience of their interaction with digital technology such as mobile and web applications the usability of such technology and the interfaces that make interactions with the technology possible. Motion Design focuses on people's experience of digital content such as videos, animations, infographics, maps, and data visualisations, clarity of meaning, comprehensibility of communication, entertainment value and emotional engagement during a person's interaction with the content. Learners specialising in User Experience (UX) Design develop knowledge of theories, processes and practices relating to user-centred design, human-computer-interaction design and usability, brand strategy, digital and immersive technologies and digital application development frameworks and platforms. The learners focusing on Motion Design will develop knowledge of the theories, processes and practices relating to user-centred audio-visual communication design, motion design, brand and marketing as well as current, emerging and future digital media and technologies. The qualification will expose learners to context-specific research about collaborative design and industry best practices. The qualification balances the development of critical thinking and creativity through the application of theoretical knowledge and practical skills to real-world scenarios and/or cases that reflect the rapidly evolving digital landscape, ensuring industry relevance. Rationale: Technological developments such as powerful software and hardware and mobile devices, augmented and virtual reality, multi-camera videography, and artificial intelligence have resulted in increasingly high audience expectations and a demand for personalised, multisensory, immersive, and omni-channel experiences (Purdy and Reznik, 2019; Stephens, 2019 and MyFuture 4.0, 2019). The use of these technologies and the demand for related skills is expected to increase even more over the next decade (Gauteng Film Commission, 2020; Digitalab Africa, 2019 and Muller, 2019). UX- interaction- web and mobile application design are listed as skills that are in high demand according to the National List of Occupations in High Demand, compiled by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) (Government Gazette, 2018). UI /UX Design Specialist is also listed 7th on the Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICT¿Seta)¿list of hard-to-fill vacancies. In the advertising sector, UI /UX Design specialists and UI /UX Designers were respectively the 2nd and 3rd hardest positions to fill in 2017, with user experience design and web programmers also listed as scarce skills (MICT Seta, 2018). The creation of digital and immersive content such as Augmented - and Virtual Reality content, high-quality visual effects, computer-generated images, 3D animations and 360-degree videos, also require specialised skills such as, advanced high-quality 3D modelling and animation, videography, visual effects, and post-production, which are not included in existing multimedia and digital design programmes and further identified as scarce skills in South Africa, (NFVF, 2016:28-32; MICT, 2018:30-32). Furthermore, competencies relating to user experience design, the mobile application design and Augmented Reality are listed as emerging competencies and occupations across all sectors and industries according to the latest report on skills demand and supply in South Africa (Labour Market Intelligence Programme, 2020: 90 - 99). The qualification combines the fundamental theories, principles and processes of UX Design, Motion- and Digital content Design, Interaction Design, and Communication Design to develop critical thinkers and creative problem solvers with specialised experience in design skills, principled knowledge and graduate attributes to meet current industry demand and to readily adapt to future shifts in skills demands. Depending on the core discipline chosen, graduates will be equipped to take up positions such as: |
LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable with equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.
RPL for access: RPL for exemption of modules RPL for credit: Entry Requirements: The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is: Or Or Or |
RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
Y |
QUALIFICATION RULES |
This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5, 6 and 7 totalling 360 Credits.
Compulsory Modules, Level 5,120 Credits: Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 60 Credits: Elective Modules NQF Level 6, 60 Credits - Core discipline: User Experience (UX) Design Or Elective Modules NQF Level 6, 60 Credits Core discipline: Motion Design Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 60 Credits: Elective Modules, Level 7, 60 Credits - Core discipline: User Experience (UX) Design Or Elective Modules, Level 7, 60 Credits - Core discipline: Motion Design |
EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
1. Design innovative, user-centred experience designs that are strategically sound, based on research, and supported by a creative rationale.
2. Apply design outcomes that are sensitive to and respectful of the context of the user and the design challenge. 3. Apply suitable technologies, platforms, and software effectively in various preproduction, production, and post-production processes. 4. Collaborate and communicate effectively and professionally in a multidisciplinary design team within a collaborative work environment. 5. Apply appropriate research techniques and methods of gathering, analysing, interpreting, and evaluating data to inform creative, human- and user-centred experience design strategies and outcomes and to advance disciplinary knowledge. 6. Employ professional best practices of the design profession within a corporate or entrepreneurial environment. |
ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6: INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT Formative assessment Continual formative assessment is required so that learners are given feedback on their progress in the achievement of learning outcomes. The scheme of work includes assignments, real-world briefs, tests, and an integrated programme portfolio based on the learning material and learners are given feedback. The process is continuous and focuses on smaller sections of the work and limited numbers of outcomes. Summative assessment Summative assessment is concerned with the judgement of the learning in relation to the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification. Such judgement must include integrated assessments that test the learner's ability to integrate the larger body of knowledge, skills and attitudes that are represented by the Exit Level Outcomes as a whole. Examinations, projects, reports, or equivalent assessments, such as a portfolio of evidence, assess a representative selection of the outcomes practised and assessed. Summative assessment also tests the learner's ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge to achieve the stated outcomes. Integrated assessments will be designed to achieve: |
INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
A comparison with similar qualifications from other academic institutions internationally is difficult because Experience Design is an evolving discipline that emerged from the field of Visual Design. Many academic institutions offer qualifications in Multimedia- or Digital Design with elective modules in Interaction- or UX Design and Motion Design. Other institutions offer workshops, short learning programmes or diplomas that tend to focus exclusively on User Experiences, User Interface Design, Animation, or Videography.
The South African qualification is designed against the backdrop of the knowledge, competencies and skills included as components of international qualifications such as the Bachelor of Fine Arts of UX Design and the Bachelor of Fine Arts of Motion Media Design at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in the U.S.A, and the Bachelor of Design (Interaction Design) at the Queensland University of Technology. The South African qualification aims to provide learners with a competitive advantage in South Africa and the ability to operate proficiently in an increasingly dynamic and globalised design environment. Country: Australia Institution: Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Qualification Title: The Bachelor of Design (Interaction Design) Credits: 288 credit points Duration: Three years full-time Entry Requirements: Purpose: This qualification prepares learners for diverse and agile career pathways in design, technology and innovation. It focuses on the cutting-edge design skills, knowledge and capabilities needed for a contemporary designer to work across multiple fields, practices and contexts. The qualification will begin with introductory and shared impact lab units where, working with learners from other disciplines, learners will focus on problems and social issues and identify potential solutions connected to industry and community. Learners will then undertake a series of interaction design studios focusing on industry-leading practices in human-centred design, design thinking, experience design, service innovation and augmented reality. The studies can be rounded with a second major from architectural studies, industrial design studies, fashion communication, animation, games design, screen content production, advertising, or marketing. Career pathways available to learners beyond the design industries include roles in game design, information technology, health, education, science, and engineering, as well as business and enterprise including data visualisation, smart home, and virtual reality environments. Professional recognition: Graduates qualify for Graduate Membership of Design Institute of Australia (DIA). Qualification structure: To meet the course requirements for the Bachelor of Design (Interaction Design), learners must complete a total of 288 credit points comprising: > a second major. > two minors. > 96 credit points chosen from the minor options, design Specialisation unit options and university wide unit options (elective) lists. A maximum of 48 credit points can be chosen from the university wide unit options (elective) lists. This qualification offers elective modules that focus on applying the theories and principles of visual communication design and interaction design to design User Interfaces and digital and augmented interactions that offer a meaningful and accessible user experience. In QUT's Bachelor of Design (Interaction Design) critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills are developed in modules such as the Design Thinking electives. Programming and web development skills are addressed in the Bachelor of Design (Interaction Design) in modules such as Web Prototyping and Creative Coding. Learners gain relevant work experience through an optional work-integrated learning unit as an intern or by undertaking a supervised design project situated in a real-world context and based on research and self-reflection. Similarities: Differences: The QUT qualification carries 288 credits whereas the SA qualification carries 360 credits. Country: United States of America Institution: Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) Qualification Title: The Bachelor of Fine Arts of UX Design Credits: 188 Credits Duration: Four years full time Entry Requirements: The admission requirements for a UX/UI bachelor's degree are a high GPA and a high school diploma or GED This qualification includes a foundational first year with a strong focus on the development of visual communication skills through foundational modules such as elements and Principles of Design and Drawing for Design. General education modules focus on the development of critical thinking and communication skills within the context of UX design and include Anthropology, Visual Culture and Art History thereby contextualising the development of design and developing critical thinking skills. General mathematical modules such as Mathematics of Computer Science, Logic and Algorithm Design and Analysis lay the foundation for modules related to computer programming and coding while communication skills are developed in the Speaking of Ideas module. The Bachelor of Fine Arts of UX Design curriculum includes core disciplines related to visual design such as Typography, Graphic Design, Information Design, and Idea Visualisation. Interaction and UX Design theories, principles and processes are addressed in modules such as Interaction Design, UX Design and Prototyping. This qualification has a strong emphasis on contextual research for design and includes modules such as Contextual Research Methods and Research and Ideation. Programming skills are developed in modules such as core principles of programming and learners can elect to develop more advanced programming skills through advanced programming electives. Collaborative skills and real-world working exposure can be acquired in elective modules such as Collaboration for UX, Undergrad Internship and Professional Practice for UX Designers. This qualification includes a strong theoretical focus on current theories and discourse within the field of design that offers a comprehensive perspective on the responsibility of design to address systemic societal issues such as environmental and social sustainability, inclusivity, and accessibility with appropriate, meaningful, and accessible experience design solutions. This qualification also offers learners opportunities to participate in multi-disciplinary collaborations with learners. from fields such as graphic design, motion design, game design, copywriting, brand strategy and digital marketing, with which it aims to develop a holistic understanding of how these different disciplines combine to create integrated, strategic solutions to complex problems. Similarities: Differences: Country: United States of America Institution: Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in the U.S.A Qualification Title: Bachelor of Fine Arts of Motion Media Design The qualification includes a foundational first year with a strong focus on the development of visual communication skills through foundational modules such as elements and principles of design and drawing for design. General education modules focus on the development of critical thinking and communication skills within the context of visual design including Visual Culture in Context, Art History, Digital Communication and Media Literacy. These modules contextualise the development and role of design in media and develop critical thinking skills. Communication skills are developed in the Speaking of Ideas module. The Bachelor of Fine Arts of Motion Media Design curriculum includes a core discipline related to motion design such as Motion Media Techniques, Principles of Motion Media, Motion Media Cinematography and Time-based Typography. This qualification has a strong emphasis on the principles, techniques, processes, and technologies used in motion design. Learners can elect to include modules related to filmmaking, advertising, visual effects, or immersive, augmented, and virtual media. Collaborative skills and real-world working exposure can be acquired in elective modules such as an undergraduate internship module or a module where learners collaborate in multi-disciplinary teams on real-world projects from external partners. Learners may elect any two additional modules of their choice. While the international comparison revealed a degree of similarity in the development of a theoretically informed understanding and applied skills in the principles, processes, techniques, and technologies of motion design. These qualifications focus on developing the knowledge and skills to create engaging and convincing animations and motion-based content, but do not necessarily focus on the application of these skills to solve problems. In contrast, the proposed SA qualification with a core discipline in Motion Design offers a broader approach by integrating the theories, principles, and processes of design, applied knowledge of technology and theories and principles of brand and marketing to address broad brand-related, societal, and environmental challenges. This qualification includes a strong theoretical focus on current theories and discourse within the broad field of design that offers a comprehensive perspective on the responsibility of design to address systemic societal issues such as environmental and social sustainability and inclusivity, with engaging, meaningful, and persuasive motion design solutions. This qualification also offers learners opportunities to participate in multi-disciplinary collaborations with learners from fields such as graphic design, UX design, game design, copywriting, brand strategy and digital marketing, with which it aims to develop a holistic understanding of how these different disciplines combine to create integrated, strategic solutions to complex problems. The Brand and Marketing modules offered in the SA qualification with the core discipline of Motion Design provide learners with a broader perspective on how visual storytelling, animation and video align with and promote brand building and prepare them for a possible career as an entrepreneur. A strong focus on multi-disciplinary collaboration in modules like Collaborative Design and Copywriting and Brand Challenge in the SA qualification with a core discipline Motion Design, develop key graduate attributes such as the ability to work in teams and to communicate. The Design modules within SA qualification with a core discipline in Motion Design contextualises visual storytelling through animation, video, and immersive media as possible elements in integrated design solutions to strategically address brand, environmental and social challenges. Similarities: Differences: Although the proposed Bachelor of Experience Design does not offer the option of an internship, learners will gain relevant workplace-based experience through simulations such as brand challenge, industry immersions, and practical projects that address real-world design challenges. Country: Australia Institution: The University of Melbourne Qualification Title: Bachelor of Design Credits: 300 Duration: Three years full time Entry Requirements: Year 12. Purpose: The Bachelor of Design fosters new ways of thinking, developing practical skills and theoretical expertise that prepare learners for a rewarding career as a design professional. Technology is set to completely transform how we work, and what jobs we will be doing. Artificial intelligence, robotics, smart homes. The way we live will require a whole new wave of talented designers and creatives. According to the Foundation for Young Australians, demand for employees with creativity skills has risen over 65% over the past few years. Studying a Bachelor of Design will teach learners design thinking that's in demand across tech, architecture, planning our cities, government, the arts and more. Qualification structure The Bachelor of Design requires the successful completion of 23 to 24 subjects (300 credit points). Full-time learners usually study eight subjects each year for three years. Most subjects are worth 12.5 credit points, but some are worth 25 credit points. Similarities: Differences: The UoM qualification carries 300 credit points while the SA qualification carries 360 credits. |
ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
Horizontal Articulation: Vertical Articulation: |
MODERATION OPTIONS |
N/A |
CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS |
N/A |
NOTES |
N/A |
LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS 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. | The Independent Institute of Education (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. |