“Representing UX (INF2192) is the last required course students take in the User Experience Design (UXD) Concentration of the Master of Information (MI) degree. The course serves as a capstone project-based learning experience, through which students apply their knowledge in real-life projects. The course development was informed by a Community Engaged Learning (CEL) framework in which students work on a major UXD project for grassroots community organizations across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Partnerships are established with the help of the UofT Centre for Community Partnerships. Examples of selected partners over the years are: Karma Groceries Co-op, Chestnut Residence, Faculty of Engineering Education Technology Office, Career Exploration & Education, Alzheimer’s Society of Ontario, Student Life Center for International Experience, Muslim Welfare Centre, and Ample Labs. In 2018/19, we conducted a SoTL research project to evaluate short-term outcomes of CEL initiatives within the course for both students and community partners. The results have shown that UXD students engaged in CEL experiences garnered industry competencies, interpersonal skills, and increased empathy, while project partnering organizations gained useful deliverables and an increased understanding of the discipline of UXD. Community partners gained useful deliverables and an increased understanding of the discipline of UXD as part of their CEL engagements. Findings offer preliminary support for CEL initiatives in UXD education and reveal that CEL benefits both students and community partners.”

Olivier St-Cyr