L’École de design Nantes Atlantique

The Interaction Design program for exchange students is aimed at foreign students who have a minimum experience of 2 years in multimedia software, graphic design as well as an aptitude and interest in new technology.

We can only accept students during the first semester of each academic year.

A large part of the curriculum concentrates on projects students will carry out in collaboration with industrial partners such as Thomson (R+D), EDF and France Telecom (R+D). During the second semester students will work on one long, 12-week project as well as a short 6-week project. There will be weekly meetings with teachers and students will have to present their findings during the several phases of the different assignments.

Groups will be set up according to the nature of the project as well as its pedagogical objectives.

Workshops are conducted in English and French. Therefore a basic command of both languages is recommended.

Study Content

First semester
Interaction design projects in collaboration with companies / 84 h / 20 ECTS
Introduction seminar in design methodology / 35 h / 1 ECTS
Plastic Arts / 42 h / 2 ECTS
Colour drawing / 42 h / 2 ECTS
Computer Graphics / 42 h / 2 ECTS
French classes / 42 h / 2 ECTS
General Culture / 42 h / 2 ECTS
Technological support / 42 h / 2 ECTS
Conferences / 1 ECTS

Hourly volume: 385 h per semester.
Total number of credits: 30 ECTS credits per semester.

Course description

Interaction design projects: this module focuses on designing global information solutions for the user/consumer, new products, services and spaces requiring HCI (Human Computer Interaction. The project module explores all areas of Interaction design, from Ui (User interface) to Ux (User experience) and is focused primarily on the design of services, from the initial definition of the service up to the implementation of devices and graphic interfaces required for the service. The Ecole de Design Nantes Atlantique draws up these projects in collaboration with industrial partners or within the framework of a project run by the school. Students learn how to adopt a structured approach to a project, work as part of a team and provide added value to the design component. During the third year, the aim is for students to become familiar with the notion of interconnected systems. The project teaches students how to draw up the specifications of a project step by step. A specific emphasis is put on their ability to develop specific research approaches, be autonomous in their work, assimilate inter-disciplinary skills, communicate with different participants in the project and industrial partners and to develop adequate communication skills when giving presentations.

Introduction seminar in design methodology: at the beginning of each semester students are familiarized with the design methodology applied at the school.

Plastic Arts: this module is designed to give students access to the various working methods required to explore the creative process. Students will have to invent their own approach and working methods in order to define their work, to inter-connect shapes, colours, images and sound and to adapt concepts and processes.

Colour Drawing: this course aims to deepen the student’s knowledge of diverse painting techniques in various forms, namely : graphic design, colour, volume and the diverse applications of these techniques. Students learn to observe, interpret and communicate.

French language classes: international students benefit from two hours of language tuition per week. Groups will be assembled according to the language level of students.

General Culture: the course will encourage students to learn about the city of Nantes, its landmarks, people, events etc. Together with other students or on their own, students will embark on the discovery of a specific place and approach it from different angles (historical, social, dimensional, literary, philosophical etc). Students have to hand in a written assignment relating to their chosen subject and includes an outline of the research carried out. An exhibition of their work will be organised at the end of the semester.

Computer Graphics: this module helps students to master the necessary fundamental concepts of several 3D illustration software programs and covers the basic notions of “bitmap” computer graphics. The course also aims to develop students’ creativity using these tools. In the second semester, students are familiarised with the 3DS-Max software.

Technological support: this course provides the student with a general overview of material properties and the procedures involved in a design project (transformation, assembly, finishing). Students consolidate their knowledge by carrying out case studies.

Conferences: regular conferences are scheduled throughout the semester. Recent speakers include Jocelyn de Noblet, Franck Ghitalla and Roxane Jubert.