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Diploma in MAD, Experience & Product Design (S29) | Singapore Polytechnic

DMAD - S29

Diploma in Media,
Arts & Design
(Experience &
Product Design)

OVERVIEW

Why is the Diploma in Media, Arts & Design (Experience & Product Design) the best course for me in 2025? 

The Diploma in Media, Arts & Design (Experience & Product Design) at Singapore Polytechnic stands out for offering exceptional career prospects in a rapidly evolving design landscape.

Known for its unique approach, XPD blends creative expression with insights into human behaviour, equipping students with the skills to solve real-world problems through design. By mastering user research, prototyping, and design thinking, you’ll learn how to create innovative solutions that enhance accessibility, improve user experiences, and revolutionize how people interact with technology.

student using a laser machine

What are the benefits of studying experience and product design in 2025?

User Experience Design offers exceptional career prospects as it is a rapidly growing field in Singapore, driven by our country's status as a technology and innovation hub. According to Glassdoor, the average annual salary for a UX designer in Singapore ranges from SGD 65,000 to SGD 85,000, varying with experience, industry, and company size.

The Experience & Product Design specialisation uniquely combines creative expression with insights into human behaviour, equipping students with practical design skills and the ability to understand user needs. 

This blend of psychology and design enables graduates to create impactful solutions that resonate with users, setting them apart in the competitive job market. By mastering this mix of creativity and human-centered thinking, XPD graduates are well-prepared for dynamic careers in design and innovation.

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What is experience and product design in 2025?

Experience and Product Design in 2025 is a multidisciplinary field that integrates design, technology, and human behaviour to create seamless, user-centered solutions.

With advancements in AI, mixed reality, and IoT, designers are not just crafting interfaces but shaping how people interact with digital and physical environments. The focus has shifted toward creating immersive, personalized experiences that solve real-world problems while considering inclusivity and accessibility.

At MAD, we foster your creative skills and teach you to leverage technology for impactful, user-focused designs.

How does experience and product design impact our daily lives?

How have platforms like Netflix and Instagram captivated millions of users worldwide? How has their deep understanding of users, combined with innovative thinking helped to create digital experiences that are so irresistibly successful?

User Experience shows you how to make products and experience that people love. Without it, products would be less functional and intuitive. This field empowers you to innovate and create designs that make life easier and more enjoyable for everyone.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

What will I study in experience and product design?

Please note: Course structure is subject to change.

Year 1 Semester 1

Your DMAD experience begins with the common programme in the first semester known as the Foundry, where you will build foundational skills across all media, arts and design domains.  You will also take two pre-specialisation modules. With the exposure to different specialisations, you will be better equipped to select the ones that best match your passions.

Module Name
Total Hours
Story Craft
60
Principles of Design
60
Experience Lab
60

Year 1 Semester 2

In Year 1 Semester 2, focus on design fundamentals, creative thinking, and psychological principles, gain exposure to various creative disciplines and dive into User Experience Design & Research to create engaging, user-friendly products that meet real-world needs. 
Module Name
Total Hours
User Experience Design & Research
90
Prototyping Fundamentals
60
Visual Design & Photography
90
Data Fluency
15
Problem Solving with Creative & Computational Thinking
15
Thinking Critically about the UN SDGs
30
Elective 1
45/60

Year 2

Enhance your skills and express your creativity in User Experience and User Interface Design, mastering cohesive brand experiences with digital design and 3D modelling tools. The Sustainable Innovation Project (SIP) allows you to tackle real-world design challenges, refining your problem-solving skills.

Module Name
Total Hours
UX Research & Design Evaluation
60
User Interface Design
60
Visual Design for Digital Products
60
3D Modeling & Animation
60
Sustainable Innovation Project
45
Elective 2
45/60

Year 3

Put your skills into action through the Innovation Lab, working on real-world projects across domains. Complete a 22-week internship and Final Year Project (FYP) to gain industry experience and prepare for your design career.

By the end of Year 3, you’ll be equipped with the skills and confidence to excel in the design industry.

Module Name
Total Hours
Innovation Lab
90
Final Year Project (XPD)
210
Internship Programme (MAD)
22 Weeks
Elective 3
45/60

Electives

The SP elective framework offers students options to pursue their passion and/or meet different career needs, and is an integral part of the holistic education we seek to provide to our students.

Learn about SP Elective Framework

The Common Core Curriculum (CCC) prepares you for a changing world with essential human and digital skills. Through its 10 modules, the CCC also provides a wide learning experience to examine local and global issues based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These modules help you understand real-world issues and the impact on different communities, and equip you with skills to create a better, sustainable Singapore and world.

Learn about Common Core Curriculum

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Who is experience and product design for?

Student Using plotting machine

What are the eligibility requirements for experience and product design?

You must meet the following criteria to qualify for the Diploma in Media, Arts and Design (Experience and Product Design):

How do I know if experience and product design is for me?

If you’re imaginative, detail-oriented, and enjoy problem-solving, the Diploma in Media, Arts and Design (Experience and Product Design) could be perfect for you. Ideal for creative thinkers, team players, and those who thrive on experimentation and storytelling, this course leverages your skills to craft impactful, user-focused designs with new technology.
YOUR FUTURE

What is the future of XPD?

MAD-StudentCamera

Experience and product design at SP prepares me for the future. 

What facilities does SP have to prepare me for the future in experience and product design? 

At SP, the MAD Factory allows you to create 3D models and prototypes with 3D printers, digital cutting plotters, and laser machines. The Usability Lab lets you design and test digital products, equipped with tools for user research and usability testing.

Experience and product design at SP prepares me for Singapore. 

What opportunities are there for experience and product design in Singapore and the region? 

UX Design is vital in Singapore’s tech-driven society, shaping the experiences of how people interact with technology. By 2025, advancements in AI and emerging technologies will further transform the design landscape. SP teaches you to harness tools like Figma to create innovative solutions. While many associate this field with creativity, it’s equally about leveraging technology to solve problems, enhance usability, and improve how users experience products and services.

Experience and product design at SP prepares me for the world. 

What are the different types of fields covered in experience and product design?

Diploma in Media, Arts & Design (Experience & Product Design) is grounded in Human-Centered Design, focusing on user needs and experiences. 

While many students initially mistake this specialisation for graphic design, its scope is far broader, covering diverse fields like app design, prototyping, branding, and animation.

1. User Experience (UX) Design: Understand psychology and behaviour to design intuitive and enjoyable products.
2. User Interface (UI) Design: Create visually engaging and functional digital interfaces.
3. 3D Modelling: Design digital representations for visualization and prototyping.
4. Design Research: Uncover user insights to guide effective design.
5. Service Design: Develop user-centered services for seamless experiences.
6. Web Design: Build websites that balance aesthetics, usability, and functionality.

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This comprehensive curriculum equips students with the skills and versatility to excel across creative industries, from digital media and branding to designing impactful, user-focused solutions.

 

INDUSTRY EXPOSURE

What industry exposure do I get in experience and product design? 

What can I expect from my experience and product design internship? 

SP students have opportunities for internships at various organizations, including startups, SMEs, MNCs, and government agencies. You will complete a 22-week internship. 

Past students from the Diploma in Media, Arts and Design (Experience and Product Design) have interned at GovTech, FoodPanda, Accenture, DBS Bank, and FoolProof. 

Many interns have made significant contributions, sometimes outperforming university counterparts. These internships often lead to job offers as Junior UX Designers or Junior Product Managers, giving you a strong start in your career.

What is a good SP internship?

Internships connect you with professionals, offering insights, networking, and real-world experience to guide your career choices. SP’s coaching boosts your confidence and employability. Exposure to various industries enhances decision-making, raises starting salaries, and expands business knowledge. A valuable internship offers meaningful work, learning opportunities, clear goals, and strong mentor support for professional growth.

Can you get overseas exposure while studying experience and product design? 

Overseas exposure helps broaden your horizons. Understanding globalization and working with diverse cultures is important in a global city like Singapore. experience and product design students and alumni have experienced international internships and exchanges, enriching their worldviews and career prospects. Students in other CCAs also have opportunities to represent Singapore abroad and gain international experience.

How can I gain a competitive edge while studying experience and product design? 

We know some of you want to take on more challenges. Stepping out of your comfort zone and being proactive is key. 

Past students have joined and won competitions like the Crowbar Awards and National University of Singapore's CNM Pitch-it Competition.

Winning these competitions boosts your confidence by testing your skills and knowledge. Competing helps you understand your strengths and areas for growth.

MAD-3Students

What are my options after attaining my Diploma in Media, Arts and Design (Experience and Product Design)? 

With a Diploma in Media, Arts and Design (Experience and Product Design), you can continue your education or start your career. 

Many SP graduates pursue degrees at local and international universities, with SP diplomas recognized by over 150 universities worldwide. Many receive over a year of advanced standing.

xpd-your-future

What career options are there in experience and product design? 

The experience and product design industry offers numerous career paths. Exploring various sectors helps you find the right full-time role. The demand for professionals in this field is strong as businesses seek innovative, user-friendly designs.

Career options: 

  • Experience Designer
  • Mobile App Designer
  • Product Designer
  • Service Designer
  • UI Designer
  • UX Researcher
  • UX Designer
  • Web Designer

 

Life after my Diploma in Media, Arts and Design (Experience and Product Design). 

Which degrees are most common among experience and product design graduates of SP? 

 Most students who pursue further education choose related fields or areas that complement their diplomas. Here are some common degrees our alumni have taken:

  • Bachelor of Arts (BA)
  • Bachelor of Science (BS or BSc)
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
  • Bachelor of Design (BDes)
  • Bachelor of Communication (BComm)

These degrees cover a range of fields and are offered by universities locally and internationally. SP graduates can apply to top universities and may get advanced standing. For more details, visit the Advanced Standing Database.

How may I fast-track my education? 

If you’re preparing for university and want to make the most of your diploma time, an SP diploma can let you fast-track your education by 0.5-2 years!

  • Module Exemptions & Advanced Standing — You can skip specific university modules at local and international universities.

 

What other professional certifications are available for experience and product design? 

To excel in experience and product design, consider these top industry certifications. Staying current with the latest tools and techniques is key. 

Certifications such as IDEO Design Thinking and Adobe Certified Professional for Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro, and After Effects are widely recognized. 

The skills you develop at SP give you a solid foundation to achieve these certifications and advance your design career.