Diploma in Intelligent Surfaces “Hidden-until-Lit”
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in “hidden-until-lit” smart surfaces: 8 modules covering semi-translucent materials, hidden graphics and lighting, sensors and interaction, IME manufacturing, ergonomics and regulations (UNECE R21, UNECE R121, ISO 15008) and user validation, with an assigned technical tutor.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Explain the hidden-until-lit surface concept and its usability risks.
Select semi-translucent decorative materials according to transmittance and durability.
Design hidden graphics and lighting with high contrast and no light leakage.
Integrate capacitive sensors and haptics beneath decorative surfaces.
Compare manufacturing processes such as IME and IMD.
Verify compliance with UNECE R121, R21 and ISO 15008.
Validate discoverability, distraction and perceived quality with users.
Who it's for
- CMF designers looking to master hidden-until-lit decorative surfaces.
- Structural electronics engineers working on IME and printed electronics.
- HMI designers who define controls and their visual behaviour.
- Interior lighting engineers responsible for backlighting and ambient effects.
- Injection process engineers involved in back-injection and film moulding.
- Perceived quality specialists evaluating premium interior surfaces.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to enter the automotive industry.
What you'll work with
- UNECE R21 (interior fittings)
- UNECE R121 (identification of controls, tell-tales and indicators)
- ISO 15008 (legibility of in-vehicle visual presentations)
- ISO 2575 (symbols for controls and indicators)
- UNECE R10 (electromagnetic compatibility)
- ISO 16750-4 (environmental conditions: climatic loads)
- IEC 62471 (photobiological safety of lamps)
- FMVSS 302 (flammability of interior materials)
- Ansys Speos
- Altium Designer
- CATIA V5
- KeyShot
- Figma
8 modules
1.1Origin of the hidden-until-lit effect1.2Calm surfaces versus control density1.3Interior and exterior use cases1.4Perceived quality and the surprise effect1.5Balancing aesthetics and discoverability1.6Daytime and night-time use scenarios1.7Market trends1.8Usability risks1.9Cost versus perceived value1.10Case study: analysis of three market solutions
2.1Thin wood veneers and their translucency2.2Perforated leathers and microfibres2.3Tinted plastics and the dead-front effect2.4IMD and IML decorative films2.5Semi-transparent paints and inks2.6Thin metallisation and semi-transparent PVD2.7Stone and thin mineral laminates2.8Measuring transmittance and uniformity2.9Ageing of translucent materials2.10Lab: transmittance measurement of decorative samples
3.1LED backlighting and light guides3.2Masks, screen printing and laser etching3.3Contrast of lit symbols3.4Light leakage and halos3.5Brightness uniformity across symbols3.6Switch-on animations and transitions3.7Adaptive day and night brightness3.8Illumination colour and brand consistency3.9Optical simulation of the effect3.10Practical exercise: design of a backlit symbol mask
4.1Capacitive sensors beneath decorative surfaces4.2Proximity detection and surface wake-up4.3Force and piezoelectric sensing beneath the surface4.4Integrated haptic feedback4.5Rejection of accidental touches4.6Operation with gloves and moisture4.7Printed electronics and IME4.8Sensor firmware and calibration4.9Diagnostics and reliability4.10Lab: calibration of a hidden capacitive button
5.1In-mould electronics (IME)5.2Thermoforming of printed films5.3Back-injection and encapsulation5.4Assembly of LEDs and sensors5.5Bonding of wood veneers and leathers5.6In-line optical quality control5.7Yield and rejects5.8Aftersales repair and replacement5.9Costs by technology5.10Case study: comparison of IME versus conventional assembly
6.1Control identification under UNECE R1216.2Graphical symbols per ISO 25756.3Legibility according to ISO 150086.4Controls visible in sunlight conditions6.5Interior fittings under UNECE R216.6Head impact and edges6.7Electromagnetic compatibility under UNECE R106.8Environmental testing per ISO 16750-46.9Requirements for mandatory always-visible controls6.10Case study: regulatory assessment of a hidden hazard-warning control
7.1Discoverability testing7.2Search times and errors7.3Distraction and eyes-off-road glances7.4Perceived quality assessment7.5Ageing and colour drift testing7.6Vibration and temperature testing7.7User clinics7.8Design iteration7.9Validation report7.10Practical exercise: discoverability test with users
8.1Choice of part and functions8.2Selection of the decorative material8.3Graphic design and lighting8.4Sensor integration8.5Functional prototype8.6User validation8.7Manufacturing analysis8.8Regulatory assessment8.9Report and presentation8.10Final project: final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There is no fixed timetable: you progress at your own pace within the intake, so the programme is compatible with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Ansys Speos, Altium Designer, CATIA V5, KeyShot and Figma, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures for measuring transmittance and luminous uniformity, functional prototypes with capacitive sensors, and discoverability and distraction tests with users. Assessment is continuous by module plus the final project.
Standards covered: UNECE R21, UNECE R121, ISO 15008, ISO 2575, UNECE R10, ISO 16750-4, IEC 62471, FMVSS 302.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer able to run the programme software.
- English sufficient to read technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 800 hours over 6–8 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with Ansys Speos, Altium Designer, CATIA V5, KeyShot and Figma, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the final project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.
Yes. Modules passed are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector; no university degree is required, plus an internet connection, a computer able to run the programme software and English sufficient to read technical standards.
Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.
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