Foundations of User Experience (UX) Design

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/foundations-user-experience-design

Introduction

### Course Review: Foundations of User Experience (UX) Design **Overview** The "Foundations of User Experience (UX) Design" course on Coursera is an essential starting point for anyone looking to embark on a career in UX design. This introductory course is the first in a comprehensive series of seven, designed to equip learners with the foundational skills essential for entry-level jobs in the ever-evolving field of UX design. With a focus on creating enjoyable and accessible interactions across various digital and physical products, this course promises to provide a robust understanding of how to prioritize user experience. --- **Course Syllabus Breakdown** 1. **Introducing User Experience Design** The course kicks off with an engaging introduction to the field of UX design. Learners will explore what constitutes a great user experience and how UX designers facilitate better interactions. The segment delves into the collaborative nature of the UX design process, including team dynamics and the expectations surrounding the Google UX Design Certificate. This foundational knowledge sets the stage for aspiring designers to understand their future roles and responsibilities. 2. **Thinking Like a UX Designer** The course emphasizes a user-centered design approach, prompting learners to adopt the mindset of a UX designer. This module covers the key principles of inclusive design and accessibility, ensuring that students recognize the importance of creating products that are usable for all individuals, regardless of their abilities. Furthermore, students will learn how to think across various platforms, an essential skill in today's multi-device world. 3. **Joining Design Sprints** Design sprints are pivotal in the UX design process, and this course segment highlights their importance. Students will learn the phases of a design sprint and gain insights on how to effectively plan and contribute to these collaborative sessions. The integration of retrospectives allows students to reflect on their design processes critically, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. 4. **Integrating Research into the Design Process** Research is the backbone of effective UX design, and this module provides in-depth knowledge on integrating research into the design workflow. Learners will explore various UX research methods, understanding their practical applications, advantages, and limitations. The course also emphasizes awareness of potential biases in research, crucial for delivering user-centered designs. --- **Course Experience** The "Foundations of User Experience (UX) Design" course is well-structured, thoughtfully designed, and highly accessible for beginners. The content is delivered through a combination of engaging video lectures, interactive exercises, and practical assignments that push learners to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. One of the standout features of this course is its focus on collaborative projects and peer feedback, which not only enhance the learning experience but also mimic the team-oriented nature of professional UX design environments. The course content is enriched by insights from experienced industry professionals, providing students with valuable perspectives on current UX trends and best practices. --- **Recommendation** I highly recommend the "Foundations of User Experience (UX) Design" course for anyone considering a career in UX design. It lays a solid groundwork for understanding the principles of user experience while also fostering critical thinking and analytical skills. Whether you are a complete novice or looking to refresh your knowledge, this course serves as a crucial stepping stone to more advanced concepts in the UX field. With the demand for skilled UX designers only expected to rise, completing this course will not only enhance your resume but also empower you with the tools needed to create impactful user experiences. Enroll today and take the first step towards becoming a proficient UX designer!

Syllabus

Introducing user experience design

User experience (UX) designers focus on the experience that users have while using products like websites, apps, and physical objects. UX designers make those everyday interactions useful, enjoyable, and accessible. In the first part of this course, you'll be introduced to the world of UX and the factors that contribute to great user experience design. You'll understand the job of a UX designer and teams that UX designers often work with. You’ll also get to know more about the expectations of the Google UX Design Certificate.

UX designers always put the user first. In this part of the course, you'll be introduced to user-centered design and one of the design frameworks that UX designers use on the job. You'll also learn about design best practices, including the importance of inclusive design and accessibility when designing. In addition, you'll learn how to think across platforms to design seamless user experiences.

UX designers often participate in design sprints to define the direction of a product. In this part of the course, you'll explore the world of design sprints, including the phases of a design sprint and how to plan and participate in one. You'll also learn about retrospectives, which is a way to constructively reflect on a design sprint and identify areas of improvement to implement next time.

As a UX designer, it's your job to put the user front-and-center in everything you do. In this part of the course, you'll explore the role of research in the design process to help you better understand and empathize with users. You'll also learn about the benefits and drawbacks of common UX research methods. And, you'll identify and account for biases that can arise when conducting research.