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Microsoft

This course explores the core concepts of User Experience Design (UXD) and Human-Centered Design (HCD). It introduces design thinking and how it is used in UX/UI design. It will also cover UX roles and responsibilities. Finally, learners will start work on a portfolio of their designs.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to user experience design
This module explores the core principles of User Experience Design (UXD) and Human-Centered Design (HCD), highlighting the value proposition of UXD for both businesses and users. It delves into how design can influence user behavior and the impact of UX design on the overall user experience.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Introduces design thinking and its application in UX/UI design
Covers the roles and responsibilities of UX designers
Provides foundational knowledge in User Experience Design (UXD) and Human-Centered Design (HCD)
Guides learners in creating a UX portfolio to showcase their skills
Suitable for individuals interested in transitioning into UX design
Taught by Microsoft, a reputable organization in the tech industry

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Reviews summary

Foundational ui/ux for aspiring designers

According to students, 'Fundamentals of UI/UX Design' is a largely positive experience, particularly for absolute beginners and career changers seeking an entry point into the field. Learners consistently praise the course for providing a solid foundational understanding of core concepts like Human-Centered Design and the Design Thinking framework. Many highlight the clear and concise explanations, making complex ideas accessible. The inclusion of a portfolio project is frequently cited as a game-changer for career aspirations. However, some with prior experience find the content too basic, wishing for more advanced tools or deeper UI principles.
Instructor provides clear, easy-to-understand explanations.
"The instructor's explanations were clear and concise, making complex topics easy to grasp."
"It broke down complex topics into digestible parts and gave me confidence."
"The instructor was engaging, which made the learning experience much better."
Guides learners in building a crucial portfolio for their career.
"The portfolio project at the end was incredibly helpful for starting my career."
"The portfolio project guidance was a game-changer. I feel much more confident pursuing a role in this field now."
"I used the portfolio project as a starting point for my actual portfolio. It gave me a clear roadmap..."
Excellent coverage of Design Thinking and Human-Centered Design.
"The modules on design thinking frameworks were eye-opening."
"I appreciated the practical exercises. I think the section on human-centered design was particularly insightful."
"The design thinking process was explained perfectly. I found it really helpful."
Perfect for those new to UI/UX, demystifying core concepts.
"This course was an amazing introduction to UI/UX! I learned so much... Highly recommend for beginners!"
"Absolutely brilliant! As someone new to design, this course demystified UI/UX."
"Fantastic! As a career changer, this course was exactly what I needed. It broke down complex topics into digestible parts..."
May feel too basic for those with prior design experience.
"For me, with some prior graphic design experience, it felt a bit too basic and sometimes repetitive."
"Expected more depth. While it introduces topics like design thinking, it only scratches the surface."
"I was hoping for more practical UI design exercises and modern tool usage. The portfolio project was a nice idea but didn't feel robust enough."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Fundamentals of UI/UX Design with these activities:
Review UX fundamentals
Review the principles of UXD and HCD before the class starts to refresh your understanding and build a strong foundation for the course.
Show steps
  • Read the course syllabus and preview the course materials.
  • Review articles, books, or online resources on UXD and HCD.
Explore UX design tools
Familiarize yourself with the tools and software commonly used in UX design early in the course to become comfortable with them.
Browse courses on UX Design Tools
Show steps
  • Follow tutorials on how to use popular UX design tools such as Figma, Adobe XD, or Sketch.
Practice design thinking exercises
Engage in design thinking exercises regularly to practice applying the concepts you're learning during the course.
Browse courses on Design Thinking
Show steps
  • Identify a problem statement and brainstorm solutions.
  • Create a user persona and use it to guide your design.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Participate in peer review sessions
Engage in peer review sessions to get constructive feedback on your UX work and learn from others.
Browse courses on Peer Review
Show steps
  • Join a peer review group or find a partner.
  • Share your work and actively participate in discussions.
Create a UX portfolio project
Develop a portfolio project that showcases your UX skills and helps you stand out to potential employers.
Browse courses on UX Portfolio
Show steps
  • Identify a UX design problem and create a solution.
  • Build a prototype and conduct user testing.
  • Create a case study to document your process and results.
Attend UX design meetups or conferences
Attend industry events to connect with professionals, learn about trends, and expand your knowledge beyond the classroom.
Show steps
  • Search for UX design meetups or conferences in your area.
  • Register and actively participate in the events.

Career center

Learners who complete Fundamentals of UI/UX Design will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 26 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Fundamentals of UI/UX Design.
Provides a foundational understanding of Design Thinking from the CEO of IDEO, a leading design firm. It explains the principles and process of Design Thinking and how it can be applied to drive innovation in various organizations and aspects of life. It's an excellent starting point for gaining a broad understanding of the topic. An updated edition was published in 2019.
Argues for the importance of Design Thinking in business strategy and achieving a competitive advantage. It's particularly relevant for those in business programs or working professionals looking to understand the strategic implications of Design Thinking.
Written by the founders of IDEO, this book focuses on unlocking creativity, a crucial element of Design Thinking. It provides insights and exercises to help individuals and teams build confidence in their creative abilities and apply them to problem-solving.
Explores how Design Thinking can be applied to address complex social problems and drive innovation in the social sector. It provides case studies and practical insights for those interested in using Design Thinking for social impact.
This playbook offers a comprehensive guide to applying Design Thinking for digital transformation. It's a relevant resource for understanding how Design Thinking intersects with contemporary digital challenges.
Companion to 'The Design Thinking Playbook,' this toolbox provides a detailed guide to various Design Thinking methods and tools. It serves as a practical reference for practitioners looking to deepen their understanding and application of specific techniques.
This collection of articles from Harvard Business Review offers various perspectives on Design Thinking and its application in business. It's a good resource for gaining a broader understanding of how Design Thinking is viewed and utilized in the business world.
Provides a practical guide to user-centered design, with a focus on designing products that are both usable and enjoyable.
Delves into inclusive design, a critical contemporary topic in Design Thinking. It highlights the importance of designing for diverse needs and perspectives, adding a crucial layer to understanding human-centered design.
Serves as a comprehensive reference of design principles, providing a broad understanding of concepts relevant to Design Thinking and user experience. It's a useful resource for both beginners and experienced practitioners to reference key design concepts.
Focuses on creating an organizational culture that embraces design and innovation. It's relevant for leaders and managers looking to instill Design Thinking principles throughout their company.
Great resource for students and beginners in UX design and anyone involved in creating experiences. It offers a practical framework and methods for designing meaningful experiences, aligning well with the human-centered aspect of Design Thinking.
Delves into the role of emotions in product design, providing insights that can help UX designers create portfolios that elicit positive user reactions.
Delves into how to create visuals and case studies to best present and communicate your UX design experience and expertise.
Specifically aimed at students, this textbook guides readers through applying Design Thinking to team-based projects. It focuses on developing employability skills through practical application of Design Thinking, making it highly relevant for university students.
This guide offers a concise and practical 6-step process for applying Design Thinking. It's a good resource for beginners looking for a straightforward approach to getting started with Design Thinking.
While this book is not specifically about UX portfolios, it offers invaluable insights into the UX design field and building a successful career, which can be beneficial for portfolio development.
Provides a comprehensive overview of gamification, covering the different aspects of gamification and how to apply them to create more engaging and motivating experiences.
Provides a comprehensive overview of mental models, covering the different aspects of mental models and how to apply them to create more usable and enjoyable products.
Provides a comprehensive overview of UX design, covering the different aspects of UX design and how to apply them to create more usable and enjoyable products.

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