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Rob Cowie

Take your career to the next level with this User Experience Design Masterclass, covering everything I've learned in 25 years as a Designer.

Whether you’re looking to get started in Design, change disciplines within Design or invest in your career growth, this is the course for you. Some of the topics covered include Designing your Career, Design Truths and Myths, Business and Design, Sustainable Design, Measuring UX, the ROI of UX, the Laws of UX, Behavioural Economics, Stakeholder Management, and Presenting your Solutions.

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Take your career to the next level with this User Experience Design Masterclass, covering everything I've learned in 25 years as a Designer.

Whether you’re looking to get started in Design, change disciplines within Design or invest in your career growth, this is the course for you. Some of the topics covered include Designing your Career, Design Truths and Myths, Business and Design, Sustainable Design, Measuring UX, the ROI of UX, the Laws of UX, Behavioural Economics, Stakeholder Management, and Presenting your Solutions.

We'll look at Design Research - practical examples of research surprises, where research might’ve helped, where it did help as well as research for validation and research for inspiration.

We’ll also take a deep dive into the Design Toolkit and learn about the design tools available to you and how to use them – focusing on the ones that you will be most likely to come across in your day to day work.

Finally, I’ll give you your own Design Project to work on - putting everything you've learned into practice.

The focus is on learning practical, real-world design skills that you can start using right now. Join me as I attempt  to cram 25 years of knowledge and experience into this course.

Enroll now

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction
Welcome
What we'll be covering
Understand what UX is and why it's become so important.
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Test your knowledge of User Experience.

Test your knowledge on Design Truths.

Test your knowledge on Design Myths.

Test your knowledge on Business and Design

Test your knowledge on Designing for the Environment.

Test your knowledge on Design Research.

Test your knowledge on Measuring UX.

Test your knowledge on Return on Investment.

Test your knowledge on Stakeholders.

Test your knowledge on the Laws of UX.

Test your knowledge on Behavioural Economics.

Submit a project based on what you’ve learned. Email your completed project in PDF, Powerpoint or Keynote format to: [email protected]

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Covers a wide range of topics, from design principles and research methods to stakeholder management and career development, providing a holistic view of UX design
Includes practical examples of research surprises and their implications, offering valuable insights into real-world design challenges and solutions
Explores the design implications of real-world research studies, which helps learners understand how research informs design decisions
Examines the ROI of UX, which helps learners understand the business value of design and how to measure its impact
Requires learners to submit a design project to achieve certification, which allows them to apply their knowledge and receive feedback
Features a section on sustainable design, which introduces learners to designing products in an environmentally conscious way

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Reviews summary

Practical ux design with expert insights

According to learners, this UX Design Masterclass provides a highly practical and comprehensive introduction to the field, heavily leveraging the instructor's extensive real-world experience. Students frequently highlight the value of learning actionable strategies and insights directly applicable to their work or career transition. The course covers a broad spectrum of essential UX topics, including research, toolkit usage, business considerations, and career development. The inclusion of a hands-on design project is widely appreciated as a crucial component for applying concepts and building a portfolio. While praised as a solid foundation ideal for beginners or those seeking career change, some students note that it may serve as an overview rather than a deep dive into every specific tool or advanced technique.
Valuable insights on the UX career path.
"The modules on the design career path and impostor syndrome were surprisingly helpful and motivating."
"I gained a much clearer understanding of how to navigate my career in UX after taking this course."
"Insights on stakeholder management and presenting work are practical skills crucial for career growth."
Comprehensive overview of the UX field.
"I was impressed by the wide range of topics covered, from research to ROI and behavioral economics."
"This masterclass provides a great landscape view of UX, touching upon many important areas."
"It covers all the fundamentals you need to know to get started or pivot into UX."
Apply learning with a capstone project.
"The final project was the perfect way to consolidate everything I learned and build confidence."
"Having a real design project to work on is invaluable for practical application and portfolio building."
"I found the project requirements clear and it really challenged me to put the concepts into practice."
Gain insights from a seasoned professional.
"The instructor's depth of experience shines through every module, providing invaluable perspectives."
"Rob is an excellent instructor who clearly knows his stuff and shares practical wisdom."
"His anecdotes and examples from past projects made the concepts much easier to grasp and relatable."
Learn skills directly applicable to work.
"This course is packed with practical, real-world advice that I can immediately start using in my job."
"I appreciated the emphasis on actionable strategies and the instructor's insights from his 25 years of experience."
"Finally, a UX course that focuses on how things actually work in the industry, not just theory."
Solid foundation, less advanced detail.
"It's an excellent starting point and overview, but some tools/methods could use deeper dives."
"Great for beginners or career changers, but experienced designers might find certain parts basic."
"While it covers many areas, it feels more like a comprehensive introduction than an advanced masterclass in every single topic."

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 UX Design Masterclass with these activities:
Review 'The Design of Everyday Things'
Establish a strong foundation in UX principles by understanding core concepts of usability and interaction design.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The Design of Everyday Things'.
  • Read the book, focusing on key concepts like affordances and signifiers.
  • Take notes on examples of good and bad design from the book.
Review basic statistics concepts
Strengthen your understanding of A/B testing and data analysis by reviewing fundamental statistical concepts.
Browse courses on Statistical Significance
Show steps
  • Review basic statistical concepts like mean, median, and standard deviation.
  • Understand hypothesis testing and statistical significance.
  • Practice applying these concepts to simple datasets.
Follow a tutorial on user research methods
Gain practical experience with user research techniques by following a step-by-step tutorial.
Show steps
  • Find a tutorial on a specific user research method (e.g., usability testing).
  • Follow the tutorial and conduct a small-scale user research study.
  • Document your findings and reflect on the process.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice usability testing with friends
Improve your usability testing skills through repeated practice and feedback.
Show steps
  • Find a website or app to test.
  • Recruit friends or family members to participate in usability tests.
  • Conduct usability tests, focusing on clear instructions and observation.
  • Analyze the results and identify usability issues.
Create a portfolio of UX design work
Showcase your UX design skills and projects in a professional portfolio.
Show steps
  • Select your best UX design projects to include in your portfolio.
  • Write detailed case studies for each project, highlighting your process and results.
  • Design a visually appealing and user-friendly portfolio website.
  • Get feedback on your portfolio from other designers.
Redesign a popular app
Apply your UX design skills to a real-world problem by redesigning a popular app.
Show steps
  • Choose a popular app that you think could be improved.
  • Conduct user research to identify pain points and opportunities.
  • Develop wireframes and prototypes for your redesign.
  • Test your redesign with users and iterate based on feedback.
Review '100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People'
Deepen your understanding of user behavior by exploring the psychological principles that influence design.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of '100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People'.
  • Read the book, focusing on the principles that resonate most with you.
  • Reflect on how you can apply these principles to your design work.

Career center

Learners who complete UX Design Masterclass will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
User Experience Designer
A User Experience Designer focuses on making products and services usable, enjoyable, and accessible. The daily work of a User Experience Designer involves user research, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing to create user-centered designs. This User Experience Design Masterclass helps build a foundation in understanding what User Experience is and why it's so important. The course specifically touches on design research, the design toolkit, measuring User Experience, and the Laws of User Experience, providing you with practical, real-world design skills you can start using immediately, mirroring the skills required for a User Experience Designer.
Interaction Designer
An Interaction Designer focuses on how users interact with a digital product, ensuring a smooth and intuitive experience. The daily work of an Interaction Designer includes designing interactive elements, creating prototypes, and conducting usability testing. This User Experience Design Masterclass helps build a foundation in interaction design principles. The course offers practical knowledge of design tools, usability testing, and prototyping techniques for creating user-centered solutions. By learning about design research, stakeholder management, and presenting solutions, you'll be well-prepared to excel as an Interaction Designer.
Usability Analyst
A Usability Analyst evaluates the usability of products and services to identify areas for improvement. The role of a Usability Analyst involves conducting usability testing, analyzing user feedback, and making recommendations to enhance the user experience. This User Experience Design Masterclass helps build a strong foundation for usability analysis. The course focuses on measuring User Experience, applying the Laws of User Experience, and using the design toolkit for testing and evaluation. Learning about A/B testing, remote testing, and heuristic reviews helps you gain the skills needed to effectively analyze and improve usability.
UX Researcher
A User Experience Researcher plans and conducts user research to gather insights that inform design decisions. The typical work of a UX Researcher involves conducting interviews, surveys, and usability tests to understand user behaviors and needs. This User Experience Design Masterclass helps build a foundation for User Experience researchers, especially with its deep dive into design research. The course explores practical examples of research surprises, where research would have helped, where it did help, as well as research for validation and inspiration. By learning about research methodologies and how to apply them, you'll be well-equipped to improve the usability and effectiveness of designs.
Product Designer
A Product Designer is involved in the entire product development lifecycle, from ideation to launch, focusing on creating user-centered products that meet business goals. A Product Designer's daily work includes conducting user research, designing prototypes, and collaborating with engineers and marketers. This User Experience Design Masterclass helps build a foundation in understanding the end-to-end design process. The course touches on design thinking, the design toolkit, and stakeholder management, offering practical insights into creating sustainable and effective products.
Service Designer
A Service Designer focuses on designing and improving services to ensure they are user-friendly, efficient, and effective. The work of a Service Designer includes mapping service blueprints, conducting user research, and collaborating with stakeholders to create seamless service experiences. This User Experience Design Masterclass helps build a foundation in service design principles. The course covers sustainable design, stakeholder management, and various research methods. By understanding how to apply design thinking and measure the User Experience, you'll be better equipped to design and improve services that meet user needs and business goals.
Design Manager
A Design Manager leads and mentors a team of designers, ensuring that design projects are completed on time and within budget. The work of a Design Manager involves setting design direction, providing feedback, and fostering a collaborative and creative environment. This User Experience Design Masterclass helps build a foundation for design management. The course covers the design career path, stakeholder management, and presenting work effectively. By understanding the different roles within a design team and how to manage stakeholders, you'll be well-prepared to lead and inspire a successful design team.
Customer Experience Manager
A Customer Experience Manager focuses on improving the overall experience customers have with a company, from initial contact to ongoing engagement. A Customer Experience Manager's daily work involves gathering customer feedback, analyzing customer journeys, and implementing strategies to enhance satisfaction and loyalty. This User Experience Design Masterclass helps develop your understanding of user-centered design and stakeholder management, which are critical for improving customer experiences. Learning about customer journey mapping, customer experience cycles, and human-centered observation helps you gain insights into creating positive and effective customer interactions.
Design Strategist
A Design Strategist aligns design initiatives with business objectives, ensuring that design efforts contribute to the overall success of an organization. The role of a Design Strategist involves conducting research, analyzing market trends, and developing design strategies that drive innovation and growth. This User Experience Design Masterclass helps build a foundation for design strategy. The course emphasizes the intersection of business and design, return on investment, and stakeholder management. By understanding how to measure User Experience and present design solutions effectively, you'll be well-prepared to develop and implement successful design strategies.
User Interface Designer
A User Interface Designer focuses on the visual elements of a digital product, ensuring it is aesthetically pleasing and easy to navigate. The role of a User Interface Designer involves creating layouts, choosing color palettes, and designing interactive elements. This User Experience Design Masterclass may be useful for someone pursuing this path due to its insights into intuitive user interface design and the design toolkit. Furthermore, this course helps prepare you for the process of designing for both stakeholders and end-users, helping you to create interfaces that are both visually appealing and usable.
UX Writer
A User Experience Writer focuses on crafting clear, concise, and helpful text for digital interfaces. The work of a UX Writer involves writing microcopy, error messages, and help content to improve the user experience. This User Experience Design Masterclass may be useful for a UX writer. The course places emphasis on user-centered design and usability testing, which are crucial for crafting effective microcopy. By understanding user needs and conducting usability tests, you'll be well-equipped to write clear and helpful text that enhances the user experience.
Information Architect
An Information Architect organizes and structures content in a way that is easily understandable and accessible to users. The work of an Information Architect includes creating sitemaps, wireframes, and navigation systems to improve usability. This User Experience Design Masterclass may be useful for an Information Architect, providing insights into information architecture principles within the design toolkit. The course helps you learn about mental models, card sorting, and contextual inquiry, which are essential for structuring content effectively.
Accessibility Specialist
An Accessibility Specialist ensures that digital products and services are usable by people with disabilities. The work of an Accessibility Specialist involves conducting accessibility audits, providing recommendations for improvement, and training development teams on accessibility best practices. This User Experience Design Masterclass may be useful for someone in this field. The course’s emphasis on user-centered design and the laws of UX can help you create more inclusive and accessible products. By learning about usability testing and understanding diverse user needs, you'll be well-equipped to advocate for and implement accessibility standards.
Content Strategist
A Content Strategist plans, develops, and manages content to achieve specific business goals. The role of a Content Strategist involves conducting content audits, developing content calendars, and ensuring that content is aligned with user needs. This User Experience Design Masterclass may be helpful for a content strategist. The course emphasizes user research, information architecture, and presenting work effectively. By understanding how to create user-centered designs and present information clearly, you will be well-equipped to develop and implement effective content strategies.
Digital Strategist
A Digital Strategist develops and implements digital strategies to achieve business objectives. The work of a Digital Strategist involves analyzing market trends, identifying opportunities, and developing comprehensive digital plans that drive growth and engagement. This User Experience Design Masterclass may be useful for a digital strategist. The course emphasizes design thinking, measuring the user experience, and stakeholder management. By understanding how to create user-centered designs and measure their impact, you'll be well-equipped to develop and implement successful digital strategies.

Reading list

We've selected two 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 UX Design Masterclass.
Foundational text in UX design, covering principles of usability and interaction design. It provides a strong understanding of how people interact with objects and systems. Reading this book before the course will give you a solid base for understanding the concepts discussed in the masterclass. It's a highly recommended read for anyone serious about UX.
Provides insights into human psychology and how it relates to design. It covers a wide range of topics, from visual perception to motivation. Reading this book after the course will help you deepen your understanding of user behavior and create more effective designs. It serves as a valuable reference for applying psychological principles to UX design.

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