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Joe Natoli

Are your web conversion rates low? Do you know whether your web site is effective at meeting your goals?  Do users get "stuck" and aren't able to complete the tasks they want to?  Are your forms effective? How can your mobile app be improved?  It's becoming easier and easier to create web sites and mobile apps But harder and harder to measure the effectiveness of these applications. In Joe Natoli's well-designed course User Experience Design Fundamentals you'll learn how to create effective web sites, mobile sites and mobile applications that encourage conversions and leave users wanting more.  It's not enough to simply have a web presence you must have a web presence that's effective to be successful.  In this dynamic course Joe will expand on Jesse James Garrett's pioneering model of the critical elements of user experience strategy, scope, structure, skeleton and surface. As you learn you'll be able to apply the knowledge Joe teaches in dynamic lab exercises and later to your own work as a developer or designer.  If you're a designer moving into a more complex digital world or a developer who has to occasionally function as a designer as well, this course is for you. You'll feel more confident as you make design related decisions about layout, color, information, design and typography after completing this exciting course. 

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Understand user experience design and why it's important
  • Understand the elements of user experience
  • Understand how the elements of user experience work together
  • Understand strategy as an element of user experience
  • Understand the research process
  • Identify business goals, and user needs
  • Understand scope as an element of user experience
  • Create a functional specification
  • Learn how to develop content requirements
  • Learn to prioritize specs and requirements
  • Understand structure as an element of user experience
  • Architect information effectively
  • Understand organizing principles for digital media
  • Understand skeleton as an element of user experience
  • Understand navigation design
  • Create an effective information design
  • Learn to create wireframes
  • Understand surface as an element of user experience
  • Learn visual design principles
  • Understand contrast and uniformity
  • Learn the best use of color and typography
  • Understand a/b testing processes
  • Learn resources available to assist with user experience design process
  • Show more
  • Show less

Syllabus

What is User Experience Design?
This video will give you a brief description about what User Experience Design accomplishes and how it works. You will be told a story, which will help illustrate how important User Experience Design is to your audience.
Read more
Explained in this video, is what UXD is not. The instructor will cover the common misconceptions of UXD.
Your instructor will cover the formal definition of what UXD consists of, along with why it's important. The key points as to what UXD is all about will be explained.

This video will explain why UXD is imperative and how it can greatly affect how others perceive your project

Understanding the Elements of User Experience

This first video of chapter 2 will explain how you can gear your website and/or app towards the group of people you are targeting. By using simple methods, you can ensure that your project will be a success.

You will be prompted to strategize in this video. You will be shown how to ask yourself the proper questions in order to enhance your user's experience.
This video will go into depth about how the elements explained in this chapter are necessary for UXD. 
Using the Elements - Strategy
This video will outline the steps that need to be taken in order to properly research how to execute your strategy. 
Your instructor will cover specific questions you need to ask yourself in order to identify your business goals. This will be greatly helpful in the strategy element of UXD.
Learn how to create a "value loop" in order to engage your user. You will be shown to to identify what they need when visiting your website or app.
This video will explain what B2C means and how to properly engage consumers.
This video will prompt you to look at what is worth doing and what is a waste of your time when it comes to UXD.
Learn how your user first views your website or app and how to engage them based on what they are looking for.
This video will give an overview of what was covered in this chapter. Your instructor summarizes what the strategy element entails.
This video will challenge you to come up with a strategy for your project and prioritize your goals.
Using the Elements - Scope
This extremely in-depth and detailed video will explain to you what scope is and how it will enhance UXD.
By using functional specifications you will be able to differentiate between software tasks and information.
This video covers all types of content including writing and images, and shows you how important it is to UXD
Joe will explain to you how to create requirements in this video.
This video will explain how to prioritize your requirements, what gets included, and what questions you need to ask yourself in order to benefit your business.
This video will go over what was covered in this chapter, along with defining scope, and how to generate requirements.
This exercise will prompt you to come up with a product evolution plan in order to implement the scope element successfully.
Using the Elements - Structure
This video will define what structure is and cover topics including categories of information, interaction design, and information architecture.

Joe will cover what's important in interaction design. He will go over 5 principles to enhance your users' experience and how they interact with your website and/ or app. He will also go over various other key points in interaction design.

This video will show you how the information with your site or app should be structured so your users will be able to navigate through it with ease.
Learn how to organize your site by using nodes, facets, and specific rules of thumb.
This video will illustrate how to assign functions for each page within your website or app.
This video will go over what was covered in this chapter and discuss the key points of structure.

Instructor Joe challenges you to look at how information is accessed across different platforms. In this lab, you will learn how different forms of media have different layouts and ways of delivering information.

Using the Elements - Skeleton
Joe will discuss what the skeleton element includes, such as interface design, navigation design, and information design.

Interface design includes predictability, simplicity, and intuitiveness. This video will demonstrate how to properly execute your interface design.

In this video, you will be shown the importance of navigation design and how to administer it effectively on your website or app. You will learn multiple ways in which this can be done, including how to design your site map.
This video will explain what your users are used to seeing and how that can effect their experience on your website or app. Your instructor will also cover how to show your users how to do whatever it is they need to do while they are on your site.
Your instructor Joe will explain how important the quality of the content on your website or app is, along with how to properly organize it.
This video will explain what wireframes are, why they are important, and how to make them look similar across all platforms
This video will go over what was covered in this chapter and discuss the key points of the skeleton element.
This lab will have you critically thinking about how a large website is structured, and will offer insight as to how your website or app should be set up.
Using the Elements - Surface
This video will help you understand what the surface element of UXD is. Visible language and organization are covered in this video.

Alignment, proximity, repetition and contract will be explained in this video and how they are pertinent to the surface element.

Learn where your user's eye goes first when they visit your website or app. This video will show you the F-Pattern, as well as the Z-Pattern. This will help you determine how to layout your project.
Contrast and uniformity work hand-in-hand to enhance a user's experience. Learn how to grab the user's attention while not overwhelming them in this video.
Consistency in visual design allows users to build an accurate mental model of the way the site, app, or system works. Learn how to properly execute consistency in this video.
This video will show you exactly how color and font can play a huge role in UXD. These features can make or break your project, and by determining how to properly use these tools, you will have success with your website or app.
This video will give you an overview of what was covered in this chapter. Your instructor summarizes what the surface element entails.
This lab will ask you to view other websites and analyze them by asking critical questions about the appearance. This will help you in designing your project. 
Takeaways and Resources
Instructor Joe will give you some of his final thoughts on UXD and briefly summarize the course. He will go over the elements along with what needs to be done in order to execute a successful UXD.

This video will show you how to choose your tools and techniques, along with how certain strategies work to your (and your user's) advantage.

In this helpful video, Joe will provide website which will assist you in the wireframing and prototyping of your site. They are all extremely easy to use and they each have their own advantages.
This video will explain how and why you need to test your website. Your instructor will also provide different websites that specialize in A/B testing.
This video explains the importance of content inventory and also points out great software that can help you with taking your inventory.

Instructor Joe will tell you about why you need to gather feedback from your users and will also show you some great software that will assist you in conducting your testing.

Knowing how your website is performing is essential in making it a success. This video will show you how to properly monitor your site's popularity in search engines by using different analytics software.
Wrapping up this course, Joe provides you with a few websites that can assist you in furthering your education about UXD.
Bonus Lecture: Working with Clients and Stakeholders

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores UXD principles that are standard in web and mobile design
Taught by Joe Natoli, who is recognized for his work in User Experience Design
Develops comprehensive understanding of User Experience Design, which is a core skill for web and mobile designers
Features videos, readings, discussions, and hands-on labs for multi-modal learning
Provides up-to-date examples and best practices for UXD
Students should come with some design experience

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Reviews summary

User experience design fundamentals

learners say the course is a great introduction to User Experience Design fundamentals. They found the content comprehensive, well-organized, and informative. The instructor was praised for being knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and engaging. Overall, learners felt the course helped them develop a solid understanding of the principles and processes of UX design and prepared them for further study or work in the field. According to students, some of the key strengths of the course include: - In-depth coverage of the five planes of UX design (strategy, scope, structure, skeleton, surface) - Real-world examples and case studies to illustrate concepts - Clear and concise explanations - Engaging and enthusiastic instructor - Well-structured and organized content Some of the weaknesses of the course that students mentioned include: - Some sections were too theoretical and not enough practical examples. - The course lacked downloadable slides or other materials for reference. - Some of the videos were too long and could have been broken up into smaller chunks. - The course lacked exercises or quizzes to test understanding. Overall, the course is highly rated by learners and is recommended for anyone interested in learning about UX design fundamentals.
Strategy - Defining the purpose and goals of the product or service. Scope - Determining the features and functionality that will be included in the product or service. Structure - Organizing the content and functionality of the product or service in a logical and user-friendly way. Skeleton - Creating the visual design of the product or service, including the layout, typography, and color scheme. Surface - Adding the finishing touches to the product or service, such as the user interface and the overall look and feel.
"In order to create a successful product or service, it is important to understand the five planes of UX design: strategy, scope, structure, skeleton, and surface."
User-centered design: The focus of UX design should be on the needs and goals of the user. Iterative design: UX design is an iterative process that involves testing and refining the product or service based on user feedback. Aesthetics: The visual design of the product or service should be appealing and consistent with the brand. Accessibility: The product or service should be accessible to users of all abilities.
"There are a number of key principles that should be followed when designing a user experience."
User research: User research is essential for understanding the needs and goals of users. Prototyping: Prototyping is a way to create a tangible representation of the product or service that can be used for testing and feedback. Usability testing: Usability testing is a way to evaluate the usability of the product or service with real users. Information architecture: Information architecture is the practice of organizing and structuring content in a way that is easy for users to find and understand.
"There are a number of tools and resources that can be used to help with UX design."

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 User Experience Design Fundamentals with these activities:
Review and Organize Course Materials
Reinforces key concepts by reviewing and organizing course materials.
Browse courses on User Experience Design
Show steps
  • Gather all course materials, including lectures, readings, and assignments.
  • Review the materials and identify key concepts.
  • Organize the materials into a logical structure.
Build a Personal Portfolio Website
Develops a tangible showcase of UX skills and provides motivation for continued learning.
Browse courses on User Experience Design
Show steps
  • Identify the purpose and target audience for your portfolio.
  • Design and develop your portfolio website.
  • Populate your portfolio with your best UX work.
Utilize Tools for UX Design
Expands a student's toolbox by introducing them to essential UX design tools.
Browse courses on User Experience Design
Show steps
  • Research and identify relevant UX design tools.
  • Follow tutorials to learn how to use these tools.
  • Practice using the tools on personal projects.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Read 'The User Experience Team of One' by Leah Buley
Establishes a solid foundation in UX best practices by reading a highly relevant book about the topic.
Show steps
  • Acquire the book (purchase, rent, or borrow).
  • Read the book and take notes on key concepts.
  • Identify areas where you can apply these concepts to your own work.
Design a User Interface for a Mobile Application
Develops practical skills in designing and prototyping user interfaces.
Browse courses on User Experience Design
Show steps
  • Identify the goals and target audience for the mobile application.
  • Create a user flow for the application.
  • Design the user interface for the application.
  • Prototype the application using a tool like Figma or Adobe XD.
Develop a UX Strategy for a Real-World Project
Provides practical experience in applying UX principles by developing a strategy for a real-world project.
Browse courses on User Experience Design
Show steps
  • Identify a real-world project that you are interested in.
  • Research the target audience and their needs.
  • Develop a user persona.
  • Create a user journey map.
  • Develop a UX strategy document.
Conduct A/B Testing on a Website or App
Develops expertise in A/B testing by conducting it on a real-world website or app.
Browse courses on User Experience Design
Show steps
  • Identify a website or app that you have access to.
  • Develop two different versions of a webpage or feature.
  • Conduct an A/B test on the two versions.
  • Analyze the results of the test.
  • Make improvements to the website or app based on the results.

Career center

Learners who complete User Experience Design Fundamentals will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
User Experience Designer
User Experience (UX) Designers are responsible for the overall user experience of a product or service. They work to make sure that the product is easy to use, visually appealing, and meets the needs of the user. This course will help you develop the skills you need to become a successful UX Designer by teaching you the principles of UX design, as well as how to use research and testing to improve the user experience. If you are interested in a career in UX Design, this course is a great place to start.
Mobile App Designer
Mobile App Designers are responsible for the design and development of mobile apps. They work to create apps that are visually appealing, easy to use, and meet the needs of the user. This course will help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Mobile App Designer by teaching you the principles of mobile app design, as well as how to use mobile development tools and technologies. If you are interested in a career in Mobile App Design, this course is a great place to start.
Web Designer
Web Designers are responsible for the design and development of websites. They work to create websites that are visually appealing, easy to use, and meet the needs of the user. This course will help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Web Designer by teaching you the principles of web design, as well as how to use web development tools and technologies. If you are interested in a career in Web Design, this course is a great place to start.
Product Manager
Product Managers are responsible for the overall development and management of a product or service. They work to ensure that the product meets the needs of the user and is successful in the market. This course will help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Product Manager by teaching you the principles of product management, as well as how to use research and testing to improve the product. If you are interested in a career in Product Management, this course is a great place to start.
Interaction Designer
Interaction Designers are responsible for the design of the user interface of a product or service. They work to create interfaces that are easy to use and visually appealing. This course will help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Interaction Designer by teaching you the principles of interaction design, as well as how to use research and testing to improve the user interface. If you are interested in a career in Interaction Design, this course is a great place to start.
Information Architect
Information Architects are responsible for the organization and structure of information. They work to create systems that make it easy for users to find and use the information they need. This course will help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Information Architect by teaching you the principles of information architecture, as well as how to use research and testing to improve the organization of information. If you are interested in a career in Information Architecture, this course is a great place to start.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers are responsible for the development and execution of marketing campaigns. They work to create campaigns that are effective in reaching the target audience and achieving the desired results. This course will help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Marketing Manager by teaching you the principles of marketing, as well as how to use research and testing to improve the effectiveness of marketing campaigns. If you are interested in a career in Marketing, this course is a great place to start.
Content Strategist
Content Strategists are responsible for the development and execution of content marketing campaigns. They work to create content that is relevant and engaging to the target audience. This course will help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Content Strategist by teaching you the principles of content strategy, as well as how to use research and testing to improve the effectiveness of content marketing campaigns. If you are interested in a career in Content Strategy, this course is a great place to start.
User Researcher
User Researchers are responsible for researching the needs and behaviors of users. They work to gather data that can be used to improve the design and development of products and services. This course will help you develop the skills you need to become a successful User Researcher by teaching you the principles of user research, as well as how to use research methods and techniques. If you are interested in a career in User Research, this course is a great place to start.
Technical Writer
Technical Writers are responsible for writing documentation for a product or service. They work to create documentation that is clear, concise, and easy to understand. This course will help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Technical Writer by teaching you the principles of technical writing, as well as how to use writing tools and technologies. If you are interested in a career in Technical Writing, this course is a great place to start.
Graphic designer
Graphic Designers are responsible for the visual design of a product or service. They work to create designs that are visually appealing and communicate the message of the product or service. This course will help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Graphic Designer by teaching you the principles of graphic design, as well as how to use design tools and technologies. If you are interested in a career in Graphic Design, this course is a great place to start.
Usability Engineer
Usability Engineers are responsible for the testing and evaluation of the user experience of a product or service. They work to identify and fix usability problems. This course will help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Usability Engineer by teaching you the principles of usability engineering, as well as how to use research and testing to improve the user experience. If you are interested in a career in Usability Engineering, this course is a great place to start.
Data Analyst
Data Analysts are responsible for the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data. They work to identify trends and patterns that can be used to make informed decisions. This course will help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Data Analyst by teaching you the principles of data analysis, as well as how to use data analysis tools and techniques. If you are interested in a career in Data Analysis, this course is a great place to start.
Project Manager
Project Managers are responsible for the planning, execution, and delivery of projects. They work to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This course may be useful in your career as a Project Manager.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers are responsible for the design, development, and testing of software. They work to create software that is reliable, efficient, and meets the needs of the user. This course may be useful in your career as a Software Engineer.

Reading list

We've selected ten 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 User Experience Design Fundamentals.
Classic in the field of user experience design. It provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of good design, and it is full of practical advice that can be applied to any type of product or service.
Practical guide for UX professionals who work on small teams or who are the only UX person on their team. It provides advice on how to conduct user research, design effective interfaces, and work with stakeholders.
Comprehensive guide to information architecture. It covers everything from the basics of IA to advanced topics such as user research, content strategy, and search engine optimization.
Comprehensive guide to interaction design. It covers everything from the basics of HCI to advanced topics such as user experience design, social computing, and mobile interaction.
Classic in the field of usability engineering. It provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of usability engineering, and it is full of practical advice that can be applied to any type of product or service.
Practical guide to web form design. It provides advice on how to design forms that are easy to use and that collect the information you need.
Practical guide to mobile design. It provides advice on how to design mobile websites and apps that are user-friendly and that meet the needs of mobile users.
Foundational work in the field of user experience design. It provides a framework for understanding the elements of UX and how they work together to create a great user experience.
Practical guide to UX design for the web. It covers everything from the basics of UX design to advanced topics such as responsive design, accessibility, and performance optimization.

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