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Bruce Montgomery, PhD, PMP

This course can also be taken for academic credit as ECEA 5346, part of CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree.

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This course can also be taken for academic credit as ECEA 5346, part of CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree.

UX and Interface Design for Embedded Systems is the first of three classes in the Embedded Interface Design (EID) specialization, an online version of the on-campus EID class taught in graduate embedded systems design. This first course is focused on user experience (UX) and the related methods, practices, and principles that will help ensure your embedded interface designs for devices and systems are what your users both need and want. The class includes an introduction to UX, and then a four phase breakdown of a typical UX design process, including planning, user research, design methods, and testing for verification and validation. Much of the content provides generally applicable UX techniques, but particular focus is included for considerations in developing embedded devices. The class includes practical projects that let you try some of the key methods in a thorough interface design process.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to UX and UI
An introduction to User Experience (UX), User Interface (UI), and usability concepts and definitions as they relate to embedded systems and interface development in particular and in general. Includes a comparison of formal UX studies vs. the discount methods reviewed in the class for practical work on UX in design projects. Also a look at some human characteristics that impact the design of embedded interfaces.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Develops user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design skills and knowledge for embedded systems, which are critical for designing effective and user-friendly interfaces for devices and systems
Emphasizes practical application through hands-on projects, helping learners develop real-world design skills
Taught by Dr. Bruce Montgomery and PMP, a recognized expert in electrical engineering and embedded systems design
Aligned with academic credit via CU Boulder's Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree, indicating its rigor and relevance in the field
Provides a comprehensive study of UX design principles and methods, laying a strong foundation for beginners
Includes an introduction to UX and UI concepts, making it accessible to learners with diverse backgrounds

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Reviews summary

Practical ux for embedded systems

According to students, this course provides a solid foundation in UX and UI design for embedded systems, particularly appreciated for its practical projects and structured approach to design processes like Work Breakdown Structure (WBS). Learners found the coverage of user research methods and testing methodologies, including the System Usability Scale (SUS), highly valuable. While some older feedback mentioned a desire for more in-depth coding examples or concerns about content updates, recent reviews indicate the instructor has significantly improved the course, reflecting current tools and practices. It’s an excellent bridge between traditional UX and hardware challenges, though it can feel theoretical at times and may require self-study for those new to design concepts.
Course content evolves, addressing past concerns about outdated material.
"Found this course outdated in some of its examples, especially regarding modern embedded UI trends."
"The initial modules felt too generic UX and not enough embedded-specific until later."
"The instructor has clearly updated the content, as many of the hands-on activities now reflect current tools and practices. It's fantastic!"
Strong emphasis on user research, planning, and validation techniques.
"I appreciated the focus on user research methods and how to apply them."
"The WBS planning section was a standout for me, providing a structured approach. I loved the emphasis on testing with SUS."
"The personas and use cases module was very well explained. The testing module was invaluable for my work."
Hands-on projects reinforce key UX methods for embedded systems.
"The practical projects were incredibly useful, especially the sketching exercises."
"The hands-on coding and projects are the strongest part of the course for me."
"I found the practical projects very helpful in trying out key design methods and improving my skills."
Balances strong theoretical foundations, some desire more coding examples.
"Some parts felt a bit theoretical, and I would have liked more specific coding examples for UI implementation on actual hardware."
"Felt a bit too high-level at times. I was expecting more depth on specific embedded UI frameworks or actual low-level interface design challenges."
"While the theoretical foundations are strong, I wish there was more in-depth practical application for specific hardware challenges."

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 and Interface Design for Embedded Systems with these activities:
Read Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman
This book provides a comprehensive overview of UX design principles and best practices. It will help you understand the importance of human-centered design and how to create user interfaces that are both usable and enjoyable.
Show steps
Conduct user interviews
Interviewing users will provide valuable insights into their needs, behaviors, and preferences. These insights will be crucial for creating effective UX designs.
Browse courses on User Research
Show steps
  • Plan and prepare interview questions
  • Recruit participants
  • Conduct interviews
  • Analyze interview data
  • Create persona and use cases
Complete UX design exercises
Practicing UX design exercises will help you develop your skills and improve your ability to create user-centered designs.
Browse courses on UX Design
Show steps
  • Find UX design exercises online or in books
  • Complete the exercises
  • Review your work and identify areas for improvement
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Join a UX design study group
Joining a UX design study group will allow you to connect with other students and learn from their experiences.
Browse courses on UX Design
Show steps
  • Find a UX design study group online or in your local area
  • Attend the study group meetings
  • Participate in discussions and share your work
Create a portfolio of your UX design work
Creating a portfolio of your UX design work will help you showcase your skills and demonstrate your experience to potential employers.
Browse courses on UX Design
Show steps
  • Select the best examples of your UX design work
  • Create a website or online portfolio to display your work
  • Share your portfolio with potential employers and clients
Mentor a junior UX designer
Mentoring a junior UX designer will help you refine your own skills and knowledge while also giving back to the community.
Browse courses on UX Design
Show steps
  • Find a junior UX designer to mentor
  • Set up regular meetings
  • Provide guidance and support
  • Review their work and provide feedback
  • Celebrate their successes
Contribute to an open source UX design project
Contributing to an open source UX design project will allow you to apply your skills to a real-world project and collaborate with other UX designers.
Browse courses on UX Design
Show steps
  • Find an open source UX design project to contribute to
  • Create a pull request
  • Get your pull request reviewed and merged

Career center

Learners who complete UX and Interface Design for Embedded Systems will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
User Experience Researcher
The UX and Interface Design for Embedded Systems course can be a valuable addition to your skillset if you are looking to pursue a career as a User Experience (UX) Researcher. This course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the UX design process, from planning and research to design and testing. You will learn how to conduct user research, create user personas, and develop prototypes that meet the needs of your users. This knowledge and expertise will be highly sought-after by employers in the UX field.
User Interface Designer
As a User Interface (UI) Designer, you will be responsible for designing the look and feel of user interfaces for websites, mobile apps, and other digital products. The UX and Interface Design for Embedded Systems course can provide you with a strong foundation in UX design principles, which are essential for creating user interfaces that are both usable and visually appealing. You will learn how to conduct user research, create prototypes, and test your designs to ensure that they meet the needs of your users.
Interaction Designer
As an Interaction Designer, you will be responsible for creating prototypes and designing the overall user experience for websites, mobile apps, and other digital products. The UX and Interface Design for Embedded Systems course can provide you with a strong foundation in UX design principles, which are essential for creating prototypes and experiences that are both usable and enjoyable. You will learn how to conduct user research, create prototypes, and test your designs to ensure that they meet the needs of your users.
Product Designer
As a Product Designer, you will be responsible for designing and developing new products, from concept to launch. The UX and Interface Design for Embedded Systems course can provide you with a strong foundation in UX design principles, which are essential for creating products that are both useful and desirable. You will learn how to conduct user research, create prototypes, and test your designs to ensure that they meet the needs of your users.
Human Factors Engineer
Human Factors Engineers design and evaluate products and systems to make them more user-friendly and efficient. The UX and Interface Design for Embedded Systems course can provide you with a strong foundation in UX design principles, which are essential for creating products and systems that are both effective and intuitive. You will learn how to conduct user research, create prototypes, and test your designs to ensure that they meet the needs of your users.
Usability Engineer
Usability Engineers evaluate the usability of products and systems and make recommendations for improvements. The UX and Interface Design for Embedded Systems course can provide you with a strong foundation in UX design principles, which are essential for evaluating the usability of products and systems. You will learn how to conduct user research, create prototypes, and test your designs to ensure that they meet the needs of your users.
Information Architect
Information Architects design and organize the structure and content of websites, intranets, and other digital products. The UX and Interface Design for Embedded Systems course can provide you with a strong foundation in UX design principles, which are essential for creating information architectures that are both effective and user-friendly. You will learn how to conduct user research, create prototypes, and test your designs to ensure that they meet the needs of your users.
Web Developer
Web Developers design and develop websites and web applications. The UX and Interface Design for Embedded Systems course can provide you with a strong foundation in UX design principles, which are essential for creating websites and web applications that are both usable and visually appealing. You will learn how to conduct user research, create prototypes, and test your designs to ensure that they meet the needs of your users.
Mobile App Developer
Mobile App Developers design and develop mobile applications for smartphones and tablets. The UX and Interface Design for Embedded Systems course can provide you with a strong foundation in UX design principles, which are essential for creating mobile applications that are both usable and enjoyable. You will learn how to conduct user research, create prototypes, and test your designs to ensure that they meet the needs of your users.
Game Designer
Game Designers design and develop video games. The UX and Interface Design for Embedded Systems course can provide you with a strong foundation in UX design principles, which are essential for creating video games that are both fun and engaging. You will learn how to conduct user research, create prototypes, and test your designs to ensure that they meet the needs of your players.
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create and edit technical documentation, such as user manuals, help files, and white papers. The UX and Interface Design for Embedded Systems course can provide you with a strong foundation in UX design principles, which are essential for creating technical documentation that is both clear and concise. You will learn how to conduct user research, create prototypes, and test your designs to ensure that they meet the needs of your readers.
Instructional Designer
Instructional Designers design and develop educational programs and materials. The UX and Interface Design for Embedded Systems course can provide you with a strong foundation in UX design principles, which are essential for creating educational programs and materials that are both effective and engaging. You will learn how to conduct user research, create prototypes, and test your designs to ensure that they meet the needs of your learners.
Design Researcher
Design Researchers conduct research to inform the design of products and services. The UX and Interface Design for Embedded Systems course can provide you with a strong foundation in UX design principles, which are essential for conducting design research that is both valid and reliable. You will learn how to conduct user research, create prototypes, and test your designs to ensure that they meet the needs of your users.
User Experience (UX) Manager
User Experience (UX) Managers oversee the UX design process for products and services. The UX and Interface Design for Embedded Systems course can provide you with a strong foundation in UX design principles, which are essential for managing UX design teams and ensuring that products and services meet the needs of their users. You will learn how to conduct user research, create prototypes, and test your designs to ensure that they meet the needs of your users.
Product Manager
Product Managers are responsible for the development and launch of new products. The UX and Interface Design for Embedded Systems course can provide you with a strong foundation in UX design principles, which are essential for creating products that are both useful and desirable. You will learn how to conduct user research, create prototypes, and test your designs to ensure that they meet the needs of your users.

Reading list

We've selected 15 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 and Interface Design for Embedded Systems.
Provides a comprehensive overview of interaction design for embedded systems, covering topics such as human-computer interaction, input and output devices, and software design. It valuable resource for students and practitioners alike.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the design of embedded systems, covering topics such as hardware and software design, system architecture, and real-time systems. It valuable resource for students and practitioners alike.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the design of user interfaces, covering topics such as user-centered design, interaction design, and information visualization. It valuable resource for students and practitioners alike.
Provides a practical guide to user experience design, covering topics such as user research, design methods, and testing. It valuable resource for students and practitioners alike.
Provides a practical guide to web usability, covering topics such as user research, design methods, and testing. It valuable resource for students and practitioners alike.
Provides a critical look at the state of user experience design, and offers practical advice on how to improve it. It valuable resource for students and practitioners alike.
Provides a practical guide to sketching for user experience design, covering topics such as user research, design methods, and testing. It valuable resource for students and practitioners alike.
Provides a comprehensive overview of user experience design, covering topics such as user research, design methods, and testing. It valuable resource for students and practitioners alike.
Provides a comprehensive overview of usability engineering, covering topics such as user research, design methods, and testing. It valuable resource for students and practitioners alike.
Provides a comprehensive overview of information architecture for the World Wide Web, covering topics such as user research, design methods, and testing. It valuable resource for students and practitioners alike.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the design of everyday things, covering topics such as user experience design, interaction design, and information visualization. It valuable resource for students and practitioners alike.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the gamification of learning and instruction, covering topics such as user experience design, interaction design, and information visualization. It valuable resource for students and practitioners alike.

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