UX and Interface Design for Embedded Systems from Coursera

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.

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.

UX Analysis and Planning

A walk through early planning and analysis stages for UX projects: why the planning matters, methods that can be used. Introduces the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) as a key approach to scope project tasks. Also includes an early look at potential interface components that may be used in embedded designs.

UX Research

Focus for this module is on user research - understanding who the users are, what are they trying to accomplish, how can your interface design support and delight them. We review a number of approaches to structuring, performing, and documenting user research, including a special focus on personas of different types and on use cases, both in text and in UML (Unified Modeling Language) graphical formats.

UX Design

This module looks at integrating user needs, tasks, and concerns into our UX and UI design work. Standard methods for UX design will be presented, with a particular focus on usability heuristics, a proven approach to assessing and improving an interface design, and on various forms of sketching, an important design tool for every design engineer's toolkit.

UX Verification and Validation

This final module looks at ways to verify the embedded interface designs we've created are acceptable and valid to our users. A number of common testing and related UX methods are reviewed, with some detailed looks at the use of industry standard surveys, like the SUS (System Usability Scale), and the application of statistics to support qualitative UX work with some quantitative measures where needed.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, 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

Reviews summary

Inclusive ux design overview

learners say that this hands-on course provides a comprehensive overview of UX design for embedded systems. Clear instruction and engaging assignments are given credit. Students recommend this course despite some concerns about student support.

Practical assignments

"The human factors of technology is very important and the human interaction / communication throughout design and development within teams is essential."

Well-organized content

"The organisation and compact format of his discussions and pointed assignments definitely helped me build some skills and reflect on many past projects."

Knowledgeable instructor

"Bruce is an excellent professor."

"I understand it's supplementary to other courses ... but only as that, not as standalone specialization."

Unresponsive support team

"I found that the moderators did not monitor or respond on the chat forum, nor did the Coursera support team provide the support I needed to complete the course."

"I am still waiting after three weeks for the course monitors/university staff to respond to my two questions."

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

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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.

View Things That Make Us Smart: Defending Human... on Amazon

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Conduct user interviews

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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

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Plan and prepare interview questions
Recruit participants
Conduct interviews
Analyze interview data
Create persona and use cases

Complete UX design exercises

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Practicing UX design exercises will help you develop your skills and improve your ability to create user-centered designs.

Browse courses on UX Design

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Find UX design exercises online or in books
Complete the exercises
Review your work and identify areas for improvement

Four other activities

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Join a UX design study group

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Joining a UX design study group will allow you to connect with other students and learn from their experiences.

Browse courses on UX Design

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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:

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Interaction Designer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Interface Designer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience Researcher

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Designer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Usability Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Factors Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Architect

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mobile App Developer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Designer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Design Researcher

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.

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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.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience (UX) Manager

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager