Course Overview
This course focuses on the practical skills needed to design digital products that people actually use. You'll learn both the creative and analytical aspects of design—understanding user needs, creating effective interfaces, and iterating based on feedback.
Rather than just teaching software features, we emphasize design thinking and problem-solving. You'll work on real-world design challenges, receive critique from experienced designers, and build portfolio pieces that demonstrate your capabilities.
What You'll Learn
Design Fundamentals
- Visual design principles (layout, typography, color)
- User interface design patterns
- Information architecture and content structure
- Responsive and adaptive design approaches
- Accessibility and inclusive design practices
User Experience Design
- User research methods and analysis
- Creating user personas and journey maps
- Wireframing and prototyping workflows
- Usability testing and iteration
- Design systems and component libraries
Professional Tools
- Figma for interface design and prototyping
- Adobe Creative Suite essentials
- Design handoff and developer collaboration
- Version control for design files
- Presentation and communication tools
Portfolio Development
- Case study creation and storytelling
- Documenting your design process
- Building a professional portfolio website
- Presenting your work effectively
- Preparing for design critiques and reviews
Learning Outcomes
By completing this course, you'll understand how to approach design problems systematically, create interfaces that prioritize user needs, and communicate your design decisions effectively. You'll have practical experience with industry-standard tools and workflows.
You'll leave with a portfolio of work that demonstrates your capabilities, including complete case studies that show your design process from research through final implementation. You'll also understand how to continue developing your skills independently.
Who This Course Is For
- Designers wanting to transition into digital/UX work
- Developers interested in understanding design principles
- Self-taught designers looking to formalize their skills
- Creative professionals expanding into digital design
- Anyone interested in creating better user experiences
Tools and Resources
The course primarily uses Figma, which is free for individual use. Some lessons also cover Adobe XD and Photoshop, but these are optional. All necessary resources, templates, and design assets are provided as part of the course materials.
You'll need a computer capable of running design software and a reliable internet connection. Some familiarity with digital tools is helpful but not required—we cover software basics as part of the curriculum.
Course Format
Each week includes video lessons, written materials, design exercises, and project work. You'll receive feedback on your designs through critique sessions with instructors and peers. The expected time commitment is 10-12 hours per week.
The course culminates in a capstone project where you'll complete a full design process from research through high-fidelity mockups, creating a comprehensive case study for your portfolio.