App design courses can help you learn user interface design, prototyping, usability testing, and interaction design principles. You can build skills in creating wireframes, conducting user research, and implementing design feedback effectively. Many courses introduce tools like Sketch, Figma, and Adobe XD, that support creating visually appealing and functional app layouts. You’ll also explore design systems and accessibility standards to ensure your apps are user-friendly and inclusive.

Board Infinity
Skills you'll gain: React Native, Mobile Development, Cross Platform Development, Microservices, User Interface (UI), User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, DevOps, User Interface (UI) Design, Development Testing, Unit Testing, UI Components, Software Testing, Application Development, Authentications, Data Security, Debugging, Mobile Security, Animations, Data Persistence, Version Control
★ 4.2 (57) · Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: User Interface (UI), User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Figma (Design Software), User Experience Design, User Centered Design, Wireframing, Interaction Design, Persona (User Experience), User Experience, UI/UX Research, User Research, Graphic and Visual Design, User Interface (UI) Design, UI Components, Usability Testing, Mockups, Design Research, Usability, Web Design, Front-End Web Development
★ 4.6 (1.1K) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Microsoft
Skills you'll gain: Storyboarding, User Research, Information Architecture, User Experience Design, Design Thinking, Mockups, User Interface (UI), User Experience, Prototyping, Usability Testing, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Wireframing, Ideation, User Centered Design, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Human Centered Design, Figma (Design Software), User Interface (UI) Design, User Flows, Artificial Intelligence
★ 4.7 (699) · Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Flutter (Software), Mobile Development, User Interface (UI) Design, User Interface (UI), User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, React Native, Application Development, iOS Development, Apple iOS, Mobile Development Tools, User Story, Android Development, Databases, Database Management, UI Components, Cross Platform Development, Application Programming Interface (API), Software Development Tools, Application Frameworks, Application Design
★ 4.5 (201) · Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: User Research, UI/UX Research, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, User Interface (UI), User Experience, User Centered Design, Usability, Responsive Web Design, User Flows, UI Components, Figma (Design Software), Wireframing, Design Research, Prototyping, Persona (User Experience), Usability Testing, Human Centered Design, Ideation, Brainstorming, Animations
★ 4.5 (98) · Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, User Interface (UI), Interaction Design, Figma (Design Software), Wireframing, User Interface (UI) Design, Usability, User Experience, User Experience Design, User Centered Design, User Flows, Prototyping, Design Elements And Principles, Graphic Design
★ 4.8 (16) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: No-Code Development, Mobile Development, Google Sheets, Application Development, Mobile Development Tools, Application Design, Application Deployment, Development Testing, Spreadsheet Software, Data Structures, User Interface (UI), User Accounts, Authentications, Web Development, Marketing
★ 4.5 (695) · Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours

Chegg Skills
Skills you'll gain: UI/UX Research, User Research, Design Research, User Experience Design, User Experience, User Centered Design, Usability, Human Centered Design, Interaction Design, Journey Mapping, Product Design, Design Thinking, Visual Design, Wireframing, Figma (Design Software), Prototyping, Artificial Intelligence, Information Architecture, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Generative AI
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

LearnQuest
Skills you'll gain: Technical Communication, Data Integration, Reinforcement Learning, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Agentic systems, Business Transformation, Responsible AI, System Design and Implementation, Initiative and Leadership, Application Deployment, Artificial Intelligence, Performance Metric, Cloud Computing, Deep Learning, Data Visualization, Python Programming, Machine Learning, Data Engineering, Anomaly Detection, Statistical Analysis
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

California Institute of the Arts
Skills you'll gain: Information Architecture, Wireframing, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Persona (User Experience), User Experience, Mockups, User Experience Design, Responsive Web Design, Experience Design, User Interface (UI), Web Design, UI/UX Strategy, User Interface (UI) Design, Adobe XD, User Centered Design, Prototyping, Layout Design, Interaction Design, User Research, Graphic Design
★ 4.7 (8.1K) · Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Figma (Design Software), User Interface (UI) Design, User Interface (UI), User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Responsive Web Design, UI Components, Style Guides, Collaborative Software, Typography, Layout Design, Web Components, Scalability, Design Elements And Principles, Prototyping
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: Apple iOS, iOS Development, Swift Programming, UI Components, Animations, User Interface (UI), User Interface (UI) Design, Software Design, Typography, Code Reusability
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Top-rated App Design courses offered by SkillUp on Coursera.
Earn a certificate in App Design from top universities and companies.
Top-rated beginner-friendly App Design courses with no prerequisites.
App design refers to the process of creating applications for mobile devices, focusing on user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design. It is important because a well-designed app can significantly enhance user satisfaction, leading to higher engagement and retention rates. In today's digital landscape, where mobile applications are integral to daily life, effective app design can set a product apart from competitors, making it essential for businesses aiming to succeed.
In the field of app design, various job opportunities are available. You could work as a mobile app designer, UX/UI designer, product designer, or even a front-end developer. These roles often involve collaborating with developers and product managers to create user-friendly applications. Additionally, positions such as user researcher or usability analyst are also relevant, focusing on understanding user needs and improving app functionality.
To excel in app design, you should develop a mix of technical and soft skills. Key skills include proficiency in design tools like Figma or Sketch, understanding of UX principles, and knowledge of mobile platform guidelines (iOS and Android). Additionally, skills in prototyping, wireframing, and user testing are crucial. Soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are also important, as app design often involves collaboration with various stakeholders.
Some of the best online courses for app design include the Holistic Mobile App Design & Development Specialization and the App Design and Development for iOS. These courses cover essential design principles and practical skills needed to create effective mobile applications, making them great options for anyone looking to enhance their app design knowledge.
Yes. You can start learning app design on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in app design, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.
To learn app design, start by exploring online courses that cover the fundamentals of UX/UI design and mobile app development. Engage in hands-on projects to apply what you've learned, and seek feedback from peers or mentors. Additionally, consider joining design communities or forums to connect with other learners and professionals, which can provide valuable insights and support throughout your learning journey.
Typical topics covered in app design courses include user research, wireframing, prototyping, visual design principles, and usability testing. Courses often explore design tools and software, as well as best practices for creating intuitive user interfaces. Understanding mobile platform guidelines and accessibility considerations are also essential components of a comprehensive app design education.
For training and upskilling employees in app design, courses like the Google UX Design Professional Certificate and the Figma, Sketch & Miro for UX Design Professional Certificate are excellent choices. These programs provide structured learning paths that equip teams with the necessary skills to create user-centered applications, fostering innovation and efficiency in app development.