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UI / UX Design Specialization
Design High-Impact User Experiences. Research, design, and prototype effective, visually-driven websites and apps.
52,684 already enrolled
Offered By
UI / UX Design SpecializationCalifornia Institute of the ArtsSkills you will gain
About this Specialization
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The UI/UX Design Specialization brings a design-centric approach to user interface and user experience design, and offers practical, skill-based instruction centered around a visual communications perspective, rather than on one focused on marketing or programming alone. In this sequence of four courses, you will summarize and demonstrate all stages of the UI/UX development process, from user research to defining a project’s strategy, scope, and information architecture, to developing sitemaps and wireframes. You’ll learn current best practices and conventions in UX design and apply them to create effective and compelling screen-based experiences for websites or apps.
User interface and user experience design is a high-demand field, but the skills and knowledge you will learn in this Specialization are applicable to a wide variety of careers, from marketing to web design to human-computer interaction.
Learners enrolled in the UI/UX Design Specialization are eligible for an extended free trial (1 month) of a full product suite of UX tools from Optimal Workshop. Details are available in Course 3 of the Specialization, Web Design: Strategy and Information Architecture.
Applied Learning Project
In this Specialization you will participate in several short exercises—both visual and non-visual—to apply acquired knowledge, from organizing and structuring screen-based content, defining goals and strategy, to creating wireframes and visual mockups. By the end of this Specialization, you will have produced a mid-level digital prototype with simulated functionality, as well as a comprehensive plan for a complex website.
Learner Career Outcomes
32%
Started a new career after completing this specialization.
18%
Got a pay increase or promotion.
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online courses
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Flexible Schedule
Set and maintain flexible deadlines.
Beginner Level
No prior experience required.
Approx. 4 months to complete
Suggested 5 hours/week
English
Subtitles: English
Learner Career Outcomes
32%
Started a new career after completing this specialization.
18%
Got a pay increase or promotion.
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online courses
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Flexible Schedule
Set and maintain flexible deadlines.
Beginner Level
No prior experience required.
Approx. 4 months to complete
Suggested 5 hours/week
English
Subtitles: English
There are 4 Courses in this Specialization
Visual Elements of User Interface Design
2,630 ratings
This design-centric course examines the broad question of what an interface is and what role a designer plays in creating a user interface. Learning how to design and articulate meaning using color, type, and imagery is essential to making interfaces function clearly and seamlessly. Through a series of lectures and visual exercises, you will focus on the many individual elements and components that make up the skillset of an interface designer. By the end of this course, you will be able to describe the key formal elements of clear, consistent, and intuitive UI design, and apply your learned skills to the design of a static screen-based interface.
UX Design Fundamentals
1,020 ratings
This hands-on course examines how content is organized and structured to create an experience for a user, and what role the designer plays in creating and shaping user experience. You will be led through a condensed process that acts as a roadmap for developing robust UI/UX design: from ideation and sitemapping, to the creation of paper and digital prototypes. Building on the design skills learned in Visual Elements of User Interface Design, you will apply this methodology to produce a digital prototype for a multi-screen app of your own invention.
Web Design: Strategy and Information Architecture
605 ratings
This course is focused on the early user experience (UX) challenges of research, planning, setting goals, understanding the user, structuring content, and developing interactive sequences. While the concepts covered will translate to many kinds of interactive media (apps, digital kiosks, games), our primary focus will be on designing contemporary, responsive websites. In this course you will complete the first half of a large scale project—developing a comprehensive plan for a complex website—by defining the strategy and scope of the site, as well as developing its information architecture and overall structure. Along the way we will also discuss:
Web Design: Wireframes to Prototypes
374 ratings
This course is focused on the application of the early UX research to actual user interfaces: the creation of wireframes, high-fidelity mockups, and clickable prototypes. Along the way we will also discuss:
Offered by
California Institute of the Arts
CalArts has earned an international reputation as the leading college of the visual and performing arts in the United States. Offering rigorous undergraduate and graduate degree programs through six schools—Art, Critical Studies, Dance, Film/Video, Music, and Theater—CalArts has championed creative excellence, critical reflection, and the development of new forms and expressions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the refund policy?
If you subscribed, you get a 7-day free trial during which you can cancel at no penalty. After that, we don’t give refunds, but you can cancel your subscription at any time. See our full refund policy.
Can I just enroll in a single course?
Yes! To get started, click the course card that interests you and enroll. You can enroll and complete the course to earn a shareable certificate, or you can audit it to view the course materials for free. When you subscribe to a course that is part of a Specialization, you’re automatically subscribed to the full Specialization. Visit your learner dashboard to track your progress.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, Coursera provides financial aid to learners who cannot afford the fee. Apply for it by clicking on the Financial Aid link beneath the "Enroll" button on the left. You'll be prompted to complete an application and will be notified if you are approved. You'll need to complete this step for each course in the Specialization, including the Capstone Project. Learn more.
Can I take the course for free?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free. If you cannot afford the fee, you can apply for financial aid.
Is this course really 100% online? Do I need to attend any classes in person?
This course is completely online, so there’s no need to show up to a classroom in person. You can access your lectures, readings and assignments anytime and anywhere via the web or your mobile device.
What background knowledge is necessary?
The courses in this Specialization are taught from a graphic design perspective, so it's ideal to have some ability in visual form-making or visual communication. Fundamentals of Graphic Design, the first course in the Graphic Design Specialization, also offered by CalArts on Coursera, would be an excellent course to take in combination with or as a prerequisite to this Specialization.
Do I need to take the courses in a specific order?
Yes, we recommend you take all of the courses in the order given. Courses 3 and 4, Web Design: Strategy and Information Architecture and Web Design: Wireframes to Prototypes, are meant to be taken together as you will be working on one project that bridges these two courses.
How long does it take to complete the Specialization?
It will take approximately 16 weeks to complete the entire Specialization. In the latter two courses, expect to spend as much as 10 hours a week completing project work.
Will I earn university credit for completing the Specialization?
University credit is not available for these courses.
What will I be able to do upon completing the Specialization?
By the end of the Specialization, you will be able to:
Describe and demonstrate a working knowledge of all stages of the UI/UX development process, from user research to project strategy to wireframing, culminating with creating a convincing digital prototype.
Interpret and apply strategies and methodologies essential in the UI/UX development process.
Identify, discuss, and appreciate the integral role visual design plays in UI/UX.
Demonstrate visual design’s role in UI/UX through the creation of successful design artifacts.
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.
