About this Program

User experience (UX) design has emerged as one of the hottest fields in today’s tech-driven economy. Effective UX design is crucial — it goes beyond the visual aesthetics of mobile and web-based applications to encompass the entire experience of an end user when interacting with any information, product or service.

In this three-course certificate program, you’ll discover how to use the latest design techniques, tools and technologies to create rich interactive experiences. You’ll learn how to apply a four-stage, iterative process of user-centered design thinking — defining user need, ideating on solutions, creating testable prototypes, and implementing the chosen solution. We’ll explore content strategies, research methods and usability studies, as well as how information architecture and visualization influence web and device screen design.

▸ Related Article: Hot Jobs: User Experience Designer

DESIGNED FOR

Professionals with some experience in graphic design, front-end development, digital marketing or content strategy who want to get started in UX design. 

Those who want to enter the UX writing field or create better user experiences through website or app copy might consider the Foundations of UX Writing course.

See Requirements

what you'll learn

• Design thinking that places user needs at the forefront of each stage of the product development process
• Low- and high-fidelity prototype creation for modeling and usability testing
• Techniques for research, metadata modeling, information hierarchy and architecture
• Visual design principles for interactive screens, including the use of graphics, animation, sound and hypermedia
• How to address issues of accessibility

get hands-on experience

• Conduct user interviews and create user personas
• Use industry-standard tools for organizing content and developing testable prototypes
• Complete a capstone project that integrates UX features with visual design

APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP

You may be eligible to apply for a UW Certificate Scholarship or Rotary Scholarship to cover most of the costs of this program. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need and the potential of the program to positively impact your career. For more information, see the Scholarships page.