School Of Product Design – UI/UX (User Interface / User Experience) Training and Certification – Port Harcourt, Obio/Akpor, Rivers State
Course: Product Design UI/UX Training and Certification Course: (Beginner to Mastery)
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*Course Objectives:*
- Equip trainees with in-depth knowledge and practical skills in product design, UI, and UX.
- Prepare trainees for remote job roles as Product Designers, UX Designers, UI Designers, UX Researchers, and UI Developers.
- Enable trainees to successfully pass globally recognized UI/UX certification exams.
- Develop trainees’ ability to handle real-world product design projects from research to prototyping.
- Foster collaboration and communication skills through group projects and the use of collaborative tools.
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*Course Outline*
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*Module 1: UI/UX Design and Design Thinking Process*
- Learning Objectives:
- Define UI/UX design and its core principles.
- Differentiate between UI (user interface) and UX (user experience).
- Understand the importance of user-centered design.
- Explore various UI/UX career paths (UX Designer, UI Designer, UX Researcher, Product Designer, Interaction Designer, UX Writer, etc.).
- Understand the five stages of the design thinking process: Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test.
- Learn how to apply design thinking to solve real-world problems.
- Grasp the iterative nature of design thinking and its importance in creating user-centered solutions
- Hands-on Practice:
- Analyze examples of good and bad UI/UX design.
- Discuss the reasoning behind the design choices and their impact on users.
- Deconstruct popular websites or apps to identify UI/UX elements.
- Apply the design thinking process to a simple, everyday problem (e.g., designing a better water bottle, improving a classroom layout).
- Work in groups to brainstorm and develop solutions.
- Assignment:
- Research and present on a chosen UI/UX career path that interests you most. Include information on required skills, responsibilities, and career progression.
- Identify a problem in your own life and apply the design thinking process to find a potential solution. Document each stage of the process.
- Real-life Project:
- Analyze the UI/UX of a local business’s website or app and provide a brief report with improvement suggestions.
- Use design thinking to improve the user experience of a public space, like a library or a park.
- to improve the user experience of a public space, like a library or a park.
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*Module 2: Introduction to User Research*
- Learning Objectives:
- Understand the critical role of user research in the design process.
- Learn about different user research methods: user interviews, surveys, usability testing, card sorting, A/B testing, heuristic evaluation, field studies, etc.
- Identify the appropriate research methods for different design stages and objectives.
- Learn how to create user personas to represent target user groups.
- Understand the elements of a user persona: demographics, goals, needs, frustrations, behaviors.
- Learn how to write user stories to capture user needs and goals in a concise and actionable format.
- Hands-on Practice:
- Practice conducting user interviews with classmates, focusing on open-ended questions and active listening.
- Analyze sample survey data to extract key insights.
- Develop user personas based on user research data (from Module 3) or fictional scenarios.
- Write user stories for a specific product or service, focusing on the “As a [user], I want to [action] so that [benefit]” format.
- Assignment:
- Plan a user research study for a chosen product or service. Define research goals, target audience, and methodology.
- Create detailed user personas and user stories for a new mobile app concept.
- Real-life Project:
- Conduct user interviews with potential users of a local non-profit organization to understand their needs and pain points.
- Develop user personas for a local business to help them understand their customer base.
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*Module 3: Information Architecture and User Flows*
- Learning Objectives:
- Understand the principles of information architecture (IA) and its importance in organizing content.
- Learn how to create sitemaps and user flows to visualize the structure and navigation of a website or app.
- Understand different IA models: hierarchical, sequential, matrix, etc.
- Hands-on Practice:
- Create a sitemap and user flow for an e-commerce website or a mobile app.
- Analyze existing websites and their IA to identify areas for improvement.
- Assignment:
- Evaluate the information architecture of a complex website or app and propose improvements.
- Real-life Project:
- Redesign the information architecture of a local organization’s website to improve its usability and findability.
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*Module 4: Gestalt Principles and Visual Perception*
- Learning Objectives:
- Understand the Gestalt principles of visual perception: proximity, similarity, closure, continuity, figure-ground, common fate, and good form.
- Learn how to apply these principles to create visually appealing and effective UI designs.
- Hands-on Practice:
- Identify Gestalt principles in existing designs (websites, apps, posters, etc.).
- Create visual compositions using Gestalt principles to demonstrate their impact.
- Assignment:
- Design a poster or a landing page utilizing Gestalt principles to guide the user’s eye and create visual hierarchy.
- Real-life Project:
- Analyze the use of Gestalt principles in the branding and marketing materials of a local business.
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*Module 5: Typography and Color Theory*
- Learning Objectives:
- Learn about different font families (serif, sans-serif, display) and their characteristics.
- Understand the importance of font pairings, hierarchy, and readability in UI design.
- Learn about font size, line height, letter spacing, and kerning.
- Understand the basics of color theory: color wheel, color harmonies (complementary, analogous, triadic, etc.), color psychology.
- Learn how to use color effectively in UI design to evoke emotions, create brand identity, and improve accessibility.
- Hands-on Practice:
- Experiment with different font combinations in a design mock-up.
- Create typographic hierarchies for different types of content.
- Create color palettes for different moods, brands, and purposes.
- Experiment with color combinations in UI design mock-ups.
- Assignment:
- Design a typographic poster for an event or a product, focusing on clear communication and visual appeal.
- Design a landing page with a focus on color, considering the target audience and brand identity.
- Real-life Project:
- Redesign the typography of a local restaurant’s menu to improve readability and aesthetics.
- Develop a new color palette for a local business, taking into account their brand values and target market.
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*Module 6: Layout and Composition*
- Learning Objectives:
- Master the principles of visual hierarchy, grid systems, and whitespace in UI design.
- Understand how to use layout and composition to guide the user’s eye and create a balanced and harmonious design.
- Hands-on Practice:
- Create a website layout using a grid system (e.g., 12-column grid).
- Experiment with different layout variations to achieve different effects.
- Assignment:
- Redesign a poorly designed webpage with better layout and composition, focusing on user experience and visual appeal.
- Real-life Project:
- Improve the layout and composition of a local community center’s website to make it more user-friendly.
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*Module 7: Visual Design Trends, Inspiration, and Accessibility*
- Learning Objectives:
- Explore current UI design trends and understand how they evolve.
- Learn how to find design inspiration from various sources (websites, apps, design blogs, Dribbble, Behance).
- Develop your personal design style and apply it to your work.
- Understand the importance of accessibility in UI design and its impact on inclusivity.
- Learn about the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and how to apply them.
- Design for users with disabilities (visual, auditory, cognitive, motor).
- Hands-on Practice:
- Create a mood board for a chosen design style (e.g., minimalism, neumorphism, dark mode).
- Analyze the design of popular websites and apps to identify trends.
- Evaluate the accessibility of existing websites and apps using accessibility testing tools.
- Apply accessibility principles to design mock-ups.
- Assignment:
- Present a design trend analysis, highlighting key trends and their potential impact on UI/UX design.
- Redesign an interface to improve its accessibility, considering different types of disabilities.
- Real-life Project:
- Redesign a local business’s social media graphics to align with current design trends.
- Conduct an accessibility audit of a local government website and provide recommendations for improvement.
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*Module 8: Mobile-First Design*
- Learning Objectives:
- Understand the principles of mobile-first design and its benefits for user experience.
- Learn how to design responsive layouts that adapt to different screen sizes.
- Grasp the concept of progressive enhancement.
- Hands-on Practice:
- Design a mobile-first website layout using a prototyping tool.
- Test the responsiveness of the design on different devices.
- Assignment:
- Compare and contrast the mobile and desktop versions of a popular website, analyzing their design choices and user experience.
- Real-life Project:
- Redesign a local business’s website using a mobile-first approach.
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*Module 9: UI Design Patterns (Navigation, Forms, etc.)*
- Learning Objectives:
- Learn common UI design patterns for navigation (menus, tabs, breadcrumbs), forms, input fields, buttons, and other UI elements.
- Understand the benefits and drawbacks of different design patterns.
- Apply design patterns to create user-friendly and efficient interfaces.
- Hands-on Practice:
- Design a user registration form with best practices, considering usability and accessibility.
- Experiment with different navigation patterns in a prototyping tool.
- Assignment:
- Analyze the UI patterns used in a mobile app or website, evaluating their effectiveness and suggesting improvements.
- Real-life Project:
- Improve the usability of a local library’s online catalog by implementing effective UI design patterns.
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*Module 10: Microinteractions and Animations*
- Learning Objectives:
- Understand the role of microinteractions in enhancing user experience and providing feedback.
- Learn how to use animations to create engaging and delightful interfaces.
- Explore different types of microinteractions and animations.
- Hands-on Practice:
- Create simple animations in a prototyping tool (e.g., hover effects, loading animations, transitions).
- Analyze the use of microinteractions in popular apps.
- Assignment:
- Identify and analyze effective microinteractions in a digital product, explaining their purpose and impact on user experience.
- Real-life Project:
- Add microinteractions to a local business’s website to improve user engagement and feedback.
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*Module 11: Style Guides and Design Systems*
- Learning Objectives:
- Understand the importance of style guides and design systems in maintaining consistency and efficiency in UI design.
- Learn how to create style guides that document design principles, UI elements, and brand guidelines.
- Explore popular design systems (e.g., Material Design, Human Interface Guidelines).
- Hands-on Practice:
- Develop a basic style guide for a fictional brand, including color palettes, typography, and UI components.
- Analyze the components of a well-known design system.
- Assignment:
- Research and present on a well-known design system, analyzing its structure, components, and benefits.
- Real-life Project:
- Create a simple style guide for a local non-profit organization to ensure consistency in their online presence.
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*Module 12: Figma – Fundamentals*
- Learning Objectives:
- Navigate Figma’s interface confidently, understanding its menus, panels, and tools.
- Master the essential Figma tools: frames, shapes, pen tool, text tool, layers panel.
- Create basic wireframes and layouts for websites and apps.
- Understand Figma’s design system features for organization and consistency.
- Learn about components, auto layout, and variants in Figma for creating reusable and adaptable design elements.
- Master Figma’s prototyping features to create interactive prototypes with transitions and animations.
- Understand how to use Figma for collaboration with other designers and developers.
- Hands-on Practice:
- Create basic shapes, wireframes, and layouts in Figma, practicing with different tools and techniques.
- Recreate a simple website design or app screen in Figma, focusing on pixel-perfect precision.
- Create a reusable button component in Figma with different states (hover, active, disabled).
- Design a multi-screen app prototype in Figma, linking screens and adding interactive elements.
- Assignment:
- Design a landing page for a fictional product or service using Figma, incorporating basic UI elements and layout principles.
- Design a complex UI element (e.g., a dropdown menu, a modal window) in Figma, utilizing components, auto layout, and variants.
- Real-life Project:
- Recreate the homepage of a local business’s website in Figma, paying attention to detail and accuracy.
- Create an interactive prototype for a new feature of a local app, demonstrating user flows and interactions.
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*Module 13: Adobe XD – Fundamentals*
- Learning Objectives:
- Explore Adobe XD’s interface and understand its core design tools.
- Learn how to create wireframes and low-fidelity prototypes in Adobe XD.
- Understand Adobe XD’s features for collaboration and sharing.
- Hands-on Practice:
- Create wireframes and basic UI elements in Adobe XD, practicing with different tools.
- Design a simple mobile app prototype in Adobe XD, linking artboards and adding basic interactions.
- Assignment:
- Design a landing page for a fictional company in Adobe XD, incorporating images, text, and basic UI elements.
- Real-life Project:
- Recreate a simple webpage from a local business’s website in Adobe XD.
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*Module 14: Sketch – Fundamentals*Â
- Learning Objectives:
- Get an introduction to Sketch’s interface and basic design tools.
- Learn how to create basic UI designs and prototypes in Sketch.
- Understand Sketch’s features for collaboration and exporting assets.
- Hands-on Practice:
- Create a basic UI design in Sketch, practicing with shapes, text, and layers.
- Design a simple website layout in Sketch, focusing on visual hierarchy and typography.
- Assignment:
- Compare and contrast Figma, Adobe XD, and Sketch, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.
- Real-life Project:
- Choose a simple design task and complete it in Sketch, comparing the experience to Figma or Adobe XD.
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*Module 15: Prototyping Tools*
- Learning Objectives:
- Explore a range of prototyping tools beyond Figma and Adobe XD, such as InVision Studio, Principle, Framer, and ProtoPie.
- Understand the different functionalities and specializations of each tool.
- Choose the right prototyping tool for different project needs and complexities.
- Hands-on Practice:
- Create interactive prototypes with different tools, experimenting with their unique features and capabilities.
- Practice adding transitions, animations, and microinteractions to prototypes.
- Assignment:
- Prototype a user flow with transitions and animations using a chosen prototyping tool.
- Real-life Project:
- Choose a specific user flow from a local app and create an interactive prototype using a tool that best suits the task.
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*Module 16: Planning and Conducting Usability Tests*
- Learning Objectives:
- Define clear usability testing goals and objectives.
- Create detailed usability test plans, including participant recruitment, test tasks, and evaluation metrics.
- Understand ethical considerations in usability testing and obtain informed consent.
- Learn how to moderate usability testing sessions effectively, providing clear instructions and encouragement to participants.
- Practice observing user behavior, collecting user feedback, and identifying usability issues.
- Understand different usability testing methods: moderated vs. unmoderated, in-person vs. remote.
- Learn about the benefits and challenges of remote usability testing.
- Explore different tools and platforms for conducting remote usability tests (e.g., UserTesting, TryMyUI, Maze).
- Understand how to recruit participants and manage remote testing sessions.
- Hands-on Practice:
- Develop a usability test plan for a mobile app or website, defining specific tasks and scenarios.
- Practice writing usability test scripts with clear instructions and questions.
- Conduct usability tests with classmates or volunteers, practicing moderation techniques and data collection.
- Analyze video recordings of usability tests to identify patterns and insights.
- Use a remote usability testing platform to conduct a test with real users.
- Analyze the results and feedback obtained from a remote usability test.
- Assignment:
- Create a comprehensive usability test plan for a chosen product or service, including all necessary documentation.
- Conduct a usability test for a chosen product or service and document the findings in a detailed report.
- Compare and contrast in-person and remote usability testing, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages.
- Real-life Project:
- Develop a usability test plan for a local non-profit’s website to identify areas for improvement in user experience.
- Conduct usability tests with users of a local library’s website to evaluate the effectiveness of its online resources.
- Conduct remote usability testing for a local business’s e-commerce website to gather feedback from a wider audience.
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*Module 17: A/B Testing*
- Learning Objectives:
- Understand the principles of A/B testing and its role in optimizing user experience.
- Learn how to design A/B testing experiments, formulate hypotheses, and analyze results.
- Understand statistical significance and its importance in interpreting A/B testing data.
- Hands-on Practice:
- Set up an A/B test for a website landing page using a testing tool (e.g., Google Optimize).
- Analyze A/B testing results and draw conclusions about the effectiveness of different design variations.
- Assignment:
- Design an A/B testing experiment for a specific UI element or feature, defining the variables and success metrics.
- Real-life Project:
- Conduct an A/B test for a local business’s website to determine the best design for a call-to-action button.
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*Module 18: Analyzing User Feedback and Iterating Designs*
- Learning Objectives:
- Learn how to synthesize user feedback from various sources: usability testing, surveys, user interviews, analytics data.
- Understand how to prioritize feedback and identify key areas for improvement.
- Iterate on designs based on user feedback, creating revised prototypes and testing them again.
- Hands-on Practice:
- Redesign an interface based on usability test findings and user feedback.
- Practice presenting design iterations and explaining the rationale behind the changes.
- Assignment:
- Present a case study on how user feedback informed design decisions in a real-world project or a hypothetical scenario.
- Real-life Project:
- Revise the design of a local organization’s website based on user feedback collected through surveys and usability testing.
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*Module 19: Designing for Web*
- Learning Objectives:
- Understand the specific challenges and opportunities of designing for the web.
- Master responsive design principles to create websites that adapt seamlessly to different screen sizes and devices.
- Learn about cross-browser compatibility and ensure consistent user experience across different browsers.
- Hands-on Practice:
- Design a responsive website layout using HTML, CSS, and a CSS framework (e.g., Bootstrap).
- Test the website on different browsers and devices to ensure responsiveness and compatibility.
- Assignment:
- Analyze the design of a successful website, evaluating its responsiveness, accessibility, and user experience.
- Real-life Project:
- Design a responsive website for a local event or a small business, considering their specific needs and target audience.
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*Module 20: Designing for Mobile (iOS and Android)*
- Learning Objectives:
- Learn the platform-specific design guidelines for iOS (Human Interface Guidelines) and Android (Material Design).
- Understand the differences in navigation patterns, UI elements, and interaction paradigms between iOS and Android.
- Design mobile app interfaces that adhere to platform conventions and provide a native user experience.
- Hands-on Practice:
- Design a mobile app screen following iOS Human Interface Guidelines.
- Design a mobile app screen following Android Material Design guidelines.
- Compare and contrast the design of an iOS and Android version of the same app.
- Assignment:
- Choose a popular app and analyze its design on both iOS and Android platforms, identifying similarities and differences.
- Real-life Project:
- Design a simple mobile app for a local business, creating separate versions for iOS and Android that follow platform guidelines.
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*Module 21: Designing for Wearables*
- Learning Objectives:
- Understand the unique challenges and opportunities of designing for wearables (smartwatches, fitness trackers, etc.).
- Consider the limitations of small screens, input methods, and user contexts in wearable design.
- Explore design patterns and best practices for wearable interfaces.
- Hands-on Practice:
- Design a simple app interface for a smartwatch, focusing on glanceability and minimal interactions.
- Explore design tools and resources specific to wearable design.
- Assignment:
- Research and present on the future of wearable technology and its potential impact on UI/UX design.
- Real-life Project:
- Conceptualize a wearable app for a specific use case (e.g., health tracking, productivity, communication) and create a basic prototype.
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*Module 22: Designing for Voice User Interfaces (VUI)*
- Learning Objectives:
- Learn about the principles of conversational design and how to design effective voice user interfaces (VUIs).
- Understand the different types of voice interactions: commands, dialogues, natural language processing.
- Design VUIs for voice assistants (e.g., Alexa, Google Assistant) and other voice-controlled devices.
- Hands-on Practice:
- Create a basic voice user interface flow using a VUI design tool or platform.
- Practice writing conversational scripts for voice interactions.
- Assignment:
- Analyze the user experience of a popular voice assistant, evaluating its conversational flow, error handling, and overall usability.
- Real-life Project:
- Design a simple voice-controlled app for a local business, focusing on a specific task or service.
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*Module 23: Designing for Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)*
- Learning Objectives:
- Explore the principles of designing immersive experiences for augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR).
- Understand the challenges and opportunities of designing for 3D environments and spatial interactions.
- Consider user comfort, accessibility, and ethical considerations in AR/VR design.
- Hands-on Practice:
- Conceptualize a simple AR/VR experience, sketching out user flows and interactions.
- Explore AR/VR design tools and resources.
- Assignment:
- Research and present on the potential of AR/VR in different industries (e.g., education, healthcare, entertainment).
- Real-life Project:
- Design a basic AR experience for a local museum or historical site, enhancing visitor engagement with interactive elements.
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*Module 24: Principles of UX Writing*
- Learning Objectives:
- Understand the role of UX writing in creating user-friendly and engaging interfaces.
- Learn how to write clear, concise, and helpful microcopy for UI elements: buttons, labels, error messages, tooltips, etc.
- Apply UX writing principles to improve the clarity, consistency, and tone of voice in digital products.
- Hands-on Practice:
- Write microcopy for various UI elements, focusing on brevity, clarity, and user guidance.
- Revise existing UI text to improve its effectiveness and user-friendliness.
- Analyze examples of good and bad UX writing in real-world products.
- Assignment:
- Choose a website or app with poorly written UI text and rewrite it to improve clarity and user experience.
- Real-life Project:
- Work with a local business to improve the UX writing on their website or app, focusing on specific areas like calls to action, error messages, or onboarding flows.
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*Module 25: Content Style Guides and Voice and Tone*
- Learning Objectives:
- Learn how to develop content style guides to ensure consistency in writing across all digital platforms.
- Define the voice and tone of a brand and how it should be reflected in UX writing.
- Understand the importance of using appropriate language, grammar, and punctuation for different audiences and contexts.
- Hands-on Practice:
- Create a content style guide for a fictional company, defining their brand voice, tone, and writing conventions.
- Analyze the voice and tone of different brands and how it’s expressed in their UX writing.
- Assignment:
- Choose a brand and analyze their content style, identifying their voice, tone, and key messaging.
- Real-life Project:
- Develop a content style guide for a local organization, ensuring their online communication is consistent and aligned with their brand identity.
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*Module 26: Content Strategy, Accessibility and Information Architecture*
- Learning Objectives:
- Understand how information architecture (IA) applies to content organization and website structure.
- Learn how to create content inventories, sitemaps, and navigation systems that are user-friendly and support findability.
- Apply IA principles to different types of content: articles, blog posts, product descriptions, FAQs, etc.
- Understand the role of content strategy in achieving business goals and user needs.
- Learn how to develop a content strategy that aligns with the overall product strategy and target audience.
- Explore different types of content: blog posts, articles, videos, infographics, social media updates, etc.
- Understand the importance of creating accessible content that can be understood by everyone, including people with disabilities.
- Learn how to write alt text for images, captions for videos, and transcripts for audio content.
- Apply accessibility principles to different content formats and platforms.
- Hands-on Practice:
- Create a content inventory and sitemap for a website, organizing content logically and hierarchically.
- Analyze existing websites and evaluate their content IA, identifying areas for improvement.
- Create a content calendar for a social media campaign, planning content topics and publishing schedules.
- Analyze the content strategy of successful digital products, identifying key elements and best practices.
- Write alt text for images and captions for videos, ensuring they are informative and descriptive.
- Evaluate the accessibility of existing content using accessibility testing tools.
- Assignment:
- Choose a content-heavy website and evaluate its information architecture, proposing improvements to enhance user experience and content discoverability.
- Research and present on a successful content marketing strategy, explaining its key components and how it achieved its goals.
- Choose a website or app and evaluate the accessibility of its content, providing recommendations for improvement.
- Real-life Project:
- Work with a local business to improve the IA of their website, making it easier for users to find the information they need.
- Develop a content strategy for a local non-profit organization, outlining their content goals, target audience, and content formats.
- Work with a local organization to improve the accessibility of their online content, making it more inclusive for all users.
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*Module 27: Product Discovery, Ideation, Strategy, and Roadmapping*
- Learning Objectives:
- Understand the importance of product discovery in identifying user needs and market opportunities.
- Learn how to conduct market research, competitive analysis, and user interviews to gather insights.
- Master brainstorming techniques and ideation methods to generate innovative product ideas.
- Prioritize product features based on user needs and business goals.
- Define a clear product vision and set measurable goals for product development.
- Learn how to create a product roadmap that outlines the development timeline and prioritizes features.
- Understand the role of product strategy in aligning design decisions with business objectives.
- Hands-on Practice:
- Conduct a competitive analysis for a specific product category, identifying strengths and weaknesses of competitors.
- Brainstorm product ideas for a chosen target audience, using various ideation techniques.
- Develop a product roadmap for a new app or website, prioritizing features and setting milestones.
- Analyze the product strategy of successful companies, identifying key elements and best practices.
- Assignment:
- Identify a user need and develop a product concept that addresses that need, outlining its key features and benefits.
- Choose a product and analyze its roadmap, evaluating its effectiveness and alignment with user needs and market trends.
- Real-life Project:
- Work with a local business to identify new product opportunities or improve existing products based on market research and user feedback.
- Help a local startup develop a product strategy and roadmap for their new product or service.
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*Module 28: Agile and Lean UX*
- Learning Objectives:
- Understand the principles of Agile and Lean UX methodologies for iterative product development.
- Learn how to work in Scrum teams, participate in sprints, and deliver incremental value to users.
- Apply Lean UX principles to minimize waste and maximize efficiency in the design process.
- Hands-on Practice:
- Participate in a simulated Scrum sprint, working in a team to design and prototype a new feature.
- Apply Lean UX principles to a design challenge, focusing on rapid prototyping and user feedback.
- Assignment:
- Compare and contrast Agile and Waterfall development methodologies, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages for UX design.
- Real-life Project:
- Observe an Agile development team in a local company to understand their workflow and how UX designers contribute to the process.
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*Module 29: Working with Developers*
- Learning Objectives:
- Learn how to collaborate effectively with developers throughout the product development lifecycle.
- Communicate design specifications clearly and provide developers with the necessary assets and documentation.
- Understand the technical constraints and possibilities of different development platforms.
- Hands-on Practice:
- Create a design specification document for a developer, including detailed information about UI elements, interactions, and visual styles.
- Practice presenting design solutions to developers and answering their questions.
- Assignment:
- Shadow a developer in a local company to understand their workflow and how they use design assets and specifications.
- Real-life Project:
- Collaborate with a developer to build a simple website or app, practicing communication and handoff processes.
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*Module 30: Measuring Product Success*
- Learning Objectives:
- Define key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of a digital product.
- Learn how to track user behavior, analyze data, and identify areas for improvement.
- Understand different analytics tools and techniques for measuring user engagement, conversion rates, and other metrics.
- Hands-on Practice:
- Analyze user data from a website or app using analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics).
- Identify patterns and insights from data to inform design decisions.
- Assignment:
- Propose ways to improve the user experience of a product based on data analysis and user feedback.
- Real-life Project:
- Analyze the user data of a local business’s website or app and provide recommendations for improving key metrics.
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*Module 31: Artificial Intelligence (AI) in UX*
- Learning Objectives:
- Understand how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the field of UX design.
- Explore AI-powered design tools that automate tasks, generate design variations, and personalize user experiences.
- Learn how to design for AI-driven experiences, considering ethical implications and user trust.
- Hands-on Practice:
- Use an AI-powered design tool to generate design variations for a UI element or layout.
- Analyze examples of AI in UX, such as personalized recommendations, chatbots, and voice assistants.
- Assignment:
- Research and present on the ethical considerations of using AI in UX design, addressing issues like bias, privacy, and transparency.
- Real-life Project:
- Conceptualize an AI-powered feature for a local business’s product or service, considering its potential benefits and challenges.
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*Module 32: Internet of Things (IoT) and UX*
- Learning Objectives:
- Understand the Internet of Things (IoT) and its impact on user experience design.
- Learn how to design user interfaces for connected devices and IoT ecosystems, considering the unique challenges and opportunities.
- Explore design patterns and best practices for IoT interfaces, focusing on simplicity, context-awareness, and security.
- Hands-on Practice:
- Design a simple interface for a smart home device, considering its functionality and user context.
- Analyze the user experience of popular IoT products, identifying strengths and weaknesses.
- Assignment:
- Research and present on the future of IoT and its potential to transform various industries and user experiences.
- Real-life Project:
- Design a user interface for a hypothetical IoT product that addresses a specific need in the local community.
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*Module 33: Designing for Conversational Interfaces*
- Learning Objectives:
- Deepen your understanding of conversational design and its application in chatbots, voice assistants, and other conversational interfaces.
- Learn how to design user-friendly conversational flows, handle errors gracefully, and maintain a natural and engaging conversation.
- Explore different conversational design platforms and tools.
- Hands-on Practice:
- Create a conversational flow for a chatbot using a conversational design platform.
- Practice writing dialogue for conversational interfaces, considering personality, tone, and user expectations.
- Assignment:
- Evaluate the user experience of a conversational interface (e.g., a chatbot on a website, a voice assistant on a smartphone), providing feedback on its effectiveness and areas for improvement.
- Real-life Project:
- Design a chatbot for a local business to handle customer inquiries or provide information about their products or services.
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*Module 34: Blockchain and UX*
- Learning Objectives:
- Understand the basics of blockchain technology and its potential implications for user experience design.
- Learn how to design user interfaces for decentralized applications (dApps) and blockchain-based services.
- Consider the unique challenges of designing for transparency, security, and user trust in the blockchain space.
- Hands-on Practice:
- Design a user interface for a hypothetical dApp, considering the user flow for interacting with a blockchain-based service.
- Analyze the user experience of existing blockchain applications, identifying best practices and areas for improvement.
- Assignment:
- Research and present on the potential of blockchain technology to transform various industries and user experiences.
- Real-life Project:
- Conceptualize a blockchain-based solution for a local community challenge and design a user interface for it.
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*Module 35: Ethical Considerations in UX Design*
- Learning Objectives:
- Understand the ethical implications of design choices and their impact on users and society.
- Learn how to design for inclusivity, accessibility, and privacy, avoiding dark patterns and manipulative design practices.
- Develop a responsible and ethical approach to UX design.
- Hands-on Practice:
- Evaluate a design for potential ethical issues, considering its impact on different user groups and its potential for misuse.
- Analyze case studies of ethical dilemmas in UX design and discuss potential solutions.
- Assignment:
- Write an essay on the importance of ethics in UX design, reflecting on the responsibilities of designers and the potential consequences of unethical design choices.
- Real-life Project:
- Conduct an ethical audit of a local organization’s website or app, identifying potential areas of concern and suggesting improvements.
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*Module 35: Real-World Project Work*Â
This section focuses on hands-on experience, allowing you to apply everything you’ve learned so far.
- Project 1 : Redesign an Existing App
- Learning Objectives:
- Collaborate effectively in a team to tackle a complex design challenge.
- Conduct user research to understand the strengths and weaknesses of an existing app.
- Develop design solutions that address user needs and improve the app’s usability and overall experience.
- Apply design thinking, prototyping, and usability testing throughout the redesign process.
- Project Details:
- Trainees will form teams and choose an existing mobile app to redesign (e.g., a social media app, a productivity tool, a local service app).
- They will conduct user research (interviews, surveys, competitive analysis) to identify pain points and opportunities for improvement.
- Teams will create user personas, user flows, wireframes, and interactive prototypes of their redesigned app.
- Usability testing will be conducted to gather feedback and iterate on the design.
- Deliverables:
- A presentation showcasing the redesign process, research findings, design decisions, and final prototype.
- A project report documenting the entire project, including research findings, design iterations, and usability test results.
- Learning Objectives:
- Project 2: Design a New Product
- Learning Objectives:
- Conceptualize and design a new digital product from scratch, addressing a real-world need or problem.
- Conduct thorough user research to validate the product idea and identify target users.
- Develop a comprehensive design solution that includes user flows, wireframes, prototypes, and visual design.
- Present the new product concept in a compelling and persuasive manner.
- Project Details:
- Trainees will form teams and brainstorm ideas for new digital products that solve a problem or fulfill a need in a specific market.
- They will conduct user research to validate their product idea and identify the target audience.
- Teams will develop a product strategy, create user personas, design user flows, and build interactive prototypes.
- The final product concept will be presented to the class, including a pitch deck or a video demonstration.
- Deliverables:
- A presentation showcasing the new product concept, including its features, benefits, target audience, and market potential.
- A prototype of the product, demonstrating its core functionality and user experience.
- A project report documenting the entire product design process, from ideation to prototyping.
- Learning Objectives:
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*Module 36: Building a UX Portfolio and Resume Optimization*
- Learning Objectives:
- Understand the importance of a strong UX portfolio in showcasing skills and experience to potential employers.
- Learn how to select the best projects for a portfolio, create compelling case studies, and present work effectively.
- Explore different portfolio formats: online websites, PDF presentations, physical portfolios.
- Learn how to write a compelling UX resume and cover letter that highlights relevant skills, experience, and achievements.
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to specific job descriptions and target companies.
- Use keywords and action verbs to make your application stand out.
- Hands-on Practice:
- Review and critique existing UX portfolios, identifying strengths and weaknesses.
- Develop a portfolio website using a portfolio builder or a website creation tool (e.g., Wix, Squarespace, WordPress).
- Practice writing case studies that highlight the design process, challenges, and solutions for each project.
- Review and critique sample UX resumes and cover letters.
- Write a resume and cover letter for a specific UX design job posting.
- Practice answering common interview questions and tailoring your responses to different job roles.
- Assignment:
- Create a case study for one of the projects completed during the course, showcasing the design process and outcomes.
- Participate in a peer review session to provide feedback on classmates’ resumes and cover letters.
- Real-life Project:
- Continue building and refining your UX portfolio throughout the course, adding new projects and case studies as you complete them.
- Update your resume and cover letter to reflect your newly acquired UX skills and project experience.
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*Module 37: Job Search and Freelancing Strategies for UX Designers*
- Learning Objectives:
- Understand the UX job market and identify potential job opportunities in different industries and companies.
- Learn effective job search strategies: online job boards, networking events, company websites, LinkedIn.
- Develop your online presence and professional network to connect with potential employers.
- Understand the benefits and challenges of freelancing as a UX designer.
- Learn how to find freelance clients, manage projects, and set competitive rates.
- Explore different freelancing platforms and resources for UX designers.
- Practice your interviewing skills in a simulated environment with industry professionals or experienced UX designers.
- Receive constructive feedback on your interview performance, including your answers, communication style, and overall presentation.
- Gain confidence and prepare for real job interviews.
- Hands-on Practice:
- Explore different online job boards and platforms for UX designers (e.g., LinkedIn, Indeed, Dribbble).
- Practice networking with UX professionals at online events or through LinkedIn.
- Research different companies and their UX teams to identify potential employers.
- Create a profile on a freelancing platform (e.g., Upwork, Fiverr) and showcase your skills and experience.
- Practice writing proposals for freelance projects, outlining your approach and pricing.
- Participate in mock interviews with different interviewers, practicing common UX interview questions and scenarios.
- Receive feedback on your performance and identify areas for improvement.
- Assignment:
- Research and present on different career paths in UX design, including salary expectations, job responsibilities, and required skills.
- Develop a pricing strategy for your freelance UX design services, considering your skills, experience, and market rates.
- Reflect on your mock interview experience and develop a plan to address any weaknesses or areas of concern.
- Real-life Project:
- Create a list of target companies and start networking with UX professionals in those companies.
- If interested in freelancing, start looking for small projects to build your experience and portfolio.
- Continue practicing your interviewing skills with friends, family, or mentors to prepare for real job interviews.
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*Module 38: UI/UX Certification Preparation and Advanced Topics*
This consolidated module streamlines the preparation for various UI/UX certifications, providing a comprehensive overview and allowing you to focus on specific certifications based on your career goals.
- Learning Objectives:
- Industry Standards: Importance of UI/UX certifications in demonstrating professional competency and increasing career opportunities.
- Certification Landscape: UI/UX certifications:
- General UX: CXA (HFI), CPUX-F (UXQB), UX Design Institute Professional Diploma.
- Specialized: CURP (UXPA), Nielsen Norman Group UX Research Certificate, UX Writing Hub Certification.
- Exam Preparation: Effective test-taking strategies, including time management, question analysis, and stress management.
- Core UX Concepts: Core UX concepts and methodologies common across different certifications.
- Certification-Specific Knowledge: Dive deeper into the specific requirements and focus areas of individual certifications based on trainee interest.
- Activities:
- Certification Overview: Overview of different UI/UX certifications, highlighting their value, target audience, and career benefits.
- Exam Preparation Workshop: Workshop on test-taking strategies and best practices for certification exams.
- Guest Lectures: Certified UX professionals share their experiences and insights on different certifications.
- Mock Exams: Practice exams and mock interviews to simulate the certification experience and identify areas for improvement.
- Study Groups: Study groups for trainees pursuing specific certifications to encourage peer learning and support.
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*Module 39: The Future of UX Design*
- Learning Objectives:
- Explore emerging trends and technologies that will shape the future of UX design (e.g., AI, VR/AR, voice interfaces, ethical design).
- Discuss the evolving role of UX designers in a rapidly changing technological landscape.
- Foster a mindset of continuous learning and adaptation in the field of UX.
- Activities:
- Guest lectures from industry leaders and UX thought leaders.
- Panel discussions on the future of UX and its impact on society.
- Brainstorming sessions on potential UX innovations and challenges.
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*Certification, Internship and Job Placement*
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