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* 

  • 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* 

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.
  • 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.

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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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