Introduction to UX Design
Start building a meaningful and rewarding career in UX design with this introductory short course. Over 7 bite-sized lessons that you can take at your own pace, you'll walk away knowing what UX design is and if it's the right career for you.
Lesson 1 of 7
What is UX?
UX is everywhere. Global companies like Google, Facebook and Amazon place a big emphasis on providing a great user experience. But what exactly is a user experience? And what makes a good experience versus a bad one?
In your first lesson, you’ll become familiar with UX and learn that all aspects of a product or service impact the experience.
Additional resources
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What is UX design? 15 user experience design experts weigh in Usertesting.com
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8 must-read books for anyone interested in UX design UX Design Institute Blog
Lesson 2 of 7
Why UX matters
In the first lesson, you were introduced to the three types of design: functional, aesthetic and experience design. Focusing on one or two of these elements isn’t enough. Great products need all three to be successful.
In this lesson, we’ll discuss a company that neglected the experience design of its flagship product, and how that decision ultimately led to its downfall.
Additional resources
Lesson 3 of 7
UX is a state of mind
Great UX doesn’t require lots of money. In fact, it doesn’t even require technology. UX is a state of mind that all companies can apply. In this lesson, we’ll show you how a user-focused mindset can help any business to stand out in a crowded marketplace.
Additional resources
Lesson 4 of 7
Why less is more in UX
When designing a new product, it can be tempting to think big and consider every possibility. What should your app or website do? Why not everything?
In reality, good digital products don’t do everything. In fact, the best ones do very little. But, they do it well. In this lesson, you’ll learn why offering users less choice provides a better experience.
Additional resources
Lesson 5 of 7
Creating desirable products
Creating a successful website or application is more than a great experience. To be truly successful, your product needs to solve a problem for its users. In other words, it must be desirable. In this lesson, we’ll discuss what happens when a product fails to meet this core requirement.
Additional resources
Lesson 6 of 7
Business benefits of UX
As you’ve seen by now, UX brings real benefits to the end-user. But what about the business impact? In this lesson, we’ll discuss the benefits of UX from a commercial perspective, along with some ways you can communicate that impact.
Additional resources
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How to get your boss invested in the business benefits of UX UX Design Institute Blog
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UX leaders who promote the business value of UX UX Design Institute Blog
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How UX designers can add value to a business UX Matters
Lesson 7 of 7
The UX design process
Great user experiences don’t happen by accident. They are the result of careful work and an adherence to the UX process. But what is that process? And why should you follow it? In your final lesson, you’ll learn the steps involved in designing user-focused products and services. You’ll understand why the process is such an important part of UX design.
Additional resources
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What is the UX process? UX Design Institute Blog
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Everything you need to know about the UX design process Maze
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6 reasons to choose a university credit-rated UX certification in 2022 UX Design Institute Blog
Get certified in UX
These video lessons are taken from our Professional Diploma in UX Design - a university credit-rated programme that's helped thousands of people start careers in UX.
Next course commences
9 September 2025
Early bird price
$3,550 $5,150
Make the switch to a rewarding career in UX
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