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UI / UX Design Specialization

A top-rated beginner course in UI/UX design with hands-on projects and expert guidance from CalArts.

access

Lifetime

level

Beginner

certificate

Certificate of completion

language

English

What you will learn in UI / UX Design Specialization Course

  • Understand core UI/UX design principles and the human-centered design process
  • Learn to conduct user research and apply findings to design decisions
  • Create wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes using tools like Figma and Adobe XD
  • Develop information architecture and responsive layouts

  • Use storytelling and usability testing to refine user experiences

  • Build a complete UI/UX design project from scratch

  • Gain hands-on experience with real-world design scenarios

Program Overview

Visual Elements of User Interface Design

⏱️ 2–3 weeks

  • Learn color theory, typography, and composition for UI
  • Design screen-based interfaces with visual impact
  • Understand how to create aesthetically pleasing layouts

UX Design Fundamentals

⏱️ 2–3 weeks

  • Get introduced to UX design and user-centered thinking
  • Conduct user interviews and create personas
  • Design user flows and wireframes using Adobe XD or Figma

Web Design: Strategy and Information Architecture

⏱️2–3 weeks

  • Build strategic design structures with information architecture
  • Create navigation flows and sitemaps
  • Learn accessibility principles and responsive design

Web Design: Wireframes to Prototypes

⏱️ 2–3 weeks

  • Turn wireframes into interactive prototypes
  • Conduct usability tests and collect feedback
  • Prepare final design specs for developers

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Job Outlook

  • Rising demand for UI/UX designers as digital products grow across industries
  • Great entry point into roles like UX Designer, UI Designer, Interaction Designer
  • Average salaries range from $65K–$105K for junior to mid-level designers
  • Skills are applicable to both product companies and agencies
  • Strong portfolios built in this program help with job placement
  • UI/UX design experience is a stepping stone to roles in product management or design leadership
  • Growing freelance and remote work opportunities in UX design
  • Businesses prioritize user experience, increasing long-term career value
9.7Expert Score
Highly Recommended
Learn UI/UX design from scratch with this beginner-friendly specialization by CalArts, covering visual design, user research, wireframes, and prototyping.
Value
9.2
Price
9.2
Skills
9.5
Information
9.5
PROS
  • Beginner-friendly and no prior experience needed
  • Taught by California Institute of the Arts instructors
  • Hands-on projects build a job-ready portfolio
  • Access to top design tools and project-based learning
  • Strong emphasis on real-world design workflow
CONS
  • Does not include front-end coding (HTML/CSS)
  • Software tools like Adobe may need separate licensing
  • Self-paced, so requires self-discipline to complete

Specification: UI / UX Design Specialization

access

Lifetime

level

Beginner

certificate

Certificate of completion

language

English

FAQs

  • No, it’s designed for beginners with no prior UI, UX, or coding experience required. The specialization welcomes learners from all backgrounds.
  • The coursework focuses on visual communication and design thinking—emphasis is on creativity rather than programming or marketing.
  • Some familiarity with graphic design (like visual form-making) helps, but is not mandatory—what matters most is your willingness to learn.
  • Tools like Figma and Adobe XD are used—but you’ll learn them from scratch as part of the course.
  • Most importantly, the course’s beginner-friendly structure lets you progress at your own pace.
  • Coursera estimates about 2 months to complete if you dedicate around 10 hours per week.
  • However, other sources report a 4-month timeline (with ~4 hours weekly) or an 8-month pace for a more leisurely learning experience.

Each of the four courses typically takes around 2–3 weeks to complete:

  • Visual Elements of UI Design
  • UX Design Fundamentals
  • Web Design: Strategy & Information Architecture
  • Web Design: Wireframes to Prototypes

The course is self-paced, so you can speed up or slow down depending on your availability.

The latter courses require more project work—expect up to 10 hours per week during those phases.

  • You’ll explore core UI/UX principles and the human-centered design process—understanding how users engage and think.
  • Learn to conduct user research and apply insights to design decisions—a cornerstone of effective UX.
  • Develop wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes using Figma or Adobe XD—hands-on and practical.
  • Gain skills in information architecture, responsive layouts, and storytelling/usability testing to refine designs.
  • Build a complete UI/UX project from scratch, which becomes a portfolio piece for real-world opportunities.
  • Yes—many learners use it as a launching pad into roles like UX Designer, UI Designer, or Interaction Designer.
  • You’ll build a portfolio of real-world-like projects that showcase your process from research to prototype.
  • Salaries for junior designers typically range between $65K–$105K, indicating strong demand for these roles.
  • The specialization’s focus on visual creativity gives it an edge for graphic designers transitioning into UX.
  • However—keep in mind that true readiness often requires continued practice and portfolio refinement beyond the course.
  • Entry-level roles such as UX designer, UI designer, or product designer.
  • Some learners start as design interns or junior researchers.
  • You can also freelance in wireframing, app design, or website UX.
  • Specialized roles like interaction designer or usability analyst may open up later.
  • The key is combining this certificate with a strong portfolio to land interviews.
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