Microsoft UX Design Professional Certificate Course Syllabus
Full curriculum breakdown — modules, lessons, estimated time, and outcomes.
Overview: This comprehensive program is designed for beginners and spans approximately 24 weeks of learning, with a total time commitment of around 120 hours. Learners will progress through hands-on modules covering the full UX design lifecycle—from foundational principles to portfolio-ready projects—while gaining practical experience with industry tools like Figma and Adobe XD.
Module 1: Foundations of User Experience (UX) Design
Estimated time: 20 hours
- Introduction to UX design principles and the role of a UX designer
- Understanding the design process and user-centered design
- Exploring career opportunities in UX design
- Overview of key UX concepts and terminology
Module 2: Start the UX Design Process: Empathize, Define, and Ideate
Estimated time: 20 hours
- Conducting user research and interviews
- Synthesizing research to define user needs and pain points
- Brainstorming and ideating design solutions
- Applying empathy in the design process
Module 3: Build Wireframes and Low-Fidelity Prototypes
Estimated time: 20 hours
- Creating storyboards and wireframes
- Developing low-fidelity prototypes
- Understanding the basics of information architecture
- Translating user insights into early design concepts
Module 4: Conduct UX Research and Test Early Concepts
Estimated time: 20 hours
- Planning and conducting usability studies
- Analyzing and synthesizing research findings
- Applying research insights to refine designs
- Iterating on prototypes based on feedback
Module 5: Create High-Fidelity Designs and Prototypes in Figma
Estimated time: 20 hours
- Designing mockups and high-fidelity prototypes
- Applying visual design principles
- Ensuring accessibility in designs
- Gaining hands-on experience with Figma
Module 6: Responsive Web Design in Adobe XD
Estimated time: 20 hours
- Designing for different screen sizes and devices
- Creating responsive designs using Adobe XD
- Understanding the principles of flexible layouts
- Exporting assets and preparing designs for development
Module 7: Design a User Experience for Social Good & Prepare for Jobs
Estimated time: 20 hours
- Completing a capstone project focused on social good
- Preparing a professional portfolio
- Exploring job search strategies and interview preparation
- Presenting design work effectively to employers
Prerequisites
- No prior experience in UX design required
- Basic computer literacy
- Access to a modern web browser and internet connection
What You'll Be Able to Do After
- Apply user-centered design principles to real-world projects
- Conduct user research and create personas
- Design wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups using Figma and Adobe XD
- Conduct usability testing and iterate on designs based on feedback
- Build a professional UX portfolio to showcase your work to employers