UI / UX Design Specialization Course Syllabus

Overview: This UI/UX Design Specialization Course by California Institute of the Arts is a beginner-friendly program designed to teach core principles of user interface and user experience design. Structured into six modules, the course spans approximately 8–12 weeks with a total time commitment of 40–60 hours. You’ll learn visual design, user research, wireframing, prototyping, and information architecture through hands-on projects using industry-standard tools like Figma and Adobe XD. Each module builds toward creating a complete, portfolio-ready design project, emphasizing real-world workflows and usability testing.

Module 1: Visual Elements of User Interface Design

Estimated time: 10 hours

• Introduction to color theory in UI design
• Typography principles for digital interfaces
• Layout composition and visual hierarchy
• Designing screen-based interfaces with visual impact

Module 2: UX Design Fundamentals

Estimated time: 10 hours

• Introduction to UX design and user-centered thinking
• Conducting user interviews and gathering insights
• Creating user personas and empathy maps
• Designing user flows and basic wireframes

Module 3: Web Design: Strategy and Information Architecture

Estimated time: 10 hours

• Building strategic design structures with information architecture
• Creating sitemaps and navigation flows
• Applying accessibility principles in design
• Designing responsive layouts for multiple devices

Module 4: Web Design: Wireframes to Prototypes

Estimated time: 10 hours

• Transforming wireframes into high-fidelity mockups
• Building interactive prototypes in Figma or Adobe XD
• Conducting usability testing sessions
• Collecting and applying user feedback

Module 5: Real-World Design Workflow

Estimated time: 10 hours

• Applying storytelling techniques in UX design
• Refining user experiences through iteration
• Preparing final design specifications for developers
• Using design systems and collaboration tools

Module 6: Final Project

Estimated time: 20 hours

• Develop a complete UI/UX project from concept to prototype
• Conduct user research and apply findings
• Deliver a portfolio-ready case study with wireframes, mockups, and prototype

Prerequisites

• No prior design experience required
• Basic computer literacy and internet navigation skills
• Access to Figma (free) or Adobe XD (subscription may be required)

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Apply core UI/UX design principles to real-world projects
• Conduct user research and translate insights into design decisions
• Create wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes
• Develop responsive, accessible, and user-friendly layouts
• Build a professional portfolio to showcase design skills