UX Design Course: Introduction and Overview

Course Goals and Overview

• Designed for beginners, no prior experience required.
• Covers goals of UX design and its historical evolution.

History of UX Design

• Term 'User Experience' coined in the 1990s by Don Norman.
• Principles trace back to ancient practices like Feng Shui.
• Emphasizes arrangement for improved interaction.

Importance of UX Design

• UX makes technology more understandable and enjoyable.
• Focuses on user interaction with products (both physical and digital).
• Key elements of a good UX: Usable, Equitable, Enjoyable, Useful.

Elements of Good UX

• Usability: Making products easy to use.
  • Example: Transition from glass ketchup bottles to squeezable ones.
• Equitability: Designing for diverse users including those with disabilities.
  • Example: App features accommodating visual impairments.
• Enjoyability: Creating positive connections between users and products.
  • Example: Online food ordering with user reviews and photos.
• Usefulness: Products solving real problems.
  • Example: Navigation apps helping users find their way.

UX Design's Business Impact

• Companies focusing on good UX outperform their competitors.
• Good UX leads to increased usage and recommendations.

Roles and Skills in UX Design

• UX Designers: Diverse backgrounds, share common skills and interests.
• Important skills: Visual sense, empathy, curiosity about people.
• Types of UX Designers:
  • Interaction Designer: Focuses on user-product experience and functionality.
  • Visual Designer: Responsible for product aesthetics.
  • Motion Designer: Concentrates on movement through product interfaces.

UX Design Career Paths

• Generalist: Broad responsibilities across various UX tasks.
• Specialist: Focus on a specific UX area.
• T-shaped Designer: Combines deep expertise in one area with knowledge across others.

Collaboration in UX Design

• UX designers work with engineers and researchers.
• Key roles include UX Writers, Product Designers, UX Engineers, and Program Managers.

Types of Companies and Work Environments

• Startups: Generalist roles, diverse tasks, fast-paced.
• Freelancing: Flexible projects, independence.
• Agencies: Diverse client work, team-based.
• Large Companies: Specialized roles, focused projects.

Starting a Career in UX Design

• Internships: Short-term, real job experience.
• Apprenticeships: Longer, paid training.
• Entry-level Jobs: Foundation skills, portfolio building.

Recap

• Definitions and importance of UX design.
• Roles and responsibilities in UX.
• Collaborations and differences based on company type.
• Career paths and starting points in UX design.

Conclusion

• Completion of the introductory course.
• Encouragement to continue with deeper learning and certification opportunities.