My Review of Coursera’s Google UX Design Program 2023
To do it right means sweat and tears first, relief when all done, and utmost joy when the certificate arrives
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The certificate program is a real commitment in time and effort
To do this program right and get the best learning experience, it is extremely important to follow all the prompts and submission requirements. The requirements to pass tests and peer reviews throughout the course are substantial.
The program is divided into seven courses. The full program is described as the six-month certificate program. However, it is up to the learner to commit to more than the 10 hours per week recommended, and therefore, complete the course earlier.
Or, students can take a little more time and complete the program after more than six months. It took me nine months to complete, because I had to take a few months out for work.
Foundational knowledge
The first four courses of the program impart the knowledge about UX processes, methods, and tools. It’s important to study them and understand them because they will be needed later on.
Students will learn how to empathize with users, define pain points, ideate solutions, create wireframes and prototypes, test and iterate on designs, understand the basics of UX research, plan research studies, conduct interviews and usability studies, and synthesize research results. Accessibility studies are required throughout the program.
In courses 5 through 7, every student is required to complete 3 end-to-end projects based on prompts of their choice. The final submission of each project is a working prototype of a mobile app, a responsive website, and a cross-platform experience.
My first highlight came in at completion of course 5
What surprised me the most was the joy and pride I felt after I finally completed and submitted my first hi-fi prototype at the end of course 5. It was hard. To do an app well, you have to put in the time and work to do the research and execute on the design. There is no short cut.
