If you’ve shown interest in the field of user experience, then it’s likely that you’ve considered becoming a UX designer.
In the modern digital landscape, user-centered design is the top priority for the majority of brands. After all, you can’t generate valuable ideas for design solutions without knowing your users’ problems.
So, what does this mean for you who aspire to become a proficient UX designer? It means that you’ll need an extensive skill set and specialized knowledge base. In other words, you must start by studying the foundational concepts of UX design. There is an abundance of UX design courses available, but today, we have explored the Google UX Design Certificate.
By the time you’ve finished reading this guide, you’ll know the ins and outs of the Google UX Design Certificate!
Why You Should Consider UX Design Courses as a Pathway Into UX Design?
Before we explore the UX Design Certificate from Google, it’s essential to outline the importance of UX design courses.
As an alternative to studying UX design at a university/college, UX design courses have several advantages.
Below, we’ve outlined some of the benefits of studying an online UX design course like the one offered by Google.
- Flexibility: You can study at your own pace, making it more likely that you’ll retain critical information.
- Affordability: Compared to a university/college degree, an online UX design course is considerably more affordable. For example, let’s look at UMBC’s User Experience, Web, and Development Certificate program. Studying for one year would cost you $13,260.91. Comparatively, the Google UX Design Certificate doesn’t even cost anywhere near a tenth of that price!
- Comfort: Some students find it difficult to retain information in a traditional classroom environment. By studying UX design online, you can choose a comfortable study environment that’ll increase your focus.
- Shorter Course Duration: Most UX design degrees take at least a year to complete. By taking an online course like the Google UX Design Certificate program, you’ll cut your study time by half!
What Is the Google UX Design Certificate?
This design certificate is a beginner-friendly pathway into UX design. Comprised of 7 courses, you’ll learn everything from UX design basics to building a professional portfolio.
Below, we’ve explored all 7 courses to give you a clear picture of what you’ll learn while studying with Google!
1. Foundations of User Experience (UX) Design
You’ll start your first course by learning about the common job responsibilities of entry-level UX designers.
Additionally, you’ll learn about the basics of user-centered design and the design process.
You’ll learn how to think like a UX designer with the ability to integrate research into the design process.
What’s more, you’ll gain essential wireframing and prototyping skills while always having accessibility in mind.
2. Start The UX Design Process: Empathize, Define, and Ideate
As its title suggests, this module is focused entirely on the design process.
Empathy is a monumental part of UX design; thus, you’ll learn how to understand your users on a psychological level. From your new abilities to empathize with your users, you’ll learn how to develop problem statements that clarify their problems.
You’ll create user journey maps that will help you identify said problem statements and their accompanying solutions.
3. Build Wireframes and Low-Fidelity Prototypes
Concerning the third course, your studies will revolve around wireframing and prototyping.
From creating user-focused storyboards to creating both paper and digital wireframes, you’ll learn how to bring your visions to life.
You’ll also learn how to build low-fidelity prototypes.
Note: A low-fidelity prototype is a quick way of testing designs. A low-fidelity prototype appears as a simple diagram of an early-stage design idea.
4. Conduct UX Research and Test Early Concepts
UX research has a significant influence over a UX designer’s work, so it’s crucial that you know how it’s conducted.
This module will walk you through how to create research plans that incorporate both the user and brand’s needs. Most importantly, you’ll learn how to create the understandable, shareable design objectives that will drive your designs.
You’ll also garner vital insights regarding how to conduct user research with usability studies like a proficient interaction designer.
From here, you’ll learn how to analyze, synthesize, and present the findings from your research to aid the design process.
5. Create High-Fidelity Designs and Prototypes in Figma
As you progress through the courses, you’ll learn more about creating high-fidelity designs.
Specifically, you’ll learn how to build mockups and high-fidelity prototypes via Figma.
Note: High-fidelity prototypes serve as a polished, detailed simulation of your finalized product.
You’ll also adopt the thinking of a visual designer and apply visual hierarchies to every webpage of your product. You’ll learn how to adhere to UI design principles like proximity and contrast to help users navigate through your designs.
From here, you’ll explore effective design systems and learn how to identify specific parts of a design system. Everything you learn in this module will shape how you test and iterate your designs based on feedback.
6. Build Dynamic User Interfaces (UI) for Websites
This module will have you incorporating what you know of the phases of the UX design process with responsive design.
Note: Responsive design refers to how the user interface adapts to a variety of devices and screen sizes.
In addition, you’ll learn how to craft information architecture and sitemaps to organize content for your users logically.
To bolster your practical skills, you’ll also create design projects that you can add to your portfolio.
7. Design a User Experience for Social Good & Prepare for Jobs
For the final course, you’ll apply everything you’ve learned so far and create a responsive website and mobile app. During your project, you’ll utilize the phases of the design process and your knowledge of UX research.
The latter part of this course will focus on your employability. You’ll focus on refining your professional portfolio and establishing an online presence.
Lastly, you’ll learn how to conduct pre-interview research and how you should conduct yourself in a UX design interview. By the time you’ve finished this course, you’ll have a strategic business plan that’ll help you land your first client!
How Long Does It Take To Complete Google UX Design Certificate?
An essential part of choosing any educational course is knowing its duration. In other words, you should know how long it will take for you to become a certificate graduate.
So, how long does it take to complete a UX Design Certificate from Google?
Providing that you study for 10 hours a week, you could finish the Google UX Design Certificate course in 6 months! Of course, everyone’s circumstances and schedules are different. Allocating 10 hours per week to studying may prove a difficult challenge for those with other commitments.
We’ve provided a breakdown of the duration of each course to help you make a well-informed decision.
- Foundations of User Experience (UX) Design — 26 hours.
- Start the UX Design Process: Empathize, Define, and Ideate — 22 hours.
- Build Wireframes and Low-Fidelity Prototypes — 17 hours.
- Conduct UX Research and Test Early Concepts — 20 hours.
- Create High-Fidelity Designs and Prototypes in Figma — 29 hours.
- Build Dynamic User Interfaces (UI) for Websites — 22 hours.
- Design a User Experience for Social Good & Prepare for Jobs — 24 hours.
The total study time for the Google UX Design Certificate program is 160 hours.
How Much Is the Google UX Design Certificate?
Naturally, the next thing you might ask is, ‘How much is the Google UX Design Certificate?’
This specific UX design certificate costs the dame as a Coursera subscription. Thus, attaining this Google Career Certificate would cost you $39 per month.
Given that it’s likely that you’ll study for 6 months, you would pay a total of $234.
Can I Get a Job with Google UX Design Certificate?
You have probably wondered, ‘Can I get a job with a Google UX Design Certificate?’
Of course, there is no definitive answer to that question. Simply having a certificate isn’t enough to secure an entry-level job. However, how well you’ve applied what you’ve learned and the quality of your portfolio will enhance your employability.
That’s not to say that graduating with a UX certificate doesn’t have its advantages.
Upon completion of the course, you’ll gain access to an exclusive job platform, streamlining the job application process!
Is the Google UX Design Certificate Worth It?
The certificate program offers several high-quality modules that’ll help you develop specialized UX-oriented competencies bolstered by practical experience.
Instructed by Google Career Certificates, the program offers a reputable education that’ll also enhance your employability.
With access to Google’s network of employers, you’ll have a significant advantage when it comes to attracting hiring managers.
Additionally, you can apply for financial aid to enroll in the program, making this UX design program incredibly accessible.
With that being said, only you can determine if the Google UX Design Certificate program is worth it. Take into account your financial circumstances and other commitments.
If you can study comfortably, consider the Google UX Design Certificate program as a promising educative experience.
Studying UX Design: Learning How To Create Exceptional Digital Experiences
The key takeaway from this article is that you should choose a course that suits you. You must find a course that suits your financial circumstances and personal schedule. Above all, the course you choose should expand your knowledge base and skill sets.
Your impact on the UX design industry starts with how you choose to study.
Why not take inspiration from proven products that have impacted the UX design industry? Meet Page Flows.
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With Page Flows, you’ll learn what it looks like when designers effectively combine an extensive skill set with practical prowess. The professionals at Page Flows have mastered the art of creating an effective UX design process!
Like the Google UX Design Certificate program, Page Flows recognizes the importance of user-centricity. From user flows to user onboarding, we offer a wealth of inspiration to help you excel as a UX designer!
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