Has the fascinating world of UX design caught your attention? Perhaps you wish to formally pursue this discipline but are not looking to invest financially? This comprehensive list of free UX design courses has got you covered.
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In today’s rapid digital revolution, good UX design has gained massive popularity as a means to enhance user experience and as an essential marketing tool for retaining customers. In fact, businesses are now beginning to understand the power of UX design in driving sales.
Given such an intriguing and lasting impact, it is no surprise that UX design has emerged as one of the most sought-after career choices. Whether you are a beginner merely curious about the field, or a designer willing to take a professional leap in the field, free UX Design courses are one of the most readily available and low-investment options to get started.
Our compiled list intends to provide options that will empower you to explore your design dreams. Here’s a quick overview of all the names in this curated list:
- UX Design Professional Course by Google via Coursera
- UX Design Course by Springboard
- UI/UX Design Specialization by CalArts via Coursera
- Introduction to User Experience Design by Georgia Institute of Technology via Coursera
- Figma UI UX Design Essentials by Skillshare
- Exploring a Career in UX Design via LinkedIn Learning
- UX Fundamentals by Gymnasium
- UX Design Short Course by CareerFoundry
- Digital Skills User Experience by Accenture via Future Learn
- Product Design Course by Udacity
Intrigued? Let’s dive right in!
1. UX Design Professional Course by Google via Coursera
The Professional Certificate Courses offered by Google have been instrumental in enabling individuals to enhance their skills virtually, providing hands-on experience in relevant fields.
Their UX Design Professional Course available on Coursera is a 7-series programme that prepares learners with no prior experience for a high-growth job in the competitive landscape of UX design.
This is achieved through specialization in 7 modules within the curriculum:
- Foundations of User Experience Design
- Start the UX Design Process: Empathise, Define, and Ideate
- Build Wireframes and Low-Fidelity Prototypes
- Conduct UX Research and Test early Concepts
- Create High-Fidelity Designs and Prototypes in Figma
- Build Dynamic User Interfaces for Websites
- Design a User Experience for Social Good & Prepare for Jobs
One notable aspect of this course is its hands-on approach to learning. Throughout the program, learners engage in practical exercises, projects, and case studies that allow them to apply their newly acquired skills in real-world scenarios. These practical components are supplemented by video lectures, readings, quizzes, and peer-reviewed assignments to ensure a comprehensive learning experience.
Furthermore, the course provides access to industry-leading tools and resources commonly used in UX design, including Figma, Sketch, and InVision. Learners also have the opportunity to collaborate with peers, receive feedback from instructors, and work on three end-to-end projects that eventually culminate into a UX Design portfolio.
In Summary:
- 7-series course that takes learners through every stage of the design process
- Hands-on learning through three end-to-end design projects
- Introduction to design tools like Figma and Adobe XD
- A 7-day free trial is available
Learn More: Google UX Design Professional Course
2. UX Design Course by Springboard
Springboard's UX Design Course is tailored to accommodate the learning requirements of both students and working professionals, making it accessible for individuals at various stages of their careers.
The curriculum is structured to cover all fundamental aspects of user experience design, including UX processes, tools, and methodologies. With a span of 17 learning units and 40 resources, the course provides a comprehensive overview of the field.
Notably, the course distinguishes itself by offering modules on design thinking and hands-on exploration of wireframing, using popular tools like Figma and Sketch. Learners are also introduced to 20 leading UX design tools, enhancing their practical skills and knowledge in the field.
In summary, Springboard's UX Design Course serves as an excellent platform for aspiring designers, offering a well-rounded understanding of the entire landscape of UX design.
In Summary:
- Beginner-friendly course suitable for both newcomers and design enthusiasts
- Comprises 55 learning hours, 17 learning units, and 40 resources
- This is an entirely free course
Learn More: Springboard UX Design Course
3. UI/UX Design Specialization by CalArts via Coursera
The CalArts UI/UX Design Specialisation is a 4-course series that introduces learners to the intricacies of designing high-impact user interfaces and experiences. The course is available on Coursera and comprises the following topics:
- Visual Elements of UI Design
- UX Design Fundamentals
- Web Design: Strategy and Information Architecture
- Web Design: Wireframes to Prototypes
Each program focuses on a particular stage of the UI UX design process while centering around a visual communications perspective. Key topics covered over the course of this four-series program include user research, goal building, information architecture, sitemaps, and wireframing.
The course also takes a practice-based approach and includes several short and long quizzes to allow individuals to build and structure screen-based content and strategy. These practical assignments culminate into a mid-level digital prototype that utilizes stimulated functionality alongside a well-structured strategy for a complex website design.
Learners are also offered access to an extended 1-month free trial of a UX tool product suite from Optimal Workshop.
In Summary:
- A practical introduction to the best practices in UX design
- A total of 4 courses that include the development of a mid-level digital prototype through assignments
- The total course duration is approximately 2 months with one week of free trial
- Includes a Certificate of Completion
Learn More: Calarts UI/UX Design Specialization
4. Introduction to User Experience Design by Georgia Institute of Technology via Coursera
The Introduction to User Experience Design, offered by the distinguished research institute Georgia Institute of Technology, caters to novice learners venturing into the realm of user design.
Comprising 6 modules, the course systematically guides learners through the four-step user interface cycle. This includes an introduction to techniques and tools commonly used during the user research stage, enabling learners to:
a) grasp best practices for gathering user needs data, and
b) acquire practical skills in evaluating data and designing user-centric model interfaces.
Each module incorporates hands-on assignments and quizzes to reinforce learning, ensuring learners attain a comprehensive grasp of the course material. The primary learning outcomes are geared towards equipping novices with a holistic understanding of the user research process, serving as a foundational stepping stone into the field.
In summary, this free course presents an ideal choice for beginners keen on delving into user experience design and establishing a robust foundation for further exploration.
In Summary:
- Ideal for novice designers looking to gain hands-on learning experience
- 6 modules with 2 hours of weekly learning for three weeks
- 7-day free trial
Learn More: Introduction To User Experience Design
5. Figma UI UX Design Essentials by Skillshare
Skillshare's Figma UI UX Design Essentials course is geared towards experienced learners seeking to refine their technical skills, particularly in software-related aspects.
Led by industry leaders and practitioners, this program encompasses 111 learning units spread over a cumulative duration of 11 hours. It includes 21 Class Projects with instructor-led modules, providing comprehensive coverage of Figma's functionalities.
Throughout the course, learners are immersed in the intricacies of using Figma across various stages of the user experience design process. This includes creating user personas, establishing project briefs, designing wireframes, and crafting other visual components of user interface design.
Upon completion, one would have acquired practical knowledge in designing responsive UX on Figma, proficiency in utilizing Figma plugins and UI kits, and a foundational understanding of advanced micro-interactions and animations.
In Summary:
- Instructor-led modules that are beginner-friendly
- 111 units that require 11+ learning hours
- 21 projects for hands-on learning
Learn More: Skillshare Figma UI UX Design Essentials
6. Exploring a Career in UX Design via LinkedIn Learning
If you wish to pursue a career in UX design but don’t know where to start, this beginner-friendly course offered by LinkedIn can be an excellent way to gauge your interest and discover the scope of the field.
Comprising 9 distinct specialized courses, the program takes a deep dive into key aspects of UX design. These include:
- Planning a Career in User Experience
- UX Design Overview
- Analysing User Data
- Creating Personas
- Ideation
- Creating Scenarios and Storyboards
- Paper Prototyping
- Implementation Planning
- Sketching for UX Designers
- Interaction Design
Each course covers in great detail the intricacies of a design process, introducing learners to the entire landscape of UX design. For hands-on learning, the video modules also come with assessments and assignments, ensuring learners are equipped with the right skills before proceeding with the course.
In Summary:
- An expansive course that introduces learners to 9 key aspects of UX design
- 9-series courses that amount to approximately 9 hours of learning
- Suitable for both beginners and experienced designers looking to upskill
Learn More: LinkedIn Learning Exploring a Career in UX Design
7. UX Fundamentals by Gymnasium
UX Fundamentals stands out as an advanced upskilling program tailored for experienced designers aiming to enhance their proficiency in the field.
This comprehensive course delves deeply into the core principles of UX design, covering a wide range of topics across 6 lessons. Learners are guided through essential areas including user research, persona development, information design, wireframing and prototyping.
A distinctive feature of this course is its special emphasis on design patterns, focusing on the ones commonly employed to manipulate user behavior. By addressing these patterns, the course encourages learners to analyze and understand the usability and methodology of websites, thereby guiding them toward best practices in UX design.
In Summary:
- This is an advanced course targetted towards experienced designers
- The curriculum is expansive, including everything from user research and wireframing to applying best practices.
- The course is divided into 6 lessons spanning approximately 90 hours.
Learn More: Gymnasium UX Fundamentals
8. UX Design Short Course by CareerFoundry
CareerFoundry stands out as a prominent figure in the upskilling market, offering specialized courses tailored to diverse audiences.
One of their offerings, the free UX Design Short Course, condenses CareerFoundry's pedagogy into a concise 1-week program aimed at providing an overview of the field.
Comprising 6 daily lessons, each featuring 15-minute short videos, the course covers the following topics:
- What is UX Design
- The UX Design Process
- Areas within UX Design
- UX Design skillset
- UX portfolio tips
- How and why to become a UX designer
- Final Test
Each video tutorial also incorporates written lessons, hands-on tasks, and interactive quizzes that account for approximately 90 minutes of total study hours.
Overall, this is a beginner-friendly course that serves as an excellent way for interested learners to get a sense of UX as a field and discipline and can help individuals gauge their aptitude for a full-blown course.
In Summary:
- Beginner-friendly course that provides an overview of UX design as a field
- Approximately 90 hours of study time spread over a week
- Each lesson comprises a 15-minute short video and other study material
Learn More: CareerFoundry UX Design Short Course
9. Digital Skills User Experience by Accenture via Future Learn
The User Experience program is a foundational course designed to cultivate entrepreneurial skills in individuals seeking entry into the industry or transitioning careers.
Developed in collaboration with Accenture, this CPD Certified program spans over 3 weeks, with learners dedicating 2 hours daily to their studies. The course begins with an overview of UX fundamentals, progressing to modules that delve into understanding user needs and hands-on exploration of essential tools and techniques.
It's worth noting that this course leans towards a more theoretical approach, offering a structured introduction to key UX topics. As such, it is particularly suitable for individuals seeking to gain an understanding of the role of a UX designer and the core aspects it encompasses.
In Summary:
- An introductory course to user needs and user testing
- 6 core modules and 3 weekly round-ups that account for nearly 3 weeks of learning
- Includes a CPD-accredited certificate upon completion
Learn More: Accenture Digital Skills User Experience on Future Learn
10. Product Design Course by Udacity
Udacity, founded by Stanford instructors Sebastian Thrun and Peter Norvig, has gained popularity as a leading online course provider, offering a variety of both free and paid upskilling programs.
Among its offerings, the Product Design program at Udacity provides a comprehensive exploration of designing user-friendly products. Key topics covered include validation, user experience design, and setting metrics to track performance.
While the course does not exclusively focus on user experience, it does dedicate an entire lesson to UI/UX design. This inclusion provides interested learners with a holistic opportunity to delve into both product and UX design principles.
In Summary:
- Free course with no prior experience needed to enroll
- Spans over 2 months and covers the fundamentals of product design
- A dedicated lesson on UI/UX design
Learn More: Udacity Product Design Course
How To Take Your UX Design Education To The Next Level
Free UX design courses undoubtedly offer a valuable introduction to the field, allowing learners to explore their interests and aptitudes without a significant financial or time investment. However, for those aspiring to master UX design and excel professionally, solely relying on free courses may not suffice.
Enrolling in a comprehensive professional course or obtaining a qualification can significantly enhance one's skills and prospects in the industry. A professional UX design course will typically provide hands-on exploration of concepts, in-depth training on essential tools, and access to industry leaders through specialized lectures. Moreover, such courses often offer guided mentorship and help students develop a portfolio relevant to the market.
The Smart Parenting Assistant Project by Shrikant Subramaniam, a student at AND Academy pursuing the UX UI design course, is a classic example. This project demonstrates in-depth research and analysis skills that often fit into the scope of professional courses and eventually add to one’s portfolio.
What’s Next
We trust that our compilation of free UX design courses could prove to be a valuable resource in helping you get started in the field. If you wish to read about the best paid courses, check out our article: 10 Best UX Design Courses and Certifications in 2024.
In case of further assistance, we have curated a selection of additional resources that may be of interest:
- Watch this session by Shiva Viswanathan, Design Head of Ogilvy Pennywise, and Naman Singh, Product Experience Designer at RED.
- Talk to a course advisor to discuss how you can transform your career with one of our courses.
- Pursue our UI UX Design courses - all courses are taught through live, interactive classes by industry experts, and some even offer a Job Guarantee.
- Take advantage of the scholarship and funding options that come with our courses to overcome any financial hurdle on the path of your career transformation.
Note: All information and/or data from external sources is believed to be accurate as of the date of publication.
