I’ve crafted a semester-long course based on my book “UX 101: A Primer on User Experience Design.” This book serves as the backbone of our syllabus, offering both beginners and seasoned designers a structured journey into the world of UX. Curious to learn more? Access the ebook for free here (https://www.josephdickerson.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/UX101_2nd_ed_o.pdf) and feel free to use this syllabus as a starting point to set up your course.
Course Title: Introduction to User Experience Design (UX 101)
Instructor: [Your Name]
Course Description:
This semester-long course offers an in-depth exploration of user experience design principles and practices. Drawing from Joseph Dickerson’s “UX 101: A Primer on User Experience Design” and supplemented with additional references, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the history, foundational concepts, and practical applications of UX design.
Course Outline:
1. Introduction to User Experience Design (1 week)
Description: Introduction to the multifaceted world of UX, its significance, and its role in shaping products and services.
– Definition of User Experience Design
– Importance of UX in modern businesses
– The relationship between products, services, and user experience
– Discussion Topics:
– How do everyday products reflect UX design?
– Why is UX crucial for businesses and consumers?
– Project: Analyze a popular website or app and identify its UX strengths and weaknesses.
– Additional References: “Don’t Make Me Think” by Steve Krug
2. Getting Started with UX (2 weeks)
Description: A journey through the evolution of UX, its historical milestones, and the terminology that defines it.
– What is UX?
– Historical overview of the user experience domain
– Common terms in UX
– Behind-the-scenes secrets of UX
– Discussion Topics:
– How has UX evolved over the decades?
– What are some common misconceptions about UX?
– Project: Create a timeline showcasing the evolution of UX design over the years.
– Additional References: “The Design of Everyday Things” by Don Norman
3. Understanding the User-Centered Design Process (3 weeks)
Description: Delving into the philosophy of user-centered design, its stages, and the role of stakeholders.
– Stakeholders and their roles
– Importance of research in UX
– Different research methods and their applications
– Discussion Topics:
– Why is user-centered design more effective than other approaches?
– How do stakeholders influence the UX design process?
– Project: Conduct a user-centered design workshop, gathering feedback on a prototype.
– Additional References: “Lean UX” by Jeff Gothelf
4. Analysis and Design in UX (3 weeks)
Description: A deep dive into the analytical side of UX, understanding biases, and the importance of personas in design.
– Understanding bias in design
– Creation and utilization of personas
– Foundations of design
– Information architecture and interaction design
– Discussion Topics:
– How do biases impact design decisions?
– Why are personas an invaluable tool in the UX design process?
– Project: Develop a detailed persona for a hypothetical product or service.
– Additional References: “Personas: User Focused Design” by Lene Nielsen
5. Tools and Best Practices in UX Design (2 weeks)
Description: Exploration of the tools that empower UX designers and the best practices that guide design across platforms. Spend at least one day walking through each tool.
– Tools of the trade for UX designers
– Best practices in UI, form, mobile, voice, and gestural interaction design
– Discussion Topics:
– How do tools like Figma and Sketch enhance the UX design process?
– What are common pitfalls in UI and mobile design, and how can they be avoided?
– Project: Design a user interface for a mobile app using a UX design tool of choice.
– Additional References: “UX for Beginners” by Joel Marsh
6. Testing and Validation in UX (2 weeks)
Description: Emphasis on the iterative nature of UX design, the importance of usability testing, and methodologies to validate design choices. Discuss the various type of usability tests that can be applied.
– Usability testing and its importance
– Facilitating usability tests
– Mobile usability testing
– Discussion Topics:
– Why is testing a non-negotiable step in UX design?
– How do real-world user feedback and controlled usability tests differ?
– Project: Conduct a usability test on a website or app and present findings.
– Additional References: “Rocket Surgery Made Easy” by Steve Krug
7. Integrating UX into Organizations (1 week)
Description: Strategies to seamlessly incorporate UX principles into organizational structures, and the importance of accessibility.
– Producing design documentation
– Importance of accessibility in design
– Managing a UX team and understanding team dynamics
– Discussion Topics:
– How can organizations benefit from a dedicated UX team?
– Why is accessibility a cornerstone of good UX design?
– Project: Develop a proposal for integrating a UX team into a hypothetical company.
– Additional References: “A Web for Everyone” by Sarah Horton & Whitney Quesenbery
8. Conclusion and Further Reading (1 week)
Description: A reflective session summarizing the UX design process and guiding students towards further resources to continue their UX journey.
– Wrapping up the UX design process
– Recommended readings and resources for aspiring UX designers
– Discussion Topics:
– How will UX design evolve in the next decade?
– What are other resources students can explore to deepen their UX knowledge?
– Project: Create a portfolio showcasing all the projects undertaken during the course.
– Additional References: “Interaction Design: Beyond Human-Computer Interaction” by Helen Sharp, Yvonne Rogers & Jenny Preece
Assessment & Grading:
– Class Participation: 20%
– Weekly Assignments & Quizzes: 30%
– Group Project (UX Design for a chosen product/service): 30%
– Final Exam: 20%
Required Textbook:
“UX 101: A Primer on User Experience Design” by Joseph Dickerson