User-Centred Design - Module 1
Welcome!
Welcome to the first module of three from the course 'User-Centred Design'!
What's special about Guerrilla UCD
Usability and good user experience need to be built into products and services. They're not something you can add afterwards. Giving sole responsibility for user experience to specialists, with little support or understanding from the rest of the team is all too common, with considerable frustration and wasted effort on both sides. This series of lessons aims to redress the imbalance by bringing user-centred design to the whole team and putting the case for a critical focus on users when we're building interactive systems. We're not trying to turn software developers into usability specialists, but approaches like Agile need everyone on the team to be aware of issues like quality and usability. And that's where Guerrilla UCD comes in.
Whether you're a lone voice in your corporate wilderness or a whole team trying to improve usability and user experience, our Guerrilla UCD lessons have a lot to offer. They're designed for a broad audience, not just usability and user experience experts (although some lessons, such as 'Making the Case for UCD in Agile' do lean more in that direction).
The lessons are run by William Hudson, a leading expert in user-centred design who consults and teaches internationally. They will have a practical focus but with enough background and theory to help you understand more complex issues. To allow you to fill in some of the gaps and to take things further yourself, each lesson has (optional) related reading consisting of over 40 titles across a broad array of subjects.
Guerrilla UCD Module 1 of 3 - Strategy
The five strategy lessons present the basics of designing for usability. They include
- Visual Design for Usability
- Navigation & Menu Design
- SEO & Accessibility
- Human Error, Messages & Feedback
- Usability Evaluation
These topics address some of the most basic issues in building a wide range of interactive systems including desktop applications and web sites. They will be relevant to anyone involved in the design and development process.
Each of the 3 modules can be taken independently although module 1 is recommended as a precursor to the others for those with little or no knowledge of usability, user experience, or user-centred design.
Guerrilla UCD Module 2 of 3 - Tactics
These are more in-depth than the strategy lessons, addressing specific topics and techniques:
- Card Sorting
- Dynamic Web Pages
- Web & Intranet Content
- Advanced Users
- Persuasive/Seductive Design
Like the strategy lessons, they are intended for a broad audience although Web & Intranet Content will be of particular interest to content authors (or those responsible for managing content).
Each of the 3 modules can be taken independently although module 1 is recommended as a precursor to the others for those with little or no knowledge of usability, user experience, or user-centred design.
Guerrilla UCD Module 3 of 3 - Lean and Agile
The lean and Agile lessons are more about process and how to make users the focal point of design. They include
- Making the Case for UCD (aimed primarily at usability and UX specialists)
- Integrating UCD & Agile
- Agile UX (1): Users, Personas & Design Maps
- Agile UX (2): Use Cases, Stories & Scenarios
- Agile UX (3): Conceptual Models
These lessons tackle the difficult issues of how to persuade colleagues, teams and organizations that users should be central to the design and development of interactive systems. The three Agile UX lessons address practical techniques such as personas, design maps and conceptual models that help the focus to stay on real users and their needs throughout development.
Each of the 3 modules can be taken independently although module 1 is recommended as a precursor to the others for those with little or no knowledge of usability, user experience, or user-centred design.
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Course Overview:
- Each week, one lesson becomes available.
- Study flexibly. Take as much time as you want.
- 18h, 55m over 8 weeks (est.).
Lesson 0: Welcome and Introduction
To be scheduled. Estimated time to complete: 1 hour, 44 mins.
Lesson 1: User-Centered Design Boot Camp
To be scheduled. Estimated time to complete: 3 hours, 4 mins.
Lesson 2: Visual Design for Usability
To be scheduled. Estimated time to complete: 3 hours, 22 mins.
Lesson 3: Navigation & Menu Design
To be scheduled. Estimated time to complete: 3 hours, 10 mins.
Lesson 4: Designing for SEO & Accessibility
To be scheduled. Estimated time to complete: 3 hours, 22 mins.
Lesson 5: Human Error, Messages & Feedback
To be scheduled. Estimated time to complete: 3 hours, 11 mins.
Lesson 6: Usability Evaluation
To be scheduled. Estimated time to complete: 2 hours, 45 mins.
Lesson 7: IxDF Course Certificate and Course Wrap-up
To be scheduled. Estimated time to complete: 13 mins.
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Design skills are incredibly valuable for both you personally and for your company.
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You can ignite your passion through design and leverage it to make a meaningful impact.
For your company, design skills are important because:
Your design skills can help increase sales, keep customers loyal, and turn them into powerful advocates of your company. That’s because design is all about helping people reach their goals and meet their needs.
Companies that invest in design outperform the S&P 500 Index by a whopping 228%.
Design goes way beyond creating attractive visuals and aesthetics. When you possess design skills you’re equipped to revolutionize businesses, make technology more user-friendly, and innovate customer experiences and systems.
I’m not a designer. Why should I learn design and tech?
Design and tech skills can make you an indispensable asset to your company and open up career opportunities.
For example, if you’re in a field such as:
Marketing, Communication and HR
Software Development
Customer Service
Business
Psychology
Project Management
Architecture
Content Creation
Healthcare
Teaching
And other fields
Why can design skills make you valuable in all these jobs and industries?
That’s because design skills are incredibly valuable for both you personally and for your company.
For you personally, design skills are important because:
Salaries for people who learn design are soaring, surpassing $200K in cities like San Francisco, with global job growth rates at 13%.
Many of your job competitors already possess design skills. When you enhance your design skills you can significantly elevate your personal brand and make you a more attractive candidate.
You learn skills that protect you from losing your job to AI.
You can ignite your passion through design and leverage it to make a meaningful impact.
For your company, design skills are important because:
Your design skills can help increase sales, keep customers loyal, and turn them into powerful advocates of your company. That’s because design is all about helping people reach their goals and meet their needs.
Companies that invest in design outperform the S&P 500 Index by a whopping 228%.
Design goes way beyond creating attractive visuals and aesthetics. When you possess design skills you’re equipped to revolutionize businesses, make technology more user-friendly, and innovate customer experiences and systems.
How can design skills protect me from losing my job to AI?
AI is killing jobs in all industries. Humanity has never faced such a powerful force, developing at an exponential speed.
You can protect yourself by learning design: You’ll use the very fabric of being human, like empathy and intuition. AI never can never replace that. These skills are timeless and will stay with you forever.
Design is centered on human needs and goals. That’s why you can protect your future with the power of human-centered design. Mastering these skills can shield you from AI-driven disruptions.
We’ll even teach you how to use AI as your career helper, not your terminator.
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Whether you’re new to design and tech, or looking to skill up, this course will give you a comprehensive learning experience.
This course is right for you if:
You want to learn real-world design skills that are useful in any job and any industry.
You want to learn skills that protect you from losing your job to AI.
You’re tired of wasting time on influencers and want to learn from real experts.
You want actual career outcomes, like increasing your salary potential and job opportunities.
You want to build your credibility by getting credible evidence of your skills with an industry-recognized IxDF Course Certificate.
You want to ignite your passion for design and leverage it to make a meaningful impact.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced professional, you'll discover how design skills can transform your results in problem-solving, innovation, and communication.
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People who take this course come from diverse backgrounds:
Marketing, Communication and HR
Software Development
Customer Service
Business
Psychology
Project Management
Architecture
Content Creation
Healthcare
Teaching
And other fields
If you're interested in design and tech, mastering new design and tech skills can increase your salary potential, make you an indispensable asset to your company and open up numerous career opportunities.
This course will enable you to harness the power of design to build a better world and advance your career, making you an invaluable asset in any field.
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Courses by real experts, not influencers.
Industry-recognized IxDF Course Certificates to build your credibility and salary potential.
Full flexibility in how you learn: Effortlessly while on your sofa or on a park bench during the weekend.
Skills that protect you from losing your job to AI.
Downloadable templates to instantly apply your new real-world skills and help your projects succeed.
An easy way to compile an impressive portfolio.
Instant help and career advice in IxDF online global communities. Your network is your net worth.
Full access to IxDF Local Groups where you can build your network, find your next job, have fun and learn from your peers. The meetings are completely optional and are spread across over 500 cities worldwide.
Get our insights, present them as your own.
Grading by experts, not machines.
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Permanent access to course material during membership.
Downloadable premium literature by 100+ leading designers.
Discounts on design tools.
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Are all the courses really free for members?
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As a member you get:
Courses by real experts, not influencers.
Industry-recognized IxDF Course Certificates to build your credibility and salary potential.
Full flexibility in how you learn: Effortlessly while on your sofa or on a park bench during the weekend.
Skills that protect you from losing your job to AI.
Downloadable templates to instantly apply your new real-world skills and help your projects succeed.
An easy way to compile an impressive portfolio.
Instant help and career advice in IxDF online global communities. Your network is your net worth.
Full access to IxDF Local Groups where you can build your network, find your next job, have fun and learn from your peers. The meetings are completely optional and are spread across over 500 cities worldwide.
Get our insights, present them as your own.
Grading by experts, not machines.
Access on all devices. 100% online.
Permanent access to course material during membership.
Downloadable premium literature by 100+ leading designers.
Discounts on design tools.
1-hour Master Classes by global design leaders to fast-track your growth. Binge-watch them on-demand from your sofa. Stay updated, stay inspired.
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How long does it take to complete this course?
You can see the estimated total learning time just above.
But remember, it’s entirely up to you! You can learn at your own comfortable pace. Anytime and anywhere, whether you're working full-time or juggling life and kids.
Many IxDF learners effortlessly enjoy our courses during their commute, while relaxing on their sofa, or even on a park bench during the weekend.
Dive in whenever it suits you and progress at a speed that feels just right for you.
I missed the enrollment, and now the course is closed. What can I do?
Don't worry, we will re-run the course soon.
One reason we open and close courses is to achieve an optimal classroom size. That way, your networking opportunities and learning experience are optimal.
We display the "XX% booked" status on our courses to be transparent about the course availability.
Stay tuned for the next enrollment period. Be sure to sign up early! Meanwhile, you can sign up for another course you find interesting. Remember, you can take as many courses as you want without paying extra.
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People who take this course come from diverse backgrounds:
Marketing, Communication and HR
Software Development
Customer Service
Business
Psychology
Project Management
Architecture
Content Creation
Healthcare
Teaching
And other fields
No matter your experience level, you'll find courses that help you grow and achieve your goals.
If you're interested in design and tech, mastering new design and tech skills can increase your salary potential, make you an indispensable asset to your company and open up numerous career opportunities.
How can the global and local IxDF community help me?
We can help you in several ways.
Join meet-ups in your city: Join the regular meet-ups in your city in a nearby cafe or office building to have fun and learn with people just like you. You get full access to IxDF Local Groups where you can build your network, find your next job, enjoy yourself and learn from your peers. The meetings are completely optional and are spread across over 500 cities worldwide. Your network is your net worth.
Get instant help and career advice in IxDF online global communities. Build your global network through the supportive IxDF community. Earn IxDF Distinctions like “Community Influencer'' and “Social Impact Award”.
Learn from global leaders and build your network and job opportunities locally and globally.
I scored less than 70% in a course, so I didn't qualify for a certificate. Can I try again?
Yes—simply retake the course and keep moving forward!
Everyone's learning journey looks different and it’s about progress, not perfection.
To retake a course, just follow these steps:
Go to your profile and click on the course you'd like to retake.
At the top of your screen, just below your progress bar, you'll see “UX Courses” followed by the course name in the breadcrumbs.
Click on the course name and scroll down.
Tap the red button that says, “Drop my course now.”
Head back to our UX Courses page and re-enroll yourself in the course.
You're all set to try again!
NB: Please note that when you drop a course, you’ll lose your progress and any answers you’ve already submitted in the course.
What if I have more questions?
We’d love to hear from you and help you!
Reach out to us at hello@interaction-design.org or use the online contact form.