Course Outline

Prerequisites:

• Basic understanding of digital interfaces and applications
• Familiarity with design software tools is a plus
• Interest in user-centered design principles

What you will learn

• Understand the fundamental principles of UI/UX design, the difference between UI and UX, and the importance of user-centered design.
• Develop knowledge of human-computer interaction (HCI) basics and an introduction to design thinking.
• Explore the fundamentals of visual design, including color theory, typography, layout, visual hierarchy, imagery, and branding.
• Learn user research techniques, including interviews, surveys, personas, user stories, card sorting, and information architecture.
• Gain skills in wireframing and prototyping, using tools and methods to create effective design prototypes.
• Understand interaction design principles, designing for different devices and platforms, usability testing, designing for accessibility, and responsive design principles.
• Familiarize themselves with UI/UX design tools such as Figma, Sketch, and Adobe XD, and learn collaboration in design teams, version control for designers, and integrating design tools with the development workflow.
• Explore advanced UI/UX concepts, including designing for emotional engagement, gamification, advanced prototyping techniques, designing for AR/VR interfaces, and staying updated with industry trends and emerging technologies.
• Apply acquired skills and knowledge to a final project, involving the application of UI/UX principles to a real-world design challenge, showcasing proficiency in various aspects of UI/UX design.

Weeks 1-2: Introduction to UI/UX Design Principles

• Course Introduction
• Understanding the Role of UI/UX Design
• Importance of User-Centered Design
• Overview of UI vs UX Design
• Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Basics
• Introduction to Design Thinking

Weeks 3-4: Fundamentals of Visual Design

• Color Theory and Color Schemes
• Typography and Font Pairing
• Layout and Composition
• Visual Hierarchy
• Imagery and Iconography
• Branding and Style Guides

Weeks 5-6: User Research and Information Architecture

• Importance of User Research
• Conducting User Interviews and Surveys
• Personas and User Stories
• Card Sorting and Information Architecture
• Wireframing Techniques
• Prototyping Tools and Methods

Weeks 7-8: Interaction Design and Usability

• Principles of Interaction Design
• Designing for Different Devices and Platforms
• Usability Testing and Feedback
• Designing for Accessibility
• Microinteractions and Feedback Loops
• Responsive Design Principles

Weeks 9-10: UI/UX Tools and Technologies

• Introduction to UI/UX Design Tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD)
• Collaboration in Design Teams
• Version Control for Designers
• Integrating Design Tools with Development Workflow
• Exporting Assets for Development

Weeks 11-12: Advanced UI/UX Concepts and Final Project

• Designing for Emotional Engagement
• Gamification in User Experience
• Advanced Prototyping Techniques
• Designing for AR/VR Interfaces
• Industry Trends and Emerging Technologies
• Final Project: Applying UI/UX Principles to a Real-world Design Challenge

Feedback & Project

• Revision
• Getting feedback from students
• Final project.

Assignments and Final Project:

• Weekly design exercises and assignments to reinforce concepts
• Mid-term project: Creating a wireframe and low-fidelity prototype
• Final project: Developing a high-fidelity prototype with a comprehensive UI/UX design for a selected application or website.

Session