Are you eager to explore the realm of User Experience (UX) design but not quite ready to commit to a formal degree or bootcamp program? Free UX design courses could be your gateway to a wealth of knowledge about UX design, the essential tools used by UX designers, and the promising career path it offers—all without any financial commitment.
This guide will introduce you to the best free UX design courses available online, all of which are 100% cost-free and offered by trusted sources within the field.
The Top Free UX Design Short Courses
1. CareerFoundry’s Free UX Design Short Course
CareerFoundry typically offers certificate programs with job guarantees, but here’s a free course for you. It’s a fantastic introduction to the world of user experience design, allowing you to assess whether a career in UX design aligns with your aspirations. This self-paced course takes approximately 90 minutes over a week and covers:
- What is UX design?
- The UX design process
- Career prospects in UX
- Core UX design skills
- Building an impressive UX portfolio
This course offers valuable insights to determine if UX design is the right path for you.
2. The Gymnasium’s UX Fundamentals
Gymnasium offers free online courses taught by industry experts. In their free UX design course, you will learn how to apply user-centered design principles to websites and mobile apps. Topics covered include:
- Basic user research techniques
- Creating user personas
- Information design approaches
- Wireframing and prototyping
- User-optimized content organization
- Common UX design patterns
- User testing techniques
This course equips you with a solid foundation in assessing a website’s usability and applying UX principles during design and development.
3. Accenture’s Digital Skills: User Experience on Future Learn
Future Learn, an online learning platform, hosts a course series by Accenture, a Fortune 500 company renowned for strategy and technology consulting. Their self-paced, three-week free UX design course is ideal for beginners. You’ll explore:
- The significance of user experience (UX)
- Basics of UX research and design
- UX tools and testing techniques
This course is suitable for those seeking to develop entrepreneurial skills, enter the job market, or explore career changes.
4. Become a User Experience Designer through LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning offers a 30-day free trial to complete this comprehensive, 12-hour self-paced UX design course. You’ll become a proficient user experience designer, mastering research and analysis skills. The course, taught by industry experts, covers:
- Principles of user-centered design
- Creating wireframes and graphics with industry-standard tools
- Building a UX portfolio with interactive prototypes and user personas
LinkedIn Learning is the go-to platform for developing a solid foundation in UX design.
5. UI/UX Design Specialization by CalArts on Coursera
Coursera, a platform partnering with renowned institutions, offers this free UX design course by the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts). A thorough MOOC, it takes around five hours per week for four months. You’ll delve into:
- Visual elements of UI design
- UX design fundamentals
- Web design strategy and information architecture
- Wireframes and prototypes
Completing this course rewards you with a shareable certificate and valuable skills.
6. Introduction to User Experience Design by Georgia Tech on Coursera
Another Coursera MOOC, this course offers an introduction to UX design. With approximately six hours of total commitment, you’ll explore:
- An overview of UX design
- Requirement gathering
- Design alternatives
- Prototyping
- Evaluation
This course provides insights into the UX design process for novices.
7. LearnUX.io
Created by Greg Rog, a designer with 15 years of experience at Fortune 500 companies, LearnUX.io is a video learning platform aimed at helping aspiring and professional UI and UX designers hone their skills. Free UX design courses cover topics like UX careers, usability, user testing, design for screens, and various tools such as Sketch, Figma, InVision, and more. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced UX designer, this platform offers valuable insights into industry tools.
8. Springboard’s Free UX Design Curriculum
Springboard offers a variety of tech career programs, including UX design. Their Free UX Design Curriculum, a 55-hour course, compiles videos and resources from the internet into a structured pathway for beginners. Topics include design research methods, user-centered design techniques, interviewing users, creating user personas, deliverables expected from a UX designer, and best practices.
9. General Assembly’s Intro to UX Design
General Assembly provides live online workshops introducing various topics, including UX design. “Intro to UX Design” explores the decision-making process that shapes user interactions with digital products. You’ll learn:
- What UX design is and why it matters
- How users interact with digital products
- Fundamental tools and techniques used by professional designers
This workshop is ideal for individuals new to UX design.
10. Break Into UX Design from General Assembly
Another live-streamed workshop from General Assembly, “Break Into UX Design,” offers insights into the roles of UX designers, product managers, and developers. It covers topics such as the design process, types of companies hiring UX designers, job requirements, and practical advice for aspiring UX professionals.
Final Thoughts
These eleven outstanding and free UX design courses offer a glimpse into the world of UX design, its tools, and best practices. Most courses can be completed in just a few days, providing valuable insights for those considering a career in UX design.
Ready to embark on your journey into UX design? Dive into these free courses to explore whether UX design is the right path for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Free UX Design Courses
1. How can I learn UX design for free? You can start learning UX design for free through online platforms like CareerFoundry, LinkedIn Learning, and Gymnasium, which offer free UX courses or free versions of longer programs.
2. Can UX design be self-taught? While formal education and certification courses are valuable, you can self-teach the basics of UX design. Numerous free online resources, including courses and books, can help you develop essential skills.
3. Can I learn UX design in three months? It’s possible to grasp the fundamentals of UX design in three months with dedication and consistent learning. However, mastering UX design, with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, may take more time and practice.
If you have additional questions or need further guidance, feel free to consult with our program advisors to kickstart your UX design journey.
