About This Program
User experience (UX) design has emerged as one of the hottest fields in today’s tech-driven economy. Effective UX design is crucial — it goes beyond the visual aesthetics of mobile and web-based applications to encompass the entire experience of an end user when interacting with any information, product or service.
In this three-course certificate program, you’ll discover how to use the latest design techniques, tools and technologies to create rich interactive experiences. You’ll learn how to apply a four-stage, iterative process of user-centered design thinking — defining user need, ideating on solutions, creating testable prototypes and implementing the chosen solution. We’ll explore content strategies, research methods and usability studies, as well as how information architecture and visualization influence web and device screen design.
▸ Related Article: How to Become a UX Designer
Designed For
Professionals with some experience in graphic design, front-end development, digital marketing or content strategy who want to get started in UX design.
▸ Explore More: Want to dive deep into UX research? Check out our new Specialization in UX Research — or find the right UX program for you.
Alumni Spotlight
Alum Joan Williams explains how the Certificate in UX & Visual Interface Design prompted a positive career change in a booming field.
Duration: 02:48
What You’ll Learn
Design thinking that places user needs at the forefront of each stage of the product development process
Low- and high-fidelity prototype creation for modeling and usability testing
Techniques for research, metadata modeling, information hierarchy and architecture
Visual design principles for interactive screens, including the use of graphics, animation, sound and hypermedia
How to address issues of accessibility
Get Hands-On Experience
Conduct user interviews and create user personas
Use industry-standard tools for organizing content and developing testable prototypes
Complete a capstone project of a high-fidelity prototype of a website or app that integrates interactive UX features with user interface (UI) and visual design
How It Works & Next Steps
Complete the courses in the order below to earn the certificate. To get started, visit the first course page to see upcoming offerings and register.
Apply For a Scholarship
You may be eligible to apply for a UW Certificate Scholarship or Rotary Scholarship to cover most of the costs of this program. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need and the potential of the program to positively impact your career. For more information, see the Scholarships page.
Career Stats
91%
Alumni working in field
Sample Employers
Amazon, University of Washington, Microsoft, DocuSign, Nordstrom, Pokemon
22.7%
Projected job growth for web and digital interface designers in Washington state (2024–2034)
$103,480
Median salary for web and digital interface designers in Washington state (2023)
Career-Ready Credentials
When you complete this program, you’ll earn a certificate and a digital achievement badge you can use to showcase your professional development. You’ll also earn achievement badges for each course you complete.
Our Enrollment Coaches Are Here to Help
Connect with an enrollment coach to learn more about this offering. Or if you need help finding the right certificate, specialization or course for you, reach out to explore your options.
This program is intended for professional development and is not designed to meet educational requirements for professional licensure or certification.
