What I learned over 6 months & 7 courses:
The design process: empathize with users, define pain points, ideate solutions, create wireframes & prototypes, test and iterate on designs
Understanding the basics of UX research, like planning research studies, conducting interviews & usability studies, and synthesizing results
Applying foundational UX concepts, like user-centered design, accessibility, and equity-focused design
Creating a UX portfolio that includes 3 end-to-end projects: a mobile app, a responsive website, and a cross-platform experience
Personal Refections:
Reflecting on my journey through this comprehensive Google UX design program, what stood out the most was the hands-on experience with real-world projects. From conceptualization to execution, I got invaluable insights into the UX design process. I got to see theories and principles come to life through practical application. What particularly resonated with me was the user research phase – understanding users' needs and behaviors was both challenging and rewarding. It underscored the importance of empathy and user-centricity in design, which is a lesson I'll carry forward in my career.
Another significant takeaway from the course was the emphasis on storytelling and communication in UX design. Learning to articulate design decisions and process narratives effectively is a skill that I believe sets apart great designers. This course has equipped me with the tools to not only create user-friendly designs but also to convincingly communicate the rationale behind my design choices.
Moving forward, I plan to apply these learnings by approaching every project with a user-centric mindset, continually seeking user feedback, and iterating based on this input. The importance of effective communication, both in terms of presenting my work and in collaborating with teams, is something I will prioritize. Additionally, the insights gained from the freelancing module have inspired me to explore freelance opportunities, where I can apply my skills across diverse projects and industries.
Official certificate link: https://www.coursera.org/account/accomplishments/professional-cert/NV2LJGT58WPW
