Loading...

Course Description

This course goes beyond theory, focusing on real-world application and critical feedback. You’ll study both exemplary and problematic interfaces to understand what makes certain designs effective and others frustrating. With guidance on information architecture, navigation, aesthetics, and responsive layouts, you’ll learn how to transform abstract ideas into tangible, user-friendly solutions.

By the end, you won’t just know how to design interfaces—you’ll know why design decisions matter. Armed with strategies for planning, prototyping, and implementing design projects, you’ll be ready to craft interfaces that anticipate user needs, streamline user journeys, and achieve your project goals. Whether you’re designing for desktop, mobile, or multiple platforms, this course gives you the skills to deliver a seamless, human-centered experience.

Learner Outcomes

  • Plan, prototype, and design user interfaces for diverse platforms.
  • Apply core design principles that enhance user experience and usability.
  • Understand how to select the right tools and methods for each stage of the project.
  • Organize and structure information to streamline navigation and content flow.
  • Craft clear and intuitive navigation to guide users effectively.
  • Utilize visual layout techniques and aesthetics to engage and delight users.
  • Address unique challenges posed by mobile interfaces and responsive design.
  • Implement user input methods—forms and controls—that support smooth interactions.
  • Manage the full lifecycle of an interactive project, from initial planning to final presentation.
  • Integrate atomic design principles to build modular, scalable UI systems.

Prerequisites

Equipment/Software: Design and prototyping tools (e.g., Sketch, Figma, Adobe XD), and Basic image editing software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator) are required.

Your instructor will provide details. UCSD DES students are eligible for an Adobe Creative Cloud student discount.

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

Loading...

Enroll Now - Select a section to enroll in

Type
Online
Dates
Sep 22, 2026 to Nov 21, 2026
Delivery Options
Online Asynchronous  
Course Fee(s)
Course Fee credit (3 units) $695.00
Available for Credit
3 units
Instructors

Section Notes

Required Textbook(s):
Designing Interfaces: Patterns for Effective Interaction Design 3rd Edition ISBN-13: 978-1492051961, ISBN-10: 1492051969

No refunds after 9/21/26
A full refund is given (less the $40 non-refundable administrative fee per course) if notice is received 5 days or more before the start date of the course. A 50% refund is given (less the $40 non-refundable administrative fee per course) if notice is received 1–4 days before the start date of the course. No refunds are given after the course begins. See the full Drop Policy here.