Best resources to learn UX

Introduction

As a self-made UX-er coming from a non-design background, I had to put a lot of effort into finding good sources to learn UX. Working in product management jobs for software, I was fascinated by the idea that I could help make better products for users.

Without further due, I went directly to action and started researching where I could learn about UX. I landed on some online courses from Lynda.com, which back then was an independent company but now is part of LinkedIn as has been renamed to LinkedIn Learning.

The first class I followed was a practical class on UX by example, showing actively with examples how to improve the UX of a website. As a starter, I found this to be extremely useful to understand some of the principles more concretely. I also followed many other online classes on topics such as Information Architecture, Usability testing, etc.

Later on, I wanted to dive deeper and understand some of the principles behind UX, so I completed the 8-course Interaction Design specialization in Coursera.org , by the University of San Diego in California. The contents of the specialization are quite academic as well, however the weekly assignments make it practical and push you to go to action, which is what makes you be able to apply the skills in real-life.

Summarizing everything I learnt, these were the best resources according to my experience to get a good grasp of UX:

To learn the principles and foundation of UX

Interaction Design specialization from UC SanDiego in Coursera. It worked great for me, and I’m sure it will for you too. If you want to really understand the principles of UX and want to become a well-rounded professional this is a great specialization. The capstone project at the end of the series is a great challenge, as it makes you combine all of your knowledge in one project and get practical experience for your portfolio.

Interaction Design Foundation, is a similar base to the Interaction Design specialization above, but offers also an online community for users to connect. It’s less academic than Coursera.org, so it could be less recognizable, but the reviews are very good and they recently changed their pricing policy from 1-time fee to a monthly payment, making it affordable for everyone.

For starting UXers

Becoming a user experience designer : series of 13 classes in LinkedIn learning, covering almost everything you need to have a good UX foundation. If you complete the series you also get a certificate you can add in your LinkedIn profile, so a great plus to kickstart your new UX career 😉

For more experienced UXers

Advance your skills in UX Design: a series of 7 classes in LinkedIn learning, focusing mainly on exploring the different prototyping tools, how to develop a design system and maintain your portfolio. Recommended for UXers already experienced with prototyping in at least 1 tool. This specialization assumes you are familiar with the UX principles and does not cover the basics.