Module 1: Design Thinking & User Research

Week 1: Introduction to UI/UX
- What is UI/UX? Differences and overlap
- The design process: double diamond model
- Why design thinking matters in product development

Week 2: User Research Methods
- Qualitative research: interviews, observations
- Quantitative research: surveys, analytics
- How to recruit participants and conduct research

Week 3: Synthesis & Analysis
- Affinity mapping and insights
- Creating user personas (primary, secondary)
- Journey mapping and experience mapping

Week 4: Problem Definition
- Defining the problem statement
- Ideation techniques (brainstorming, SCAMPER)
- Selecting the best ideas

Module 1 Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this module, you will be able to:
□ Understand the design thinking process
□ Conduct user research interviews
□ Create user personas based on research data
□ Build user journey maps
□ Define a clear problem statement
□ Identify opportunities for design improvement

Portfolio Project:
Create a user research report including personas and journey maps for a real or hypothetical product.

Module 2: Information Architecture & Wireframing

Week 5: Information Architecture
- Understanding content hierarchy
- Card sorting techniques
- Creating sitemaps and navigation structures

Week 6: User Flows
- Mapping user tasks and pathways
- Creating flow diagrams
- Identifying pain points in user journeys

Week 7: Low-Fidelity Wireframes
- Sketching and paper prototyping
- Digital wireframing in Figma
- Layout principles and grid systems

Week 8: Responsive Design Basics
- Designing for mobile, tablet, and desktop
- Responsive grids and breakpoints
- Mobile-first design approach

Module 2 Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this module, you will be able to:
□ Structure content effectively using IA principles
□ Create user flows for key tasks
□ Build low-fidelity wireframes in Figma
□ Design responsive layouts
□ Present wireframes to stakeholders

Portfolio Project:
Create a sitemap, user flows, and low-fidelity wireframes for a 5-screen mobile app.

Module 3: Visual Design & UI Principles

Week 9: Typography
- Typefaces vs fonts
- Font pairing and hierarchy
- Accessibility (readability, contrast)

Week 10: Color Theory
- Color psychology and emotion
- Building color palettes
- WCAG accessibility standards

Week 11: Layout & Visual Hierarchy
- Grid systems and alignment
- White space and proximity
- Creating visual hierarchy

Week 12: Design Systems
- Components and patterns
- Creating a style guide
- Consistency in design

Module 3 Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this module, you will be able to:
□ Choose appropriate fonts and create typographic hierarchy
□ Build accessible color palettes
□ Create clean, balanced layouts
□ Develop a basic design system
□ Apply visual design principles to your wireframes

Portfolio Project:
Apply visual design to your wireframes — create a high-fidelity UI design with a consistent style guide.

Module 4: Prototyping & Interaction Design

Week 13: Prototyping Fundamentals
- What is prototyping?
- Low-fidelity vs high-fidelity prototypes
- Prototyping tools overview

Week 14: Figma Advanced
- Components and variants
- Auto layout and constraints
- Prototyping in Figma

Week 15: Interaction Design
- Micro-interactions and animations
- Feedback and affordance
- Gestures and transitions

Week 16: User Testing with Prototypes
- Testing interactive prototypes
- Gathering feedback
- Iterating based on feedback

Module 4 Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this module, you will be able to:
□ Build high-fidelity interactive prototypes in Figma
□ Design micro-interactions and animations
□ Use components and variants efficiently
□ Conduct user testing with prototypes

Portfolio Project:
Create a high-fidelity interactive prototype of your mobile app with animations and transitions.

Module 5: Usability Testing & Iteration

Week 17: Usability Testing Fundamentals
- Why usability testing matters
- Types of usability tests
- Planning and conducting tests

Week 18: Testing Methods
- Moderated vs unmoderated testing
- Remote vs in-person testing
- A/B testing and analytics

Week 19: Analyzing Test Results
- Gathering feedback and data
- Identifying usability issues
- Prioritizing fixes

Week 20: Iterating on Design
- Making improvements based on feedback
- Re-testing and validation
- Documentation and handoff

Module 5 Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this module, you will be able to:
□ Plan and conduct usability tests
□ Analyze test results and identify issues
□ Prioritize design improvements
□ Iterate on designs based on user feedback
□ Document design decisions for handoff

Portfolio Project:
Conduct usability testing on your prototype, document findings, and iterate on the design.

Module 6: Portfolio & Career Preparation

Week 21: Building Your Portfolio
- What to include in a UX portfolio
- Case study structure
- Presenting your work effectively

Week 22: Resume and LinkedIn
- UX-focused resume
- LinkedIn profile optimization
- Personal branding

Week 23: Interview Preparation
- Common UI/UX interview questions
- Portfolio presentation tips
- Design challenges and whiteboard exercises

Week 24: Job Search Strategy
- Finding UX roles
- Networking and referrals
- Negotiating offers

Module 6 Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this module, you will be able to:
□ Build a professional UX portfolio
□ Write effective case studies
□ Optimize your resume and LinkedIn profile
□ Prepare for UX interviews
□ Apply to UX roles with confidence

Portfolio Project:
Complete your portfolio website with 3-4 case studies, ready for job applications.