Empowering Designers Through Education
Building Helsinki's design community through comprehensive, practical courses that bridge creativity and user-centered thinking.
Back to HomeOur Story
DesignLab was established in 2017 with a clear vision: to create a space where aspiring designers could develop practical skills through hands-on learning. Founded in the heart of Helsinki's creative district, we recognized a gap between traditional academic programs and the real-world demands of the digital design industry.
What started as small weekend workshops in a shared studio space has evolved into a comprehensive educational program. Our founders, working professionals in the UI/UX field, understood that effective design education required more than theory. It needed real projects, constructive feedback, and mentorship from those actively practicing the craft.
Over the years, we've refined our approach based on feedback from hundreds of students and observations of industry trends. We've watched our graduates move into roles at design agencies, tech companies, and startups across Finland and beyond. Their success validates our belief that focused, practical education can prepare designers for professional work.
Today, DesignLab operates from our dedicated space on Fredrikinkatu, where students work on real projects, collaborate with peers, and receive guidance from experienced practitioners. We've built relationships with local design studios and tech companies, creating opportunities for our students to connect with the professional community.
Our Mission
We aim to make professional UI/UX design education accessible through practical, project-based courses that prepare students for real-world challenges.
Student-Centered Approach
Small class sizes ensure each student receives personalized feedback and guidance. We adapt our teaching to different learning styles and experience levels, creating an environment where everyone can progress at their own pace while being challenged appropriately.
Industry Relevance
Our curriculum reflects current design practices and tools used by professionals. We regularly update course content based on industry developments and maintain connections with local design studios to understand evolving skill requirements.
Practical Learning
Every course includes real projects that mirror professional work. Students build portfolios with actual design solutions rather than just exercises, gaining experience that translates directly to job opportunities and client work.
Community Building
Learning happens through collaboration and peer feedback. We foster a supportive community where students connect with each other and with Helsinki's broader design network, creating lasting professional relationships.
Our Teaching Methodology
Our approach combines structured learning with flexibility, allowing students to develop both technical skills and creative problem-solving abilities.
Project-Based Learning Framework
Each course centers around progressively complex projects. Students start with guided exercises to build foundational skills, then move to independent work with instructor support. This structure allows for skill development while encouraging personal creative expression. Projects mirror real client work, including briefings, research phases, iteration cycles, and final presentations.
Iterative Feedback Process
Design improves through critique and revision. We've developed a structured feedback system where students receive input at key project stages. Instructors provide detailed written feedback on submitted work, supplemented by in-class discussions and peer reviews. This multi-layered approach helps students understand different perspectives and develop critical thinking about their own work.
Tool Proficiency Development
While we teach industry-standard tools like Figma and Adobe Creative Suite, our focus extends beyond software skills. Students learn to choose appropriate tools for different tasks and understand underlying design principles that apply across platforms. We demonstrate professional workflows, keyboard shortcuts, and efficiency techniques that practicing designers use daily.
Portfolio Development Support
Course projects become portfolio pieces, but we go beyond just completing work. Instructors help students document their design process, articulate decisions, and present work effectively. We teach case study writing, portfolio presentation techniques, and how to discuss design work in professional contexts. By course end, students have polished portfolio pieces ready to show potential employers or clients.
Meet Our Instructors
Experienced professionals who bring real-world design expertise and genuine passion for teaching to every course.
Aino Virtanen
Lead UX Research Instructor
12 years of experience in user research and service design. Previously led research teams at major Finnish tech companies. Specializes in qualitative research methods and design ethnography.
Eetu Koskinen
Visual Design Program Director
10 years creating digital products for startups and agencies. Art director background with expertise in design systems and brand identity. Passionate about typography and color theory.
Liisa Mäkelä
Interaction Design Specialist
8 years working at the intersection of design and development. Former product designer at international software companies. Expertise in prototyping tools and front-end technologies.
Design Education That Makes a Difference
At DesignLab, we believe that effective UI/UX education requires more than lectures and tutorials. Our approach emphasizes hands-on experience with real design challenges, constructive feedback from working professionals, and a supportive learning environment that encourages experimentation and growth.
Located in Helsinki's vibrant design community, we've built strong connections with local agencies, startups, and established companies. These relationships inform our curriculum and create opportunities for our students to engage with the professional world during their studies. Many of our graduates have found positions through connections made at DesignLab.
Our commitment to small class sizes ensures that each student receives individual attention and personalized guidance. We've found that this approach, combined with our project-based methodology, produces designers who are well-prepared for professional work. The portfolios our students build during their courses demonstrate real problem-solving abilities and design thinking skills.
Whether you're starting your design career or looking to transition from another field, DesignLab offers structured pathways to develop the skills needed for UI/UX work. Our instructors bring current industry experience and genuine interest in helping students succeed. We focus on building both technical proficiency and the creative confidence necessary for professional design practice.
Start Your Design Education Journey
Join our community of aspiring designers. Explore our course offerings and take the first step toward developing professional UI/UX skills.