User Experience Foundations & Research Methods
Develop a deep understanding of human-centered design principles and user research methodologies. Learn to conduct user interviews, create personas, and map customer journeys through practical application.
Back to HomeAbout This Course
This comprehensive 12-week program introduces you to the fundamental principles of user experience design and research methodologies. You'll develop practical skills in understanding user needs, conducting meaningful research, and translating insights into actionable design decisions.
The course balances theoretical foundations with hands-on application. You'll work on real client projects, learning to conduct user interviews using established frameworks, develop detailed personas based on research data, and create comprehensive customer journey maps that reveal opportunities for improvement.
Through guided practice, you'll explore cognitive psychology principles that inform design decisions, understand accessibility standards and inclusive design practices, and develop skills in information architecture and wireframing. Each module builds upon previous learning, creating a solid foundation in UX methodology.
You'll gain experience with various research tools and techniques, learning when and how to apply different methodologies. From surveys and card sorting to usability testing and A/B testing, you'll understand how to synthesize findings into clear insights that guide design direction.
Career Development & Outcomes
Graduates of this program develop competencies valued in the digital product industry. The research portfolio you build demonstrates your ability to conduct meaningful user studies and translate findings into design recommendations.
Skill Development
- Conducting effective user interviews and field studies
- Creating research-backed personas and scenarios
- Mapping comprehensive customer journeys
- Planning and executing usability tests
Professional Applications
- UX researcher roles in product teams
- Information architecture specialization
- UX writer and content strategist positions
- Product analyst with UX focus
Portfolio Development
Throughout the program, you'll build a research portfolio showcasing different methodologies. Your portfolio will include documented user studies, persona development processes, journey maps, wireframes, and usability test reports. This collection demonstrates your methodical approach and research capabilities to potential employers or clients.
Past participants have used their portfolios when applying for junior UX positions, freelance research projects, and career transitions from adjacent fields. The practical work you complete provides concrete examples of your research process and findings.
Research Tools & Methodologies
You'll gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and proven research methodologies used by UX professionals worldwide.
Qualitative Research Methods
Learn to conduct structured and semi-structured user interviews, develop interview guides, and facilitate focus groups. You'll practice active listening techniques, learn how to ask open-ended questions that reveal genuine insights, and understand how to create comfortable environments for honest feedback.
Quantitative Analysis Tools
Develop skills in survey design, data collection, and statistical analysis. You'll work with tools like Google Forms, Typeform, and learn basic data analysis in spreadsheet applications. Understanding when to use quantitative versus qualitative methods helps you choose the right approach for each research question.
Design & Documentation Tools
Master wireframing tools like Figma and Balsamiq for creating low-fidelity prototypes. Learn to use Miro and FigJam for collaborative journey mapping and affinity diagramming. You'll also develop documentation skills to clearly communicate research findings to stakeholders.
Testing & Validation Methods
Practice moderated and unmoderated usability testing techniques. Learn to create test plans, write effective tasks, and analyze user behavior. You'll use tools like Lookback and Maze for remote testing, and understand how to synthesize findings into actionable recommendations.
Research Ethics & Standards
Responsible research practice forms the foundation of meaningful UX work. You'll learn ethical frameworks and professional standards that guide user research.
Participant Protection
Learn proper informed consent procedures, data privacy protocols, and participant rights. You'll understand GDPR compliance, anonymization techniques, and secure data storage practices. Creating safe, respectful research environments ensures participant wellbeing and data integrity.
- Informed consent documentation
- Data privacy and anonymization
- Vulnerable population considerations
Inclusive Research Practices
Develop awareness of accessibility standards and inclusive design principles. Learn to recruit diverse participant groups, recognize personal biases, and ensure research findings represent varied user perspectives. Understanding WCAG guidelines helps create research that considers all users.
- WCAG accessibility standards
- Diverse participant recruitment
- Bias recognition and mitigation
Professional Integrity
The course emphasizes honest reporting of research findings, even when results challenge initial assumptions or stakeholder expectations. You'll learn to present data objectively, acknowledge limitations in your research, and make evidence-based recommendations. Professional researchers maintain transparency about methodology, sample sizes, and confidence levels in their conclusions.
Who This Course Is For
This program welcomes individuals from various backgrounds who share an interest in understanding user needs and improving digital experiences.
Career Changers
Professionals transitioning from marketing, psychology, customer service, or other fields who want to apply their people skills to UX research. No prior design experience required.
Visual Designers
Graphic or visual designers seeking to expand their skillset into UX and learn research methodologies that inform design decisions based on user needs.
Product Professionals
Product managers, developers, or business analysts who want to better understand user research and collaborate more effectively with UX teams.
Prerequisites
This course is designed for beginners and requires no previous design or research experience. What matters most is curiosity about human behavior, willingness to learn, and commitment to practicing new skills.
You'll need a laptop with internet connection and willingness to participate in peer feedback sessions. Some assignments involve conducting interviews with real participants, so comfort with interpersonal communication helps, though we provide guidance on developing these skills.
Learning Progress & Assessment
The course uses practical assignments and portfolio development to track your progress. Regular feedback helps you refine your approach and develop professional-level research skills.
Weekly Assignments
Complete practical exercises that build upon each module's content. Assignments include conducting mini-interviews, creating persona drafts, and practicing different research methods. Receive detailed feedback from instructors within one week of submission.
Portfolio Projects
Work on three major projects throughout the course, each demonstrating different research methodologies. These projects form the core of your portfolio and showcase your ability to plan, execute, and document professional research studies.
Peer Review Sessions
Participate in structured peer feedback sessions where you review classmates' work and receive input on your projects. Learning to give and receive constructive feedback develops critical thinking and collaborative skills valued in professional settings.
Final Portfolio Review
The course concludes with a comprehensive portfolio review session. Present your research work to instructors and peers, receiving final feedback on your documentation, methodology, and presentation skills. Completion requires submitting all portfolio projects.
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Learn MoreReady to Begin Your UX Research Journey?
Join our next cohort and develop the research skills to understand users and create better digital experiences. Limited to 12 participants per session for personalized attention.