Program Update

UX/UI Design Certificate Program

Originally developed in 2018, the UX/UI Design Certificate Program was overdue for a refresh. Given its popularity and its fast-changing field, it was essential to keep it current and relevant. I was entrusted with the analysis and design stages of this important project.

About the Project
  • Task
    Audit of the original program, market needs analysis, new program design
  • Team
    Three subject-matter experts, three producers, two tutors
  • Audience
    Adults, 25-40, who want to design complex websites, mobile apps, and other digital products
  • My Role
    Instructional designer
  • Client
    Skillbox, a leading provider of continuing professional education
  • ID Approach
    ADDIE, Understanding by Design, Project-based learning, 4c/ID
Why This Project?

The original UX/UI Design Certificate Program had several issues, and the metrics showed it. The program was too long, with too much theory and not enough practice. Patchy updates disrupted the curriculum flow, introducing inconsistencies, knowledge gaps, and unnecessary repetitions. It was also very similar to the Web Design Certificate, which confused both students and Skillbox staff. It was time to fix these problems.

Research and Analysis

The key tasks at this stage were to better understand the target audience, collect employers' expectations of graduates, and dig deeper into the original program's shortcomings.

  1. Target Audience

I conducted 20 in-depth interviews with current and recent students to identify the main student segments and create their personas. The interviews also helped me understand students' employment goals, prior knowledge levels, and learning preferences.

  • Young and Ambitious
  • People on Parental Leave
  • Burned Out Professionals
  1. Target Audience
I conducted 20 in-depth interviews with current and recent students to identify the main student segments and create their personas. The interviews also helped me understand students' employment goals, prior knowledge levels, and learning preferences.

Young and Ambitious

People on Parental Leave

Burned Out Professionals

2. Employment Requirements
I reviewed over 30 job descriptions to identify the required qualifications and responsibilities of a novice UX/UI Designer. After compiling this list, I conducted 12 employer interviews to gain additional insights into the hiring process.
3. Original Program Audit
Collaborating with a subject-matter expert, I audited the original UX/UI Design program to determine what was working well and what needed improvement.

We also conducted a competitive analysis to gather good ideas and identify ways to differentiate from competitors.

Additionally, I explored global UX/UI education trends and best practices to incorporate into the new program.
3. Original Program Audit
Collaborating with a subject-matter expert, I audited the original UX/UI Design program to determine what was working well and what needed improvement.

We also conducted a competitive analysis to gather good ideas and identify ways to differentiate from competitors.

Additionally, I explored global UX/UI education trends and best practices to incorporate into the new program.
3. Original Program Audit
Collaborating with a subject-matter expert, I audited the original UX/UI Design program to determine what was working well and what needed improvement.

We also conducted a competitive analysis to gather good ideas and identify ways to differentiate from competitors.

Additionally, I explored global UX/UI education trends and best practices to incorporate into the new program.
New Program Design
Based on completed research and analysis, I proposed the following design principles to the project team:
  • Real-World Projects
    Use authentic projects from real companies as assessments to help graduates assemble a strong portfolio.
  • Block Structure
    Divide the program into logical blocks that progress from simple to more complex topics and projects.
  • Clear Differentiation
    Focus on IT, fintech, and e-commerce fields to set this program apart from the Web Design program.
New Program Design
Based on completed research and analysis, I proposed the following design principles to the project team:
  • Real-World Projects
    Use authentic projects from real companies as assessments to help graduates assemble a strong portfolio.
  • Block Structure
    Divide the program into logical blocks that progress from simple to more complex topics and projects.
  • Clear Differentiation
    Focus on IT, fintech, and e-commerce fields to set this program apart from the Web Design program.
Authentic Tasks
Following these principles, our team brainstormed 155 authentic tasks that novice UX/UI designers might encounter when starting a new job. I also prepared a list of over 100 companies we could partner with to develop these authentic tasks.
Thematic Blocks
Next, I suggested a logical order of thematic blocks, progressing from relatively simple to more complex. In partnership with a subject-matter expert, we refined this order and assigned some of the authentic tasks to each block.
High-level Curriculum
Finally, we prepared a high-level curriculum detailing the topics to be covered in each block and the summative assessment projects to be featured in students' portfolios (marked with yellow stars in the graphic below). These summative assessment projects were distinct from the formative assessment tasks in the earlier blocks. To address the "too long" issue of the original program, we estimated the average study time for each block.
Result and Project Reflection
What's Next?
I invite you to explore other projects I've worked on or contact me to discuss your e-learning idea.
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Photos: UX Indonesia, Katsiaryna Endruszkiewic, Alexander Dummer, Nik Shulahin, Karl Solano, Skillbox, Theo Sunardjaya