Program Improvement

Web Design Certificate Program

A flagship program at Skillbox, the certificate attracted thousands of learners from around the world. I was fortunate to work on several projects to update and improve this important program. Here, I'll focus on redesigning the first two courses: Figma Basics and Web Design Foundations.

About the Project
  • Task
    Update the program's two main courses
  • Team
    Two leading experts, 12 instructors, four tutors, three producers, video production staff
  • Audience
    Adults, 20-40, who want to upskill or start a web design career
  • My Role
    Instructional designer
  • Client
    Skillbox, a leading provider of continuing professional education
  • ID Approach
    ADDIE
Why This Project?
Committed to delivering a great learner experience, Skillbox asked me to take a close look at the two main courses in their Web Design certificate program. My audit revealed several issues that didn't have easy fixes. It was clear both courses needed a total overhaul with new design and content.
Analysis and Design
The audit, analysis, and design stages were quite similar for both courses. I conducted research to identify instructional goals and students' existing skills and preferences.

Collaborating with two leading experts, I prepared the learning objectives and developed a comprehensive plan for content, instructional methods, and activities in every module of the new courses.
Development and Implementation
The two projects went in very different directions as we worked on them.
Figma Basics
The Figma course was relatively smooth sailing. One instructor handled all nine modules, which made it easy to keep everything connected and clear.
Web Design Foundations

The Web Design course was a rollercoaster. We had 12 instructors across 20 modules, and things got even trickier when the leading expert left the project. Without his guidance, it was tough to keep the flow consistent between modules. To make the course more cohesive, I suggested using a single example throughout all 20 modules, but it didn't fully solve our challenges.

As a result, the Figma Basics course launched with a stellar satisfaction score of 96 out of 100 and became the top Skillbox course based on learner feedback. In contrast, the Web Design course received mixed reviews and a satisfaction score of 91.
  • Figma Basics

    96 / 100

    Number one Skillbox course based on learner feedback
  • Web Design Foundations
    91 / 100
    Mixed reviews from learners
Web Design Course Improvements
The score of 91 fell short for a flagship Web Design course, so I initiated extensive improvements, including:
  • Content Revision
    Revising the lesson sequence and content in 15 out of 20 modules.
  • Module Redevelopment
    Completely redeveloping three modules.
  • Better Assignments
    Enhancing 13 assignments with step-by-step instructions, advice, examples, and additional resources.
  • Multimedia Lessons
    Creating seven multimedia lessons with detailed explanations, numerous examples, and practical advice.
Web Design Course Improvements
The score of 91 fell short for a flagship Web Design course, so I initiated extensive improvements, including:
Content Revision
Revising the lesson sequence and content in 15 out of 20 modules to reduce cognitive load.
Module Redevelopment
Completely redeveloping three modules to better explain new concepts, give more examples and application frameworks.

Better Assignments
Enhancing 13 assignments with step-by-step instructions, advice, examples, and additional resources.
Multimedia Lessons
Creating seven multimedia lessons with detailed explanations, numerous examples, and practical advice.
Result Evaluation
Changes to the Web Design Foundations course resulted in metric improvements and positive feedback from learners.
  • BEFORE CHANGES

    91 / 100

    Mixed reviews from learners
  • AFTER CHANGES
    94 / 100
    Positive reviews from learners
  • Student
    Web Design Foundations
    I struggled with the previous version of this assignment. Not everything was clear and it was difficult to do the work. After the course updates, the assignment became easy and enjoyable to work on.
  • Student
    Web Design Foundations
    It's great that you've added this lesson. It's now easier to understand the new information.
  • Student
    Web Design Foundations
    The presentation format has been changed in a very cool way; it’s incredibly convenient.
Project Reflection
Comparing a nine-module course taught by one instructor to a 20-module course with 12 instructors might seem like comparing apples and oranges. While it was really fulfilling to help create the well-loved Figma Basics course, I've learned a lot from the hurdles we faced while working on Web Design Foundations. I'm definitely taking these lessons with me into my future projects.
Project Reflection
Comparing a nine-module course taught by one instructor to a 20-module course with 12 instructors might seem like comparing apples and oranges. While it was really fulfilling to help create the well-loved Figma Basics course, I've learned a lot from the hurdles we faced while working on Web Design Foundations. I'm definitely taking these lessons with me into my future projects.
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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Contact Elena
Photos: Hanna Wei, Christin Hume, Magnus Andersson, Jason Goodman, Skillbox, Theo Sunardjaya