9 Best Online UI/UX Courses to Choose From in 2024

Criteria for Choosing the Best UI/UX Courses

Choosing a course can feel like picking from a menu with too many options—it’s hard to know which one will actually be worth it. Here are a few things to consider that might help narrow things down:

1. Curriculum Quality: The best courses don’t just tell you what to do—they show you why it matters and how to apply it.
2. Instructor Expertise: Trust me, learning from someone who’s been in the field is a game-changer. It’s like getting the inside scoop on what works in the real world.
3. Hands-On Projects: Look for courses that get you doing the work, not just learning the theory. Projects are your proof of concept.
4. Course Duration & Flexibility: Let’s be real: not everyone can commit to a six-month bootcamp. Find something that works with your schedule.
5. Cost: Value is the key here. If you’re getting mentorship, career support, or certifications, it might be worth a bit of a splurge.

Top 9 Online UI/UX Courses for 2024

1. Google UI/UX Design Certificate

• Platform: Coursera
• Fee: Around $39/month
• Duration: Approximately 6 months (self-paced)
• Key Features: Beginner-friendly, hands-on projects, builds a portfolio, industry-recognized
• Who is this course best for? Beginners seeking foundational skills in UI/UX
• What’s Covered? This certificate introduces you to empathy mapping, wireframing, usability testing, and prototyping. You’ll work on practical projects and build a professional portfolio by the end of the course.
• Pros: Industry-approved, portfolio-building projects
• Cons: Limited to beginner-level content

2. Coursera UI/UX Design Specialization

• Platform: Coursera (CalArts)
• Fee: Depends on Coursera’s subscription plan
• Duration: 6 months (flexible)
• Key Features: Comprehensive curriculum, peer-reviewed projects, flexible learning schedule
• Who is this course best for? Individuals who want a deep dive into UI/UX with a structured learning path
• What’s Covered? Courses cover visual elements of design, UX research, design thinking, and responsive web design. Students work on projects throughout, allowing them to build a substantial portfolio.
• Pros: Self-paced, solid curriculum, professional certification
• Cons: Limited interaction with instructors

3. Udemy UI/UX Design Courses

• Platform: Udemy
• Fee: $10 - $100 per course
• Duration: Varies by course (mostly self-paced)
• Key Features: Diverse topics, budget-friendly, lifetime access
• Who is this course best for? Beginners and intermediate learners looking for specific UI/UX skills at an affordable cost
• What’s Covered? Courses range from beginner-level introductions to advanced UX research and mobile app design. With user ratings and reviews, you can easily choose the course that best suits your needs.
• Pros: Affordable, wide variety of courses
• Cons: Inconsistent quality, no formal certification

4. Interaction Design Foundation (IDF)

• Platform: Interaction Design Foundation
• Fee: Annual membership starting at $150
• Duration: Self-paced; access to all courses for one year
• Key Features: Extensive resources, community support, real-world applications
• Who is this course best for? Aspiring UI/UX designers interested in ongoing learning and networking
• What’s Covered? IDF offers a mix of beginner and advanced courses, covering topics like design thinking, user research, and information architecture. Members can access webinars and community events to enhance learning.
• Pros: Community-focused, high-quality content, industry credibility
• Cons: Requires yearly membership, self-guided learning

5. Skillshare UI/UX Design Classes

• Platform: Skillshare
• Fee: Starts at $14/month
• Duration: Flexible, self-paced
• Key Features: Creative projects, peer feedback, affordable subscription model
• Who is this course best for? Creative learners who enjoy community-driven learning
• What’s Covered? Skillshare’s classes range from web design fundamentals to advanced UI/UX projects, with a focus on creative and artistic approaches to design.
• Pros: Hands-on projects, community feedback
• Cons: Subscription model, no official certifications

6. LinkedIn Learning UI/UX Courses

• Platform: LinkedIn Learning
• Fee: $29.99/month
• Duration: Self-paced
• Key Features: Professional development, certificates shareable on LinkedIn
• Who is this course best for? Professionals aiming to add UI/UX skills to their LinkedIn profile for networking benefits
• What’s Covered? Courses cover a range of UI/UX topics, including wireframing, prototyping, and user research. Learners gain completion certificates, which can be displayed on LinkedIn profiles.
• Pros: Certification, networking value
• Cons: Limited depth for advanced topics

7. CareerFoundry UI/UX Design Program

• Platform: CareerFoundry
• Fee: $6,900
• Duration: 6-10 months (flexible)
• Key Features: Job guarantee, personalized mentorship, portfolio-building
• Who is this course best for? Individuals aiming for a full career transition into UI/UX design
• What’s Covered? A bootcamp-style program covering all essential UI/UX skills, including user research, interaction design, and usability testing. Students work with mentors and complete a comprehensive capstone project.
• Pros: Career-focused, intensive, job placement guarantee
• Cons: High cost, intensive time commitment

8. Springboard UI/UX Career Track

• Platform: Springboard
• Fee: $6,900
• Duration: 6-9 months
• Key Features: Career coaching, job placement guarantee, hands-on projects
• Who is this course best for? Aspiring professionals looking for career coaching and a structured learning environment
• What’s Covered? This course includes UX fundamentals, UI principles, design thinking, and prototyping. Each student completes a portfolio-ready project with one-on-one mentorship.
• Pros: Mentor-guided learning, job guarantee
• Cons: Expensive, rigorous pace

9. FutureLearn UX Design Courses

• Platform: FutureLearn
• Fee: $39/month for unlimited access
• Duration: Flexible
• Key Features: Collaborative learning, partnerships with universities
• Who is this course best for? Beginners seeking short UX design courses with certification options
• What’s Covered? FutureLearn offers UX-focused courses that cover core design skills. The platform emphasizes collaboration and peer learning, with opportunities to earn certifications.
• Pros: University partnerships, interactive learning format
• Cons: Limited UI content, subscription-based pricing

How to Decide Which Course is Right for You

1. Define Your Career Goals: Decide if you’re aiming for a basic understanding, an in-depth specialization, or a job-ready bootcamp.
2. Set a Budget: Platforms like Udemy have affordable options. However, intensive bootcamps like CareerFoundry and Springboard can be very expensive.
3. Evaluate Course Content: Make sure the course covers essentials, including wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing.
4. Read Reviews: Student feedback can provide insights into instructor expertise and course quality.
5. Check for Certification and Job Help: Look for well-known certifications if they matter for your resume. Also, seek career support if you want to find a job after finishing.

Conclusion: Start Your UI/UX Design Journey Today

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced designer, taking a UI/UX course can set you on a path toward a fulfilling career. With plenty of online options, finding a course that suits your goals and budget has never been easier. Start today, stay updated with industry trends, and continuously refine your skills to stay competitive in this ever-evolving field.