1.0 Week Overview & Learning Objectives

1.1 Welcome to Your Design Journey

This week marks the beginning of your transformation into a user-centric designer. We’re establishing the fundamental mindset shift required for effective digital product design. Many people enter this field believing design is primarily about aesthetics, but you’ll discover it’s actually about problem-solving, psychology, and systematic thinking.

The Core Mindset Shift:

• From: “Does this look beautiful?”

• To: “Does this work effectively for the people who need to use it?”

1.2 Detailed Learning Objectives

By the end of this week, you will be able to:

1. Articulate the precise definitions of UI and UX design with nuanced understanding

2. Differentiate between UX and UI using multiple analogies and real-world examples

3. Analyze digital products using the vocabulary and frameworks of professional designers

4. Map the professional landscape of design careers and identify potential paths

5. Describe the daily realities and collaborative nature of design work

6. Apply basic UX principles to critique existing digital experiences

1. “What is UX Design? – Defining the User Experience” (Google Ventures)
   Key Focus: High-level overview perfect for beginners, showing UX as problem-solving