About this Program
When you use a website or app that seamlessly meets your wants and needs, it’s likely the result of user experience (UX) research. Also known as user research, UX research gathers insights about human behaviors, motivations and pain points to improve digital experiences. UX professionals use this research to design and develop products that users love.
In this one-course specialization, you’ll learn how to apply UX research principles and techniques to uncover user frustrations, needs and expectations. You’ll explore various user research methods, including interviewing, usability tests, card sorting, sampling techniques and more. In the end, you’ll learn how to synthesize your findings to build experiences that truly delight your users.
Designed For
Professionals who want to enter or advance in the UX field, or those who want to apply UX research fundamentals to tech projects or product development.
See Requirements
Admission Requirements
To apply, you must:
- Have at least one year of professional work experience
- Have strong writing skills and experience performing college-level research and findings analysis
- Be prepared to collaborate in teams, conduct interviews, and analyze and synthesize data
- Be somewhat familiar with user-centered design concepts and comfortable independently learning design and prototyping tools such as Figma OR have completed the Certificate in UX & Visual Interface Design or the Visual Design for Digital Media course
Time Commitment
Including time in class, you should expect to spend about three to six hours each week on coursework.
English Proficiency
If English is not your native language, you should have advanced English skills to enroll. To see if you qualify, make sure you are at the C1 level on the CEFR self-assessment grid. To learn more, see English Language Proficiency Requirements – Noncredit Programs.
International Students
Because this offering is 100% online, no visa is required and international students are welcome to apply. For more information, see Admission Requirements for International Students.
Technology Requirements
You must have access to a computer, and we recommend a high-speed internet connection.
Earning the Certificate
You earn a certificate of completion by successfully completing all required courses. For more information, see Earning the Certificate.
▸ Explore More: Looking to learn even more about user experience? Check out our Certificate in UX & Visual Interface Design.
Skills You’ll Gain
- UX research methods
- Research strategy and planning
- Interviewing
- Survey development
- Card sorting
- Usability tests
- Product inspection techniques
- Sampling techniques
- User stories
Get Real-World-Experience
- Design a user research study, recruit participants, conduct surveys and test your hypotheses
- Use industry software — including Figma and Optimal Sort — to collect, organize and synthesize research findings and present user stories
- Develop a professional portfolio that demonstrates your understanding of UX research strategies and methods
Career Stats
10%
Projected growth in U.S. demand for user research skills (2024–26)
17%
Projected growth in U.S. demand for UX/UI research skills (2024–26)
EARN A DIGITAL BADGE
After successfully completing this program, you can claim a digital achievement badge that can be shared on LinkedIn and other social media sites. Learn more about digital badges.
OUR ENROLLMENT COACHES ARE HERE TO HELP
Connect with an enrollment coach to learn more about this offering. Or if you need help finding the right certificate, specialization or course for you, reach out to explore your options.