7 Best UI Design Courses & Training Programs Online To Take In 2023

Elevate your UI design skills and propel your career to new heights with our comprehensive guide on the top 7 online courses and training programs in 2023, cherry-picked for their effectiveness, expertise, and outstanding content.

Tonya Sutton

(Updated April 21, 2023)

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Looking for the most effective and sought-after UI design courses online? Look no further! We've done the groundwork and have thoroughly researched 202 popular UI design courses, with an impressive roster of 1,937,028 enrolled students, who have shared their experiences through 196,655 ratings and reviews. To save you time and to provide you with the most valuable learning experience, we've diligently evaluated and selected the best courses based on ratings, reviews, enrollments, learner feedback, outstanding content, comprehensive curriculum, release date, and affordability, combining these factors with our own experiences and expertise.

Our carefully curated list will propel your UI design skills to the next level, with each course focusing on different aspects of UI design, from mastering UI design elements to enhancing your expertise, learning exceptional principles, and more. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced designer looking to expand your knowledge, these top-notch courses will give you the confidence and competence to deliver outstanding user interfaces. Embark on your journey to becoming a UI design pro with our selection of the 7 best courses and training programs available online.

Best UI Design Courses & Training Programs

1. Visual Elements of User Interface Design

Best for mastering UI design elements

This design-centric course examines the broad question of what an interface is and what role a designer plays in creating a user interface. Learning how to design and articulate meaning using color, type, and imagery is essential to making interfaces function clearly and seamlessly. Through a series of lectures and visual exercises, you will focus on the many individual elements and components that make up the skillset of an interface designer. By the end of this course, you will be able to describe the key formal elements of clear, consistent, and intuitive UI design, and apply your learned skills to the design of a static screen-based interface.

This is the first course in the UI/UX Design Specialization, which brings a design-centric approach to user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design, and offers practical, skill-based instruction centered around a visual communications perspective, rather than on one focused on marketing or programming alone. These courses are ideal for anyone with some experience in graphic or visual design and who would like to build their skill set in UI or UX for app and web design. It would also be ideal for anyone with experience in front- or back-end web development or human-computer interaction and want to sharpen their visual design and analysis skills for UI or UX.

User review:

Very decent and applied course. The only thing for possible improvement I can think of is the form of the requirements for the assignments. Since from the very beginning of the course you are free to choose the application idea from one of the given options, but then in the end of each week your su bmitted assignment has to meet some particular strict requirements (such as some fixed amounts of visual elements, buttons, etc.), maybe it makes sense to restrict options you can choose of, or to mention all the strict requirements from the very beginning of the course, because sometimes it felt like I had to intentionally complicate my application (e.g. add more visual elements that do not make much sense, but in order just to meet the required criteria set in the assignments). All in all, thanks for a great course! [1] ... Read More

Best for:

This course is ideal for those who want to improve their UI design skills, understand the principles of great UI design, and create visually appealing user interfaces. It provides comprehensive knowledge about UX/UI design principles, enabling learners to enhance the user experience of their websites and apps.

Course overview:
Level Beginner
Students 209,380
Rating (4.7)
Duration 16h 0m
Platform Coursera
Institution California Institute of the Arts
Price 7 days free trial
Subscription: $33.25/m annually, $59/m monthly

2. Introduction to UI Design

Best for enhancing UI design expertise

This comprehensive course delves into the critical importance of user interface (UI) design, equipping learners with industry-standard methods for designing intuitive and user-friendly interfaces. Throughout the course, students will explore key theories and frameworks that underpin the design of the majority of interfaces currently in use. Real-world case studies on commercial systems will illustrate the benefits of good UI design, as well as the significant costs associated with poor design, including negative impacts on user experience, financial losses, and even threats to human lives.

Learners will gain a high-level understanding of the user-interface design process through the exploration of common design scenarios such as improving existing designs and initiating new designs from scratch. The course also delves into the general design processes for each scenario, highlighting best practices and effective approaches. To set a strong foundation for effective UI design, students will be introduced to core theories and concepts, enabling them to build upon existing knowledge and avoid "reinventing the wheel" when designing interfaces in their future projects.

User review:

The course content is adequate enough to justify the course title. The best part is the assignments and the peer reviews. Reviewing the peers' work is gave me more insights into the subject. And getting reviewed by peers made me correct my self. Bad parts: Few of the videos are presented in a mann er that the presenter was reading notes by looking at a screen and without any expressions. This was defeating the purpose of video tutorial. The basic expectation of a video tutorial over a text reading is that the presenter could put some expression and interactivity. [2] ... Read More

Best for:

This course is ideal for those who want to improve their UI design skills by learning industry-standard methods for designing intuitive and user-friendly interfaces, while gaining a high-level understanding of the user-interface design process.

Course overview:
Level Beginner
Students 72,699
Rating (4.6)
Duration 14h 0m
Platform Coursera
Institution University of Minnesota
Price 7 days free trial
Subscription: $33.25/m annually, $59/m monthly

3. DESIGN RULES: Principles + Practices for Great UI Design

Best for learning exceptional UI principles

The principles, practices and real-world techniques covered in this course have informed graphic design for hundreds of years. As you progress, you will see why and how they apply equally to the world of digital design, particularly for mobile devices and their smaller screens. This comprehensive course offers 50 lessons across 5 hours, introducing you to foundational and ironclad rules for exceptional UI design that can be applied to any project. You will learn how to create and apply hierarchy, color, contrast, typography, and gestalt principles, allowing you to design appropriate visual cues for your users.

By the end of this course, you will have gained the ability to make it easier for users to interact with what they see on the screen, ensuring that they know what to tap, swipe, or click, and that their resulting experiences meet their expectations and move them closer to their goals. You will also be able to make good visual decisions for even the most challenging applications, such as simplifying complex visual information and designing with data. This course aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to make strategic, impactful UI design decisions, no matter the content or context. As a result, your user interfaces will retain their value and relevance, effectively communicating, guiding, and motivating users, regardless of passing trends.

User review:

For about the first 3/4 of the course, I was very impressed with the content, structure and its presentation. Very detailed and clearly articulated guidelines of what TO, and what NOT TO do, along with tangible and contextual examples. So much so, that I would find myself pausing the training and re viewing some of my past work to determine what worked and where I can improve. I also shared my praise of the course and recommended to colleagues. That said, I could have done without the clearly biased political opinions near the end, which have no place or relevance to this courseware. Taking advantage of a captive audience to take a cheap-shot at a political figure is totally uncalled for, inappropriate, vulgar, offensive and immoral. I am insulted and disgusted. Much like the objectivization of women depicted in some of the examples in this course, one should be equally appalled and championing to put an end to this kind of behavior. [3] ... Read More

Best for:

This course is ideal for individuals seeking to improve their UI design skills by learning the foundational principles and practices that can be applied to any project. By the end of the course, you will be able to make strategic, impactful UI design decisions, ensuring that your user interfaces effectively communicate, guide, and motivate users in various contexts.

Course overview:
Level All Levels
Students 44,491
Rating (4.64)
Duration 5h 8m
Platform Udemy
Instructor(s) Joe Natoli
Price $18.99

4. Principles of UX/UI Design

Best for comprehensive UI/UX foundations

In this comprehensive course, you'll get a solid foundation in the principles of UX and UI design, focusing on both the user experience and the visual aesthetics of your designs. You'll be guided through essential skills and methodologies useful for creating user-centered designs and crafting compelling user interfaces. As you progress through the course, you will be introduced to critical concepts like user research, usability testing, and interaction design, as well as exploring trends and best practices in the exciting field of UI design.

Enriched with practical examples and hands-on exercises, the course will enable you to apply your newfound understanding of UX/UI design principles to real-world projects. You will learn how to effectively use industry-standard design tools like Figma, and develop your expertise to effectively communicate your design ideas to both stakeholders and developers. By the end of the course, you'll possess the foundational knowledge necessary to embark on a rewarding career in UX/UI development, and be well-equipped to create meaningful user experiences that meet the needs of today's digitally savvy users.

User review:

I've never been into visuals and graphic interface design but this course convinced me of the importance of the UX/UI process which I now enjoy and respect. It contains a lot of theory content on usability, design, and interactivity that I wasn't expecting but I found more enjoyable than the other p arts of design like lines, depth, color, typefaces, etc. I took this course and the whole specialization because "Interfaces are Important", and I learned all the key parts of how and what to render but never the "why" behind it all. The HTML and CSS advanced course explains the semantics of the HTML world but this course gives it meaning and empathy to the design elements beyond the screen, which are centered on the user. [4] ... Read More

Best for:

This course is ideal for those seeking to improve their UI design skills while gaining a solid foundation in UX principles, as well as learning industry-standard design tools like Figma for real-world projects.

Course overview:
Level Beginner
Students 35,963
Rating (4.7)
Duration 21h 0m
Platform Coursera
Institution Meta
Price 7 days free trial
Subscription: $33.25/m annually, $59/m monthly

5. Get Started in UI/UX Design

Best for grasping UI/UX essentials

In this comprehensive introductory course, you'll gain a solid understanding of essential UI and UX design concepts from an experienced senior designer with over eight years in the industry. By covering the basics in the first section, this course ensures that no prior experience in UI/UX design is required. It then progresses to teach the fundamentals of utilizing Sketch App, a highly-regarded software in the realm of UI design, providing you with the necessary tools and skills needed to excel as a UI/UX designer.

Throughout the course, you'll be exposed to industry-standard workflows and best practices, enabling you to work efficiently and professionally on various design projects. Furthermore, you'll grasp fundamental UI/UX principles and interface design essentials, all within a one-hour timeframe. By following the expert guidance from a passionate designer who has managed projects for top companies worldwide, you'll gain invaluable knowledge and insight into the thrilling world of UI/UX design and kickstart your career journey in this field.

User review:

it is a good course introduction if you really don't know anything about UI/UX design, it will show you different processes for client meetings and design processes. I just wish that there are more materials or PowerPoints being shown while he is discussing because you really need to focus on what h e is saying in order to maximize this course, all good tho, though it helped me in introducing UI/UX design. Thanks! [5] ... Read More

Best for:

This course is ideal for those seeking to gain a solid understanding of essential UI and UX design concepts while learning to work efficiently and professionally on various design projects. It covers the basics, teaches the use of Sketch App, and exposes students to industry-standard workflows and best practices, setting the foundation for a successful career in UI/UX design.

Course overview:
Level All Levels
Students 12,319
Rating (4.06)
Duration 3h 34m
Platform Udemy
Instructor(s) Pierluigi Giglio
Price $55.9

6. UI UX Design & Prototyping using Adobe XD

Best for mastering Adobe XD

This comprehensive course focuses on UI/UX design principles and teaches students how to create professional and polished interfaces and experiences using Adobe XD. Whether you are starting with no experience or looking to enhance your UI design skills, this course covers everything from the fundamentals to advanced techniques, offering hands-on projects and step-by-step guidance. By the end of the course, students will have a solid understanding of Adobe XD's tools and features, as well as UI/UX design concepts, enabling them to create stunning and functional digital designs for their own projects.

In addition to mastering Adobe XD, students will also learn the essential elements of user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design from scratch. By diving deep into design principles, industry best practices, and real-world case studies, learners will be empowered to craft intuitive, engaging, and aesthetically pleasing digital products that meet users' needs and expectations. The ultimate goal of the course is to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to excel in their UI/UX design careers, and to inspire them to continue exploring and innovating in this exciting and ever-evolving field.

User review:

So for me the XD course is a little outdated as XD has had updates. This isn't covered in the course but I'd advise heading to Calers YT channel as he keeps that more up to date. The course covers a lot but just sort of ends after prototyping part 4 with no sort of conclusion or where to go next se ction. The course is great and covers the design process and such and it is easily communicated. The structure is nicely compiled but would benefit with some exercise files to work through (for the earlier videos) to have a more hands on approach. If a new course were to be implemented it would be cool to do like a running project alongside the tutor. Overall an amazing class, a little out-dated but it's still worth a watch. [6] ... Read More

Best for:

This course is ideal for individuals who wish to improve their UI design skills while mastering the use of Adobe XD for creating visually appealing and functional interfaces. Students will gain valuable knowledge on UI/UX design principles, industry best practices, and hands-on projects, enabling them to excel in their UI/UX design careers and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques.

Course overview:
Level All Levels
Students 2,690
Rating (4.51)
Duration 4h 15m
Platform Udemy
Instructor(s) Caler Edwards
Price $17.99

7. UX/UI Design Principles Compact (Theory + Figma Exercise)

Best for hands-on UI/UX fundamentals

In this engaging course, you will explore the fundamentals of UX/UI design principles such as heuristic rules and best practices. The course is structured into two main parts, each focusing on different aspects of the design process. You will be introduced to the principles of both user experience and user interface design, with a foundation in Nielsen Heuristics and Gestalt Theory. The course combines theoretical concepts, real-life examples, and practical exercises to ensure a well-rounded understanding of the subject matter. Additionally, you'll get hands-on experience with Figma, a popular UI design tool, so that you can apply your newfound skills to real-world wireframe, web and app design projects.

Throughout the course, you will learn about important concepts such as real-world references, consistency, choice, and limitation, as well as feedback and system status. In the UI design portion, you will gain insights into aesthetic-usability effects, visual hierarchies, laws of simplicity, and behavioral prediction, among other topics. Practical Figma exercises will enable you to transfer your theoretical knowledge into actionable design skills. Apart from the main lessons, the course also offers some valuable extra resources, including an understanding of the 8pt spacing system, an introduction to grids, and scaling typography in UI design. This course is ideal for those who are new to UX design or those looking to brush up on their skills, as it provides a comprehensive introduction to the field and its best practices.

User review:

I have learned more about this design in this short course than I ever did in college. The concepts are explained in a way that is easy to understand with accompanying graphics. She packs a lot of information into short bite-size lectures, but it never feels overwhelming and the information is eas y to digest. Highly recommend to anyone interested in design and front end development [7] ... Read More

Best for:

This course is the best for individuals seeking to improve their UI/UX design skills through a combination of fundamental principles and hands-on experience with Figma, a popular design tool.

Course overview:
Level All Levels
Students 1,547
Rating (4.68)
Duration 2h 8m
Platform Udemy
Instructor(s) Christine moonlearning
Price $21.99

Compare UI design Online Courses

Course Rating Cost
Visual Elements of User Interface Design
Best for mastering UI design elements
7 days free trial
Subscription: $33.25/m annually, $59/m monthly
Introduction to UI Design
Best for enhancing UI design expertise
7 days free trial
Subscription: $33.25/m annually, $59/m monthly
DESIGN RULES: Principles + Practices for Great UI Design
Best for learning exceptional UI principles
$18.99
Principles of UX/UI Design
Best for comprehensive UI/UX foundations
7 days free trial
Subscription: $33.25/m annually, $59/m monthly
Get Started in UI/UX Design
Best for grasping UI/UX essentials
$55.9
UI UX Design & Prototyping using Adobe XD
Best for mastering Adobe XD
$17.99
UX/UI Design Principles Compact (Theory + Figma Exercise)
Best for hands-on UI/UX fundamentals
$21.99

How to choose best UI design online course

Choosing the best UI design course can be an overwhelming task, especially with a plethora of options available online. A well-designed learner guide can help ease the decision-making process by narrowing down what to look out for in the ideal course. The key is to select a course that aligns with your desired learning outcomes, level of expertise, and preferred learning style.

  • First and foremost, look for a course that covers the fundamentals of UI design, including its visual elements, which will provide a solid foundation for further development of your skills.
  • Ensure that the course delves into the principles and best practices of great UI design, enabling you to apply these principles effectively across a variety of digital products and platforms.
  • Consider courses that offer a comprehensive exploration of both UX and UI design, as a good understanding of the interplay between these two disciplines is essential to creating user interfaces that are visually appealing as well as user-friendly.
  • If you're starting or advancing your career in UI/UX design, opt for a course that offers practical exercises and hands-on experience, such as prototyping using industry-standard tools like Adobe XD.
  • You might also want a course that combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, giving you the opportunity to put the principles you've learned into practice using design software like Figma.
  • Lastly, seek out a course that helps you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques in UI design, allowing you to remain competitive and continuously improve your skills in this ever-evolving field.

By considering these aspects, you should be well-equipped to select the UI design course that will best suit your needs, ultimately enabling you to enhance the user experience of your websites and apps, create visually appealing user interfaces, and achieve your desired learning outcomes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, taking the time to invest in a UI design course will not only provide you with invaluable skills and knowledge, but also offer a strong foundation for a fruitful career in the field. As you explore the courses listed above, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the principles of great UI design, develop expertise in UX/UI design, and the proficiency to use Adobe XD for UI/UX design and prototyping. Ultimately, this will enable you to craft visually appealing user interfaces, optimize the user experience for your websites or apps, and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques in the industry.

Whether you're a newcomer trying to learn the fundamentals of UI design, or an experienced designer looking to improve upon your existing skills, there's a course to suit your needs. No matter your level of proficiency, it's never too late to start or continue your journey in UI/UX design. So why wait any longer? Equip yourself with the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in this competitive and rapidly-evolving field, and watch your career in UI/UX design flourish. Dive into a world of endless possibilities and creativity by enrolling in one of these courses today.

How much does a UI design course cost?

The cost of a UI design course varies depending on the platform and the specific course you choose. On Coursera, you can expect to pay a subscription fee of $33.25/month when billed annually or $59/month when billed monthly, while on Udemy, course prices range from free to $99.99.

How long do UI design courses take?

The duration of UI design courses also varies depending on the course and the platform. On Coursera, you might find courses that take from 14 to 21 hours to complete, while on Udemy, course durations can range from 2 hours to over 20 hours.

What are some essential skills to learn in a UI design course?

A comprehensive UI design course should cover essential skills such as understanding user-centered design principles, color theory, typography, layout and composition, prototyping, wireframing, and using design tools like Adobe XD or Figma. Additionally, learning about design patterns, usability testing, and accessibility principles will be beneficial.

  1. Myroslav O (November 6, 2018). "Visual Elements of User Interface Design". Coursera. Retrieved April 21, 2023
  2. sravanrekandar (October 15, 2016). "Introduction to UI Design". Coursera. Retrieved April 21, 2023
  3. Matthew Brian Gardiner (January 9, 2023). "DESIGN RULES: Principles + Practices for Great UI Design". Udemy. Retrieved April 21, 2023
  4. Alberto V Q (November 20, 2022). "Principles of UX/UI Design". Coursera. Retrieved April 21, 2023
  5. Guen Manlunas (April 15, 2023). "Get Started in UI/UX Design". Udemy. Retrieved April 21, 2023
  6. Matt C (March 26, 2021). "UI UX Design & Prototyping using Adobe XD". Udemy. Retrieved April 21, 2023
  7. Tim Cullen (June 2, 2022). "UX/UI Design Principles Compact (Theory + Figma Exercise)". Udemy. Retrieved April 21, 2023