UX Designers center a user’s needs and wants from the beginning, resulting in a better final product. They extensively research users' preferences before creating and redesigning prototypes incorporating valuable user feedback. The process may improve positive emotions about the product, thus increasing sales.
Becoming certified in UX design in Houston can lead to numerous lucrative job opportunities. UX Designers average just over $100,000 per year in the Houston area. The city’s many industries–healthcare, airlines and travel, energy, finance, and technology–regularly put out new products and interfaces. Plus, grassroots, supportive professional organizations exist to help newer UX Designers succeed. An individual who masters UX design skills can take advantage of the city's opportunities and positively impact future products or revise versions of clunky products.
DevMountain: UX Design Course
Key Information: With part-time and full-time options, this course readies students to become UX Designers. DevMountain has locations in Dallas, Houston, and Utah but teaches the course live online. The full-time course lasts 13 weeks and costs $10,900, while the part-time option extends across 16 weeks and costs $9,900. There are no prerequisites for the course.
The program teaches students the steps of design thinking, heavily emphasizing research prototyping. It also covers information architecture and website or application design. Students complete several projects as they master UX design skills.
Learn UX Design
- Live & Hands-on
- In NYC or Online
- Learn From Experts
- Free Retake
- Small Class Sizes
- Certificate of Completion
DevMountain partners with educational lenders to help students pay for the course. They also provide career support. The career support team helps students generate a job search plan, resume, social media brand, and portfolio. It can support students with interviewing and networking as well.
Noble Desktop: UX & UI Design Certificate
Key Information: This user experience and interface design course covers the fundamentals needed for landing an entry-level UX or UI design position. This part-time certificate program lasts for 24 weeks and costs about $3,500. Participants can pay in full or participate in several different payment plans. No prerequisites are required. The course includes one-to-one mentoring and professional help for job applications. Plus, former students may repeat any portion of the course for free.
This certificate program dives deep into UI and UX fundamentals. One of the first topics it introduces is the common UI patterns a designer may encounter such as menus, tabs, and breadcrumbs. Students learn how to use these common options to create easily navigable screens. The course also covers UX design, including how to use the design process to create plausible products.
Once students understand UX and UI Design, they work through examples and models, creating original items to add to a portfolio. Plus, students learn how to leverage relevant software like Figma. Students also receive six one-on-one mentoring sessions for resume building, interviewing tips, and reinforcing best practices. On top of the hours spent in class each week, students should expect to spend five to ten hours outside completing work.
FAQ for UX Design Certificates
What is the Difference Between a Certificate and a Certification?
Certificates and certifications both recognize that a job seeker has UX design expertise. Yet, the two are not synonyms.
Certificates are awarded upon finishing a training program. They show that a person has completed the program and should have gained at least a minimum level of competency in UX design. Most certificate-granting programs are offered through university extension departments, and training centers offer training programs. A certificate program may last from a few weeks up to a year. Also, a potential employer may request a portfolio to assess a candidate’s actual ability.
Earning a certification is frequently a more formalized process. According to a professional organization such as the Nielsen Norman Group, certification proves that an individual has achieved a specific level of expertise. Certification programs often require more hours spent in class, extensive portfolio work, and an exam.
Should I Pursue a Certificate or a Certification?
UX design courses may offer a certificate or a certification as a perk. Does the UX design field value or require these? Though a UX design certification or certificate is not required to land a job, some employers prefer one of these options.
Career changers or entry-level job seekers may sign up for a certificate program. Certificate programs are ideal for quickly gaining knowledge or upskilling and may require less time or financial investment. Career changers or people entering the workforce after a long absence may gravitate toward certificate programs due to their cost and scheduling ease.
Current UX Designers who want to move up in their organization or switch companies may pursue a certification. Working towards a certification may be a more rigorous process, yet some employers may value it and pay a higher salary to the holder.
Do I Need to Become Certified to Find a Job?
In UX design, gaining a certificate or certification before searching for a job is not required. Instead, individuals may earn a college degree, gather relevant experience, or pursue self-guided learning. Yet, these options all require different time and monetary investments.
Traditional college degrees, the typical route, are pricey and take years to complete. Working toward a UX design certificate is an option that is affordable and fast. Many certificate programs include building a portfolio to showcase work to future employers. Self-guided learning is the most affordable but can feel lonely and confusing. Pursuing self-guided learning is possible but doesn’t include mentoring or feedback on work.
What Certificate Program is Right for Me?
Which is Better: In-Person or Online Classes
An in-person or an online class can be effective, depending on your learning style, flexibility, and personal preferences. Each class type has advantages and challenges, so consider your needs and goals before enrolling.
Most people are familiar with the structure of an in-person class. An instructor shares new information with a group of students. Then, the students participate in a discussion or work on a project. Being physically present in a classroom leads to more accountability for some students. Some may participate more because they are face-to-face with the instructor and peers. In-person classes provide more immediate feedback and engagement since students can quickly ask the instructor questions. But, in-person classes may not provide the flexibility that busy adults require. Personal or job-related commitments may make commuting to and attending class regularly tricky.
For a good reason, online classes are becoming increasingly popular among busy adults. These classes only require a reliable internet and a computer or personal computing device. Balancing work, personal commitments, and job training becomes more straightforward. Online classes may mix up the traditional class structure: they may bounce from video lectures, simulations, or online discussions. Constantly switching the style positively affects students needing help paying attention during in-person lectures. Yet, these classes may be more difficult for students who need other students' accountability to focus.
Which is Better: Live Online or Asynchronous Classes?
Selecting between live online or asynchronous classes for learning UX design depends on your learning style and schedule.
Live online classes allow for real-time interactions with classmates and the instructor. Enrolled students can ask questions, receive specific answers tailored to individual learning styles, and engage in discussions. UX design can be complicated; having experts to consult regularly can deepen and speed up learning. Being part of the interactive environment can also build community and motivation. However, live online classes are scheduled at specific times. Though they do not require participants to commute to a location, students must “show up” when class occurs to reap the full benefits. Some live online classes may record the session for future reference or absent students, yet students viewing the session later miss out on interactions.
Asynchronous classes are the most flexible of all training methods. Students can access course materials and assignments when convenient, though some programs schedule regular deadlines for completing work. Asynchronous classes can make upskilling possible for busy adults with numerous work or family obligations. Depending on the program, enrollees may have some limited access to an instructor, but most do not. Additionally, asynchronous classes require students to be highly self-motivated and organized. Some individuals struggle to or do not finish a program without an instructor or a class to keep them accountable.
Ultimately, the choice between live online and asynchronous classes depends on your needs and learning preferences. Those needing accountability and access to experts may prefer live online classes. Students with previous expertise or a busy schedule with much variability may require the flexibility of asynchronous classes.