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I have taken the Google UX Course and completed it in around 3 months.
The UX Google course consists of 7 courses, which include videos, reading materials, quizzes, and peer-graded assignments. What's great about it is that when you complete the course, you end up with 3 portfolio pieces.
Course 1 is an introduction to the Google UX course, where you learn the basics that are further expanded upon in the following courses.
In Course 2, you can start working on your first portfolio piece. They guide you step by step throughout your first portfolio until Course 6.
The first portfolio piece is created in Figma and involves creating an app.
Course 6 focuses on the second portfolio piece using Adobe XD. The aim is to create a responsive website that works well on desktop and mobile.
Finally, Course 7 focuses on the third and final portfolio piece in Adobe XD, with a specific aim of designing for good.
After completing the portfolio piece in the 7th course, the course also provides guidance on preparing for jobs.
Overall, I think this course is good. It is well-organized and easy to use, allowing people who are new to UX to learn and gain entry-level skills in a beginner-friendly way.
I appreciate that they teach two different tools, Figma and Adobe XD. The portfolio projects are well-rounded, covering app creation, responsive website design, and projects for social good.
I also like the examples of projects and templates provided. They are perfect for beginners, as the templates save a lot of time and the examples help ensure you are on the right track. They also serve as a helpful reference for checking if you are doing things correctly.
One aspect I disliked about this course is its length, which made it easy to get demotivated. The beginning of the course was slow before getting into the action. It would be beneficial to see what we are aiming for at the start, such as someone sharing their portfolio piece. This would provide context and create excitement.
Another negative is that the course primarily teaches the Google way and methods, which may create confusion, although it also covers universal material.
Peer-graded reviews aren't the best. Some people submit nothing or download others' work and pass it off as their own. Additionally, some reviewers either give full scores or nothing at all, and there is generally a lack of feedback beyond "great job!" This limits opportunities for improvement, especially for beginners.
I believe this course should be reviewed by Google, at least for the final portfolio, to provide tips and feedback on the general portfolio. Since the feedback from peers is lacking and they are also beginners, having professionals involved would be beneficial.
One more thing to note is that this is solely a UX course and does not cover UI, which is essential and something you would need to study separately.
The course isn't difficult, as it is well-organized and designed for beginners. The main challenge is staying motivated. The drop-off rate is high, partly due to the free trial and the amount of work involved, causing many people to not complete the course.
Personally, I think the course is good. You can take advantage of the free 7-day trial and apply for financial aid or scholarships. However, it is priced at $39 per course. The flexibility to learn at your own pace is a great advantage. The course being offered by Google adds value and helps you stand out. However, keep in mind that the certificate alone may not be enough. You will also need a strong portfolio.
1. Share your work and seek inspiration from others. Due to the lack of feedback, it's best to share your work outside
the course, such as in Facebook groups or on LinkedIn, to receive actual feedback. Joining platforms like Behance is also a great way to get inspiration from experienced designers.
2. Learn about UI. The end product will involve prototyping, so having UI skills to create visually pleasing designs is important.
3. Don't stop when you finish the course. Keep learning, designing, and improving your portfolio even after completing the course.
📚 Check out the Google UX Course here
Thanks for reading!
Kami x
