The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Extension Department sought to expand its User Experience (UX) Design Certificate Program to meet the growing demand for UX education. As a top-rated public research institution, UCLA aimed to provide high-quality, accessible courses for adult learners worldwide. The project involved designing and teaching two foundational UX courses, User Experience I: Survey and User Experience II: Iteration, to equip students with the skills and language needed to excel in the field.
Crafting User Experience Excellence at UCLA
University of California Los Angeles
The Client Project
The Challenge
The primary challenge was creating a comprehensive curriculum for adult learners with diverse backgrounds and skill levels. The courses needed to deliver practical, real-world UX knowledge within an 11-week quarter system. Success was measured by students’ ability to synthesize research, develop working prototypes, and apply UX principles to real-world projects by the end of the program. Additionally, the courses had to adapt to high demand, including spinning up online sections quickly to accommodate more students.
The Solution
The approach focused on learning by demonstration, using real-world examples to make concepts relatable and actionable. For instance, I demonstrated the UX process from audit to prototype by redesigning a European satellite company’s website, giving students a framework to redesign their brand of choice. The curriculum emphasized foundational UX language, research synthesis, and iterative design processes. Key skills applied included:
- Design Thinking
- Auditing and Research
- UX Findings Presentations
- Information Architecture
- Content Strategy
- Prototyping
- Real-World Application
This method ensured students could immediately apply their learning to their careers, making the program both practical and impactful.
The Outcome
The courses successfully launched, attracting students from across the globe. Students walked away with foundational UX knowledge, the ability to conduct audits, and working prototypes for their portfolios. The program’s flexibility allowed for rapid scaling, including adding online sections to meet demand. The courses continue to be a cornerstone of the UCLA Extension UX Certificate Program, with high enrollment and positive feedback.
My Role
As the lead instructor, I designed the curriculum, delivered lectures, and provided hands-on guidance. My responsibilities included:
- Curriculum Development
- Instructional Delivery
- Student Mentorship
- Course Adaptation
- Real-World Project Integration
I ensured the courses met UCLA’s rigorous standards while remaining accessible and engaging for students. This role allowed me to combine my passion for teaching with my expertise in UX design, creating a meaningful learning experience for aspiring designers.
SUMMARY
Experienced Researcher and Digital Strategy Lead with a proven track record in design thinking, user research, and data-driven design. Skilled in quantitative and qualitative research methods, market research, prototyping, customer engagement including surveys, focus groups, and remote/in-person testing. Expertise in product development, user experience design, and digital transformation with a strong technical aptitude in RStudio, Figma, responsive Web frameworks, Unreal Engine, and Unity. Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams, deliver scalable solutions, and communicate insights effectively to diverse stakeholders.
