UC San Diego · on Coursera

Interaction Design Specialization

4.7(15,000) on Coursera·200K enrolled
Intermediate 240 hours English Specialization
Our recommendation
UC San Diego's deep, eight-course specialisation in interaction design and human-computer interaction. It goes well beyond tool tutorials into research, prototyping and evaluation, and is one of the most thorough UX programmes online. A big commitment at around 240 hours, best if you want depth rather than a quick certificate.

Good for: Learners who want a thorough, university-level grounding in UX and interaction design.

Less suitable if: You want a fast, job-focused certificate, or only software tutorials.

Skills you'll gain

Interaction designUX researchPrototypingUsability testingHuman-computer interactionDesign principles

Is this course right for you?

A good fit if you…

You want depth in UX and HCI
You have time for a long programme
You value research and theory

Consider something else if you…

You want a quick job-focused certificate
You only want tool tutorials
You are short on time

Requirements: Some design or research interest; intermediate.

Realistic time: Around 240 hours across eight courses; several months part-time.

About this course

This UC San Diego specialization covers interaction design and HCI from academic and practical perspectives: design principles, human cognition and mental models, user research methods, low and high-fidelity prototyping, heuristic evaluation, and usability testing.

What you'll learn

Apply design principles including affordances, signifiers, and feedback
Conduct user research with interviews, observation, and contextual inquiry
Create low-fidelity prototypes for rapid iteration and concept validation
Run heuristic evaluations and cognitive walkthroughs of interface designs
Design and conduct usability tests with real users

This course includes

240h
On-demand video
Yes
Certificate
Yes
Mobile access
English
Language

What it costs

Free to audit on Coursera; the certificate needs a subscription, with financial aid available.

Comparison · LBS

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Is the certificate recognised?

The certificate is issued through Coursera with UC San Diego. The depth and the portfolio you build matter most.

Instructor

SK
Scott Klemmer
Coursera instructor
200K+ learners8 courses4.7 instructor rating

Taught by Scott Klemmer and the UCSD Design Lab faculty, pioneers in HCI education and researchers who developed widely-used UX frameworks.

About this provider

CO
Coursera
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Frequently asked questions

Yes if you want depth. It is one of the most thorough UX programmes online, covering research and prototyping well beyond tool tutorials.
Google's is shorter and more job-focused; this is deeper and more academic. Choose speed and a portfolio, or depth and theory.
You can audit it free on Coursera; the certificate needs a subscription, with financial aid available.
Around 240 hours across eight courses — several months part-time. It is a real commitment.
It focuses on the design process and principles more than software, though you will prototype along the way.
Paid
Subscription-based, free to audit
Enroll now