Omid Ettehadi

Could you briefly explain what UI/UX design is and why it is so important?

As our digital world keeps growing and replacing old ways, the terms User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) design are becoming more popular. UI and UX do mean different things, but they're often grouped together because they're closely related professions that frequently collaborate.

In simple terms, user experience design is about planning how people interact with a product, whether it's digital or physical. It's all about human interaction and making sure that using these products is easy, logical, and enjoyable.

And then there is the UI aspect. UI design is all about crafting the visual appearance and arrangement of digital products, such as websites or apps, to ensure they're user-friendly. It concentrates on the visual elements that enable users to interact with a product, like typography, colour schemes, buttons, animations, and other imagery. Consider actions like swiping to delete, pulling down to refresh, or entering text – all these interactions require deliberate design.

When you strip away all the jargon, UI and UX boil down to simple principles: understanding your users and meeting their needs effectively. To create successful products, you must grasp who your users are and what they require. That's the essence of UI and UX design.

What kinds of things do you teach in these courses?

Learning how to design better products goes beyond just memorizing theories. It is a skill that requires practice and training. In these UI/UX design courses, I aim to lead students on a design journey by guiding them through every stage of creating a product. This hands-on approach allows them to put theoretical knowledge into practical application.

In the introductory course, I cover UI/UX fundamentals, the design process, and essential tools necessary for creating a quality product. Students will engage in the entire product design journey, gaining insights into the roles and responsibilities of UI/UX professionals. They'll have the opportunity to contribute to designing a product from scratch, which could serve as a strong addition to their portfolio. Students will conduct their own human-centered design research, develop wireframes, and build interactive prototypes to evaluate user experience. They'll also run an evaluation session to analyze their final prototype and bring their learning into their product. Additionally, students will learn how to prepare and present their work effectively, potentially transforming their course project into a portfolio piece.

In the intermediate course, we build upon the foundational knowledge acquired in the introductory level and delve into more advanced techniques and tools. We explore advanced design concepts like design principles, storytelling, and accessibility criteria. Students have the opportunity to conduct research with real users and tackle more significant challenges. They begin to consider UI Toolkits and Design Systems and how to integrate them into their projects. Additionally, we discuss designing for various screen sizes, covering topics such as responsive design and mobile-first design strategies.

Who could benefit from taking the introductory course?

This course is created for any individual who is intrigued by the product design process and is curious about what makes a good product. If you have ever been frustrated by an app and have wondered if it’s just you or does everyone else feels the same way, this is the course for you. No matter your level of prior experience, whether you are aspiring to begin a career in UI/UX or are curious about what UI and UX are, this course serves as an excellent starting point.

Who could benefit from taking the intermediate course?

This course is tailored for individuals with a basic understanding of the product design process who are eager to enhance their skills and knowledge. While you do not necessarily need prior experience as a product designer, familiarity with the fundamentals is beneficial. Recognizing that students enter with varying levels of background knowledge, the course is structured to accommodate diverse learning needs. Whether you are starting out or looking to refine your existing skills, you will find valuable insights and guidance to suit your individual learning journey.

What would you say defines a good UI/UX designer?

Answering the question of what makes a great UI/UX professional is complex. The field is incredibly diverse, and mastering one aspect doesn't guarantee expertise in all responsibilities. For instance, someone might excel at creating stunning UI elements but lack experience in running user research sessions, and vice versa.

However, certain qualities are essential for success in UI/UX, largely centred around mindset. It begins with a deep commitment to understanding and championing the user's perspective, sometimes putting aside personal biases. This doesn't mean neglecting business needs but rather integrating user insights into decision-making processes.

Another crucial quality is effective communication and collaboration with various stakeholders, including business leaders, product managers, and developers. This ensures alignment and synergy across teams, ultimately leading to better outcomes.

What are some upcoming projects you are working on or looking forward to developing

I am currently immersed in a significant reimagining project, a rare chance to question every aspect of a product accumulated over many years. This opportunity allowed our team to bypass some technical and business constraints and delve into the exploratory side of design. We are focusing solely on addressing user problems and desires, crafting an experience from the ground up. While there is still much to be done before the product is ready for launch, even at this stage, it is an exhilarating journey. I eagerly anticipate the day when users can finally experience the product firsthand.