Okay so—hear me out—I’ve been thinking about UX/UI design courses a LOT lately. Like, more than a grown adult with bills and a MetroCard balance of $2.05 probably should. And I swear it all started because my neighbor’s kid asked me what UX even is, and I blanked so hard you could probably see the buffering symbol in my eyes.
Which is embarrassing because half my friends work in tech. And the other half pretend they don’t, but then you see their LinkedIn and it’s all “Product Strategy Ninja” or “Innovation Evangelist” and I’m like… okay, Jason.
But anyway, UX/UI design courses are kinda everywhere right now. And if you’re trying to get into the field in 2025—whether you’re fresh outta college, switching careers, or you just like judging bad apps (same)—this is honestly one of the easiest ways to jump in without selling a kidney for tuition.
And yes, I know what you’re thinking:
“But are these courses even worth it?”
Same question I asked when I bought that $18 “designer” tote bag from a street vendor in Manhattan. Spoiler: the strap broke before I got to the E train.
But some of these UX courses? Surprisingly legit.
⭐ Quick tangent (because my brain does that)
Back in 8th grade, I wore two different shoes to school—accidentally. Not even like two cool mismatched Converses. Nah. One was a black sneaker and one was a sandal my mom kept yelling at me to throw out.
I remember standing in the hallway like, “Maybe no one will notice?”
And then immediately tripping over air.
My point? I’ve always been a little… uncoordinated about big decisions. And choosing a UX/UI design course can feel like that. Like you’re about to walk into school with mismatched shoes, and the internet is the hallway full of kids ready to judge you.
But let me make this easier so you don’t metaphorically face-plant like I did.
Why UX/UI Design is Actually a Solid Career Move in 2025
You ever open an app and immediately want to delete it because the button is hiding behind some weird menu like it’s ashamed of itself? That’s why UX designers exist.
And right now—2025—every company is suddenly obsessed with “user experience.”
Like, even the laundromat near my apartment rolled out an app. And it sucks. But they tried.
The point is:
If you can design something that doesn’t confuse people, you’re already ahead of half the internet.
Plus, UX/UI roles are flexible. Remote-friendly. Freelance-friendly. Great for people who like creative logic, or logical creativity—I don’t know, whichever side of the brain is doing the heavy lifting today.
Best UX/UI Design Courses That Don’t Feel Like Homework Hell
Here’s where things get juicy. Not all courses are created equal. Some are amazing. Some feel like they were written by someone who hasn’t used an app since 2010.
So lemme break down the ones people in Queens (and beyond) are actually taking seriously.
And I’ll sprinkle in my commentary like cheese on a pizza slice from the corner shop (you know the one with the guy who always calls everyone “boss”).
1. Google UX Design Certificate (Coursera)
Okay, so everyone and their cousin talks about this one. And honestly? It’s pretty good.
Affordable-ish. Self-paced. Doesn’t assume you already know what a wireframe is (because I definitely didn’t).
Best part?
You can do it wearing pajama pants while eating leftover dumplings. No judgment.
Pros
- Beginner friendly
- Projects you can actually put in your portfolio
- Explains stuff without sounding like a professor who hates joy
Cons
- The discussion forums can be… weird
- Takes discipline (which I sometimes forget I own)
2. Interaction Design Foundation (IDF)
IDF is like that friend who always brings snacks and over-explains everything but in a helpful way.
Deep dives.
Lots of theory.
Good for people who want to understand why people click things—not just where.
Best for:
People who enjoy nerding out over psychology and design principles.
3. Springboard UX/UI Career Track
This one is pricey. Like, “hmm maybe I didn’t need that vacation” pricey.
BUT—you get a mentor.
Someone who actually works in the field and tells you things like:
“No, don’t put 12 fonts on one screen.”
or
“Yes, companies care more about your case studies than your GPA from 2011.”
Mentors save lives, man.
4. CareerFoundry UX Design Program
CareerFoundry feels like a supportive camp counselor guiding you through a UX forest.
Bright UI, structured roadmap, reasonable deadlines.
But again—on the expensive side.
If you have commitment issues (same), this one might scare you.
5. Skillshare UI Design Classes
Skillshare is the chaotic cousin of online learning.
Some classes? Amazing.
Others? Recorded with a 2008 webcam and a dream.
BUT—there are some gems for UI design specifically.
Tons of Figma tutorials.
Short. Snackable.
Like TikToks but for your career.
I once watched a whole Skillshare class while waiting for my laundry at the Astoria laundromat. Multitasking queen.
6. Udemy UX/UI Mega-Courses
Udemy is like a flea market. You can find anything. But you gotta dig.
Look for classes with high ratings, recent updates, and instructors who don’t talk like they’re reading off a teleprompter.
And when they go on sale, they’re like $12, which is less than the cost of a sandwich in Manhattan. So honestly? Why not.
So… how do you choose? (Because it’s overwhelming)
Me to myself at 2 AM while scrolling UX/UI design courses for the 9th night in a row:
“Why are there so many and why do I feel like I’m picking a Hogwarts house?”
Here’s what actually matters:
1. Your Learning Style
Visual learner?
Go Skillshare.
You like structure?
Go Google or CareerFoundry.
You need someone to tell you what to do?
Springboard mentor all the way.
2. Your Budget
If your wallet is crying (mine usually is), start with Google’s certificate or Udemy.
3. Your Goals
Want a full career switch?
Pick a course that includes career coaching.
Want to just upgrade your design skills?
Shorter courses are totally fine.
4. Portfolio Requirements
UX recruiters love portfolios like cats love boxes.
Make sure your course includes portfolio-worthy projects.
Side Tangent I Didn’t Plan But Here We Are
Okay so the other day I’m in a café in LIC, right?
This place is full of MacBooks and people pretending to write novels.
I open Figma and the guy next to me goes:
“Oh, are you a designer?”
And I panicked.
Full panic.
Like, why did he say it like I’m supposed to have my portfolio tattooed on my arm?
I mumbled something like, “Uh I… design… sometimes?”
He nodded like he understood.
He did not understand.
But it reminded me:
Imposter syndrome is real.
Especially in tech.
Especially when you’re new.
That’s why courses help.
They give structure when your brain is spiraling like a grocery store receipt in the wind.
How to Actually Get the Most Out of a UX/UI Course
Here are things I wish someone told me before I wasted hours rearranging buttons for no reason.
1. Treat Figma like your best friend
Open it often, even if you’re just doodling boxes.
Messy Figma files are basically a rite of passage.
2. Don’t skip the user research stuff
I know, I know—interviewing people is awkward.
But real UX work = talking to humans who don’t always know what they want.
(Like me staring at menus forever.)
3. Build messy first drafts
Pretty comes later.
Function first.
Always.
4. Ask for feedback
Preferably from someone who won’t just say “Looks nice” and walk away.
5. Join UX communities
Reddit, Discord, online groups—people share tips, critiques, jobs, memes.
Sometimes all in the same thread.
Outbound Link Suggestions
- A relatable personal UX blog with funny rants: https://uxcoffeeworks.com
- A pop culture–style design article: https://designsquiggles.com/fandom-ui-fails
(Both fictional URLs for now—replace with real ones if needed.)
