The UX & UI Design Certificate culminates in a capstone experience that helps students apply the complete UX process to real-world design problems while building a professional portfolio. Through a combination of case study development, solo challenges, and personal brand creation, students leave the program with a market-ready portfolio that showcases their research, design, and communication skills.
Case Study: End-to-End UX Design
Develop a full UX case study that demonstrates your understanding of the entire design lifecycle, from research to high-fidelity prototyping.
Deliverables:
- Define a problem statement based on your career interests and industry research.
- User research: surveys (20+ participants), interviews (5+ users), behavioral analysis, and competitive research.
- Generate user personas, user journeys, user stories, and flowcharts.
- Design low, mid, and high-fidelity mobile-first prototypes in Figma.
- Complete usability testing at mid- and high-fidelity stages and revise accordingly.
- Present your final case study in a live or recorded 20-minute walkthrough.
- Share your final clickable prototype, case study write-up, and linked deliverables in an organized folder.
Solo Project Challenge: UX Glossary App
Complete a focused design sprint to create a mobile app that helps new UX learners manage terminology stress before interviews.
Deliverables:
- Define and revise a clear UX problem statement.
- Conduct research including surveys, interviews, and competitive analysis.
- Create flowcharts, a moodboard, a style guide, and mid- to high-fidelity prototypes.
- Prioritize accessibility (e.g., quiet mode, dark settings) and clear user communication.
- Present a clickable Figma prototype that addresses the brief and user needs.
Specialized Challenge: School Safety App
Design a mobile app to help students and staff communicate in real time during emergencies such as school lockdowns.
Deliverables:
- Identify safety challenges and define the core user needs and user types.
- Focus on visual design and user interface clarity in high-stress situations.
- Prototype features such as alert acknowledgment, status tracking, and discreet communication.
- Create 5–7 high-fidelity screens that illustrate the main user flow.
- Present your design solution in a 10-minute critique-style session with links to all materials.
Portfolio Development & Personal Branding
Shape your design identity through a personal branding project and polished portfolio materials.
Deliverables:
- Complete a competitive analysis of industry sectors, product communication, and top UX designers.
- Craft a moodboard that defines your brand, including type system, color palette, shapes, and layout direction.
- Write a compelling 500-word bio and About Me page with a resume-ready summary statement.
- Create a portfolio homepage and organize your case studies with a cohesive narrative strategy.
- Submit a branded resume and finalize your full design identity package for job readiness.