UX Design

Learning UX Design with the Interaction Design Foundation – a review

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By Fulvio
 · 
Aprile 9, 2021
 · 
3 min read
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In 2018, while I was already dealing with digital products and interfaces, I came across the Interaction Design Foundation (IxDF) with great pleasure. The price was (and still is) really low, counting the amount of courses and materials provided to students and comparing with other courses available still and at that time.

I was pleased to discover that the UX Design courses are well structured and one of the most important features is to be able to enroll and attend the courses at your own pace, whenever you have the time to follow the lessons.

Additionally, IxDF membership offers the opportunity to attend various master classes at a significant discount, a great opportunity to stay up-to-date on current topics and listen to industry guru like Don Norman.

IxDF courses are divided into categories and levels of complexity, and the teaching method alternates between texts and videos in which experts delve into the topic of the lesson. As well as the content, the questions are divided into open-ended questions and multiple choice.

Once you get 70% of the points of a course, you get a certificate, from 90% onwards you will see a distinction "Top 10% Course Taker”. 

Some courses are longer and more challenging than others, but what I found most useful was being able to follow specific UX courses during the development of projects that dealt with the same topics; the information provided by industry professionals such as Frank Spillers, Alan Dix and many others, often take us "behind the scenes" interviewing professionals who give their opinion on a particular subject.

Of the several courses completed I found the following to be very interesting:

One course that particularly impressed and opened my eyes was "Accessibility: How to Design for All".

In this UX course we talk in detail about the concept of whether a product or service can be used by everyone-however they encounter it. The course is full of videos in which Frank Spillers makes us approach the world of accessibility and the problems that users encounter in the use of specific sites brought as an example. 

The testimony of users specifically focus on the user experience of people with disabilities, giving us a concrete idea of how often usability does not take into account accessibility.

Summary

In conclusion, a platform so rich in information and content at the same price as Netflix, is an opportunity you can't pass up. I can say that what I have learned and am still learning thanks to IxDF has positively impacted my work life and made me grow as a professional.

The possibility to connect with other people and be part of a UX design network is an added value for everyone who wants to learn more about this topic.

For those interested, this link adds 2 months free to the annual membership.

Tagged: IDF · Interaction Design · Interaction Design Foundation · UX Courses · UX Design

In today's competitive business environment, branding has become more critical than ever. A strong brand identity can help a business stand out from the crowd and create a loyal customer base. In UI design, branding plays a crucial role in creating an effective user experience. In this article, we will explore the importance of branding in UI design using recent market examples.

Branding is about creating a consistent visual language that reflects a brand's values, mission, and personality. It involves creating a unique logo, color palette, typography, and other visual elements that differentiate a brand from its competitors. In UI design, branding is about creating a consistent visual language that reflects a brand's identity and creates a memorable user experience.

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One example of effective branding in UI design is the redesign of the mobile app for Starbucks, the world's largest coffeehouse chain. In 2018, Starbucks revamped its mobile app to create a more personalized and engaging user experience. The app features a consistent color scheme of green and white, which is instantly recognizable as Starbucks' brand colors. The app's typography and visual design also reflect the brand's identity, with clean lines and bold, easy-to-read text.

Another example of effective branding in UI design is the redesign of the Airbnb website. The online marketplace for lodging and vacation rentals underwent a major redesign in 2014, which included a complete overhaul of its branding. The new design features a distinctive logo and color scheme that reflects the brand's values of hospitality and community. The typography and visual design are also consistent with the brand's identity, with clean lines and an emphasis on high-quality photography.

The importance of branding in UI design is not just limited to major corporations. Even small businesses can benefit from a strong brand identity in their UI design. One example is the website for the independent bookstore, McNally Jackson. The website features a consistent color scheme and typography that reflects the brand's identity as a place for literary enthusiasts. The site's design is clean and minimal, with a focus on the bookstore's selection of books.

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Here are two more examples of effective branding in UI design from last year:

Peloton, The fitness leader

The fitness technology company, Peloton, is known for its interactive home fitness equipment and app. In 2021, the company underwent a rebranding effort, which included a new logo, color palette, and visual identity. The new branding was reflected in the company's UI design, including its app and website. The new branding features a bold, modern design with a black-and-white color scheme and a focus on high-quality photography. The typography is also clean and modern, with a sans-serif font that reflects the brand's identity as a high-tech fitness company. Overall, the new branding and UI design create a cohesive user experience that reinforces Peloton's brand identity as a leader in the fitness industry.

Slack, the messaging platform

Slack, underwent a major redesign in 2021, which included a new branding effort. The new branding features a new logo and color palette that reflect the company's identity as a communication tool for businesses. The new UI design also reflects the new branding, with a focus on simplicity and ease of use. The typography is clean and easy to read, with a sans-serif font that reflects the brand's identity as a modern communication tool. The color palette features shades of purple, blue, and green, which create a calming and professional atmosphere. Overall, the new branding and UI design create a user experience that reinforces Slack's identity as a reliable and efficient communication tool for businesses.

In both of these examples, effective branding is reflected in the UI design of the company's products. The new branding and UI design create a cohesive user experience that reinforces the brand's identity and values.

In conclusion

Branding is crucial for businesses to stand out in a crowded marketplace and create a memorable user experience in UI design

The examples of Starbucks, Airbnb, McNally Jackson, Peloton, and Slack demonstrate how effective branding can help businesses differentiate themselves and create a loyal customer base

The examples of Starbucks, Airbnb, McNally Jackson, Peloton, and Slack demonstrate how effective branding can help businesses differentiate themselves and create a loyal customer base

By investing in a strong brand identity and UI design, businesses can create a cohesive user experience that reinforces their values and identity, ultimately leading to increased customer loyalty and brand recognition.

Whether you are a large corporation or a small business, investing in effective branding in your UI design can pay off in the long run and help you stand out from your competitors.


Overall, branding in UI design is crucial for businesses to create a memorable and cohesive user experience. The examples of Starbucks, Airbnb, McNally Jackson, Peloton, and Slack demonstrate how effective branding can help businesses differentiate themselves from their competitors and create a loyal customer base.

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