Many people can identify a terrific user interface design when they see it. We are all customer and users, and we interact with products all the time, so it is easy to think therefore that anyone can also create a good design. But designing a product from a “blank sheet of paper” or trying to address a problematic design is a serious challenge, and requires very specific skills and techniques. A great user interface appears effortless, almost invisible, and allows the product functionality to shine through.  The Essential Lessons in User Experience Design Workshop helps  UI designers looking for a more structured approach and for ways to improve their skills. It is also perfect for product managers, visual designers, usability researchers, or lead engineers in smaller organizations who are filling the role of UI designer, or who want to move their career in that direction.

When and where is this workshop?

This workshop is 2 days long, and will be held Oct 31 - Nov 1 at TechMart in Santa Clara, CA. 

How much does this cost?

The price is $1500 per person.  Save 15% ($1,275) when you sign up 2 or more people, or if you sign up for the Marketing or Product Management workshops the same week.

How many people are in the workshop?

Because this workshop is hands on, the size is limited to 16 people. This allows everyone to get personal attention, ask questions, and discuss how the tools and lessons apply to your particular product.

What will I learn?

Participants will leave the workshop with a deeper understanding of what separates a mediocre design from a great design, and how to achieve designs that customers love. Specifically, participants will learn:

• The role and responsibilities of great UI designers.
• How to create design principles specific to your company or product that serve as your “moral compass.”
• How to analyze the users tasks and needs and keep your designs focused.
• How to work effectively with other team members: product managers, engineers, visual designers, researchers, and the executive team.
• Effective techniques and processes for approaching the design in a structured way. We will discuss site maps, workflow diagrams, wireframes, prototypes, and product specifications. When are these techniques appropriate, how are they different, and how do you execute them effectively?
• When to enforce consistency, and when not to.
• How to bring personas in to the organization in a lightweight, effective way
• How to be discerning in evaluating potential designs.
• Subtle design mistakes and how to identify avoid them.

The UE Design Workshop includes hands-on exercises in site mapping, workflow diagrams, creating wireframes, developing personas, evaluating a current product or proposed design.