Introduction

Introduction

Note

Source alignment: reflects the course welcome and module preview (what this course covers, where it fits in the UX process, and who is guiding the content).

• Course focus: conduct UX research to test early concepts and iterate designs based on findings.
• Where it fits: empathize → define → ideate → prototype → test (this course).
• What you’ll do: plan a research study, conduct a usability study, analyze and synthesize results, share/promote insights, and modify designs.
• Perspective: equity‑focused research that includes underrepresented users and historically excluded groups.

Program Context

• This course builds on work you completed earlier: project prompt, personas, problem statements, wireframes, and a low‑fidelity prototype.
• You will continue the same project and apply research to your prototype; findings inform the next iterations.
• The certificate includes multiple courses; this is the research and early testing portion before high‑fidelity prototyping.

Certificate Roadmap

• Foundations of UX Design
• Start the UX Design Process: Empathize, Define, Ideate
• Build Wireframes and Low‑Fidelity Prototypes
• Conduct UX Research and Test Early Concepts (this course)
• Create High‑Fidelity Designs and Prototypes in Figma
• Build Dynamic User Interfaces (UI) for Websites
• Design a UX for Social Good & Prepare for Jobs
• Accelerate Your Job Search with AI

Outcomes

• Plan credible test‑phase research with seven core elements.
• Run usability sessions (moderated/unmoderated; remote/in‑person).
• Analyze and synthesize findings into themes and recommendations.
• Share insights effectively and iterate your prototype.

Module 1 Overview

• Planning UX research studies with seven elements:
  • Background: context and scope.
  • Goals: what to learn and why it matters.
  • Research questions: what the study must answer.
  • KPIs: task‑level measures for comparability.
  • Methodology: study type and procedure.
  • Participants: who to recruit and accommodations.
  • Script: openings, tasks, wrap‑up.
• You’ll also cover privacy, ethics, inclusive practices, and how to respect user data.

What You’ll Practice

• Draft a study plan for your prototype.
• Define KPIs and success rules before sessions.
• Recruit representative participants and plan accommodations.
• Write a neutral, consistent script with clear tasks.

Equity‑Focused Lens

• Include users from underrepresented and historically excluded groups to ensure your research surfaces issues that affect them.
• Consider how systems, language, and defaults might disadvantage certain users; design tasks and consent to be respectful and inclusive.

Tip

Notes should be concise and close to the source wording so you can quickly search for answers later.

Summary: This module sets up the test phase by defining what to study and how to study it. You’ll plan credible, inclusive research that produces decision‑ready evidence to improve your design.