Professional Certificate in AI-Powered UX/UI Design In collaboration with Virginia Tech

Professional Certificate in AI-Powered UX/UI Design

In collaboration with Virginia Tech Continuing and Professional Education

• Features Agentic AI Workshops for UX/UI Designers
• 6 Months of Complimentary Figma Premium Access
• 20 weeks length program Live classroom (5-8hrs / Week weekend classes)
• Ask us for the next cohort and schedule details!

Build the skills to create engaging, intuitive, and user-centered digital experiences with the Professional Certificate in AI-Powered UX/UI Design. This hands-on program combines UX research, design thinking, UI design, wireframing, prototyping, usability testing, and emerging AI technologies to prepare you for today’s evolving design landscape.

Learn to use industry-relevant tools such as Figma, Miro, Maze, and other UX/UI platforms, while exploring Generative AI and Agentic AI to enhance research, ideation, design workflows, and usability analysis. The program also introduces Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), AR, VR, XR, and MR design, helping you expand your capabilities beyond traditional digital interfaces.

With live online classes, practical assignments, case studies, mentor support, and 15+ hands-on projects, you’ll build a professional design portfolio and gain practical experience across the complete UX/UI design process—from research and ideation to prototyping, testing, stakeholder handoff, and portfolio development.

Key Features

• Course and material are in English
• in collaboration with Virginia Tech
• Beginner to advanced level
• 20 weeks of live classroom by industry experts (5-8 hours/week weekend classes)
• 110+ hours of live classes and mentor-led project support
• 300+ hours of study time and practice recommended
• 1 year platform access & class recordings
• 75+ activities, demos, discussions, and case studies
• 15+ hands-on projects and a capstone
• Explore HCI and develop 5 projects in AR, VR, and XR
• 25+ UX tools like Figma, Miro, Maze, and more
• Showcase your portfolio on Behance and Dribbble
• Earn a certificate of completion from Virginia Tech
• Access to Virginia Tech Continuing and Professional Education alumni membership

Engaging Learning Experience

• Peer Interaction: Enjoy a true classroom-like environment by connecting with fellow learners and engaging with mentors in real time through Slack.
• Flexible Learning: Never fall behind—access recorded sessions anytime to catch up and stay aligned with your cohort.
• Mentorship Sessions: Receive expert support from mentors to resolve doubts, get project guidance, and enhance your learning journey.
• Dedicated Support: Benefit from a Cohort Manager who provides personalized assistance and ensures you stay on track toward success.

About Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech is a leading land-grant research university committed to advancing knowledge, discovery, innovation, and positive impact in Virginia and around the world. With more than 280 degree and major programs and a diverse community of over 38,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, the university offers a broad range of academic opportunities across its colleges and schools.

What added value does Virginia Tech contribute to the program?

The program curriculum is designed, reviewed and approved with the assistance of the university, which gives the program quality legitimacy and a co-branded certificate of completion. Please be aware that the live classes are not held by actual University faculty staff but by many experienced Industry experts who are suitable for each topic.

*Disclaimer: The course curriculum and learning path are subject to change. Partners reserve the right to update content in line with evolving industry trends and requirements

Learning Objective

• Use 25+ UX/UI design tools, including Figma, Miro, Maze, Whimsical, Uizard, and more.
• Leverage Generative AI to accelerate routine design tasks and streamline creative workflows.
• Apply UX research and UI design techniques using a practical, user-centered approach.
• Build a professional design portfolio on platforms such as Behance and Dribbble to showcase projects to potential employers.
• Apply Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) principles to create intuitive and accessible digital experiences.
• Apply UX best practices throughout the design lifecycle, from ideation and research to final project handoff.
• Use core UI design principles, including color theory, typography, graphics, composition, and layout, to create functional and visually engaging interfaces.
• Create wireframes and interactive prototypes that deliver intuitive and seamless user experiences.
• Showcase capstone and module-based projects as part of a professional UX/UI design portfolio.
• Design AR, VR, and XR prototypes using tools such as Figma, Spline, ShapesXR, and DraftXR.
• Design and implement AI agents within UX workflows to accelerate research, enhance collaboration, and improve design outcomes.

21+ Skills Covered:

• Prototyping
• Design Thinking Principles
• Microcopy
• Persona Mapping
• Empathy Mapping
• Heuristics Evaluation
• Usability Testing
• Information Architecture
• Low Fidelity Wireframing
• High Fidelity Wireframing
• Microinteractions
• Human Computer Interaction
• Augmented Reality
• Virtual Reality
• Extended Reality
• Color Theory
• Typography and Iconography
• Interaction DesignVisual Design
• Clickstream Analysis
• Gestalt Principles

Target Audience:

• Aspiring UX/UI Designers: Individuals looking to start a career in UX/UI design and build practical, portfolio-ready skills.
• Graphic and Visual Designers: Design professionals who want to expand their expertise into user experience, interface design, prototyping, and digital products.
• Product and Digital Professionals: Product managers, business analysts, digital specialists, and other professionals who want to better understand user-centered design.
• Developers and Technology Professionals: Web developers, software professionals, and technology specialists seeking to strengthen their understanding of UX/UI principles and design collaboration.
• Marketing and Creative Professionals: Professionals working in marketing, branding, content, or creative roles who want to develop skills in digital experience and interface design.
• Existing UX/UI Designers: Design professionals looking to enhance their skills with Generative AI, Agentic AI, HCI, AR/VR, and modern design tools.

Prerequisites:

No prior UX/UI design or professional work experience is required. The program is designed for aspiring as well as early-career design professionals from diverse backgrounds.

To enroll, candidates should:

• Be 18 years of age or older.
• Hold a high school diploma.
• Have an interest in UX/UI design, digital products, creativity, and user-centered experiences.
• Be comfortable using a computer and learning digital design tools.
• Prior experience with design software such as Figma is helpful but not required.

Learning Path

• Induction for Professional Certificate in AI-Powered UX/UI Design
• UX/UI Design and Design Thinking Fundamentals
• UX Research: Applying User Research to Design
• Visual Design, Wireframing, Prototyping, Micro-interactions, and Interactive Design
• Usability Evaluation and Testing
• Project Handoff and Stakeholder Management
• Design Portfolio Creation and Career Guidance
• Introduction to HCI, AR and VR in UX/UI Design
• Agentic AI Workshop for UX/UI Designers
• Academic Masterclass by Virginia Tech Instructors
• UX/UI Design Capstone Project

Elective

• Generative AI Masterclass

COURSE CONTENT DETAILS

Course 1: Induction for Professional Certificate in AI-Powered UX/UI Design

Key Learning Objectives

• Get acquainted with your peers
• Gain a complete understanding of the program
• Learn about program outcomes

Course 2: UX/UI Design and Design Thinking Fundamentals

This module introduces UX/UI fundamentals, design thinking, real-world case studies, and hands-on Figma practice. Learners will develop the skills to create intuitive, user-focused designs and apply their knowledge to a practical project focused on redesigning a clothing brand’s home screen.

Tools Used: Figma & Figjam

Key Learning Objectives

• Understand core UX/UI concepts, principles, disciplines, and the differences between UX and UI.
• Apply design thinking and user-centered approaches to identify and solve user problems.
• Explore emerging trends such as conversational UI and voice UX.
• Analyze real-world UX/UI case studies and apply design principles to digital products.
• Understand the UX design process, iteration, and leading design thinking frameworks.
• Use Figma and FigJam for prototyping, collaboration, components, and design workflows.
• Explore advanced Figma capabilities, including AI features, Multi-Edit, and Dev Mode.
• Understand the role of a professional UX/UI portfolio and the key elements needed to showcase design work.

Course 3: UX Research: Applying User Research to Design

This module introduces user research techniques, UX best practices, and audience analysis. Learners will develop the skills to identify user groups, apply established design conventions, and use empathy and persona mapping to create more effective user experiences.

Tools Used: Typeform, Dovetail, Figma, FigJam, Figma Slides, Miro, Google Sheets, QoQo

Key Learning Objectives

• Apply UX research methods using AI-powered tools and data collection techniques.
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research to identify meaningful user insights.
• Analyze research findings using thematic analysis and affinity mapping.
• Create empathy maps, AI-assisted personas, and user scenarios to understand user needs and behaviors.
• Develop user journey maps, task flows, and storyboards to visualize user experiences.
• Perform competitor analysis to identify opportunities for product and UX improvement.
• Communicate and present UX research findings effectively using structured presentation techniques and real-world case studies.

Course 4: Visual Design, Wireframing, Prototyping, Microinteractions, and Interactive Design

This module explores essential UI design principles, including color theory, typography, layouts, and interface patterns. Learners will understand UI’s role in visual communication, analyze effective design approaches, explore modern UI trends, and create prototypes that deliver engaging and intuitive user experiences.

Tools Used: Figma, Uizard, Whimsical, Sicily, Fontjoy, UX Pilot, MockFlow, runway, Jasper, Sketch 2 code

Key Learning Objectives

• Apply visual design and Gestalt principles to create balanced and intuitive interfaces.
• Use color theory, typography, and visual storytelling to strengthen UI design and brand identity.
• Apply key UX laws and design principles to improve usability and interaction.
• Create effective UX writing and microcopy, including appropriate brand voice and tone.
• Structure content using information architecture, navigation, and organization principles.
• Develop low-, mid-, and high-fidelity wireframes and prototypes using responsive grid and layout systems.
• Design engaging microinteractions, animations, menus, accordions, and other interactive UI elements in Figma.

Course 5: Usability Evaluation and Testing

This module focuses on usability evaluation and testing to uncover design issues and validate design decisions. Learners will develop the skills to plan and conduct usability testing sessions, analyze findings, and determine when prototype improvements or redesigns are needed.

Tools Used: Figma, Typeform, Maze

Key Learning Objectives

• Apply usability testing and evaluation methods, including Nielsen’s heuristic evaluation.
• Use tools such as Maze, Hotjar, UserTesting, and Lookback to assess user experiences.
• Analyze qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method usability data using metrics, heatmaps, graphs, and session recordings.
• Conduct surveys, user interviews, and focus groups to gather usability insights.
• Produce usability reports and apply iterative testing to improve designs.
• Apply inclusive design principles and WCAG guidelines to create accessible digital experiences.

Course 6: Project Handoff and Stakeholder Management

Learn to collaborate effectively with stakeholders and streamline design handoffs to development teams. This module focuses on incorporating feedback, refining designs through iterative improvements, and ensuring a smooth and efficient transition to final implementation.

Tools Used: Figma Dev Mode, Zeplin

Key Learning Objectives

• What & Why: Design Handoff, Challenges, Best Practices
• Roles & Workflow: Design, Development, Product Manager’s Role
• Design Documentation: Naming, Structuring, Layering Best Practices

Course 7: Design Portfolio Creation and Career Guidance

This module helps learners build a professional UX/UI portfolio on platforms such as Behance and Dribbble, showcasing their strongest design projects. It also provides career guidance and practical strategies to help learners present their work effectively and advance their design careers.

Tools Used: Dribble, Behance

Key Learning Objectives

• Career Pathways: UX/UI Roles, Salaries & Job Descriptions
• Portfolio Building: Behance & Dribbble Walkthroughs
• ATS-Friendly Resume: ATS Basics, Tips & Hands-on Practice
• Job Search Strategy: SMART Goals, Networking & Upskilling
• Interview Prep: Process, Common Questions & Portfolio Review

Course 8: Introduction to HCI, AR & VR in UX/UI Design

This live module explores Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), AR/VR, and AI-powered design. Learners will apply Generative AI and gain hands-on experience creating immersive AR/VR prototypes using tools such as Figma, Spline, and DraftXR.

Tools Used: Figma, DraftXR, Spline, ShapesXR, UniteAR

Key Learning Objectives

• Apply HCI principles to design intuitive, user-friendly digital experiences.
• Understand AR, VR, MR, and XR technologies, devices, and interaction methods.
• Apply spatial, visual, and interaction design principles to immersive experiences.
• Design and prototype AR/VR interfaces using Figma, Spline, ShapesXR, and DraftXR.
• Explore AI applications in immersive technologies and emerging XR interaction trends.
• Evaluate immersive experiences using usability, engagement, performance, comfort, and accessibility metrics.
• Apply WCAG accessibility principles to create inclusive AR/VR experiences.

Course 9: Agentic AI Workshop for UX/UI Designers

This 6-hour workshop helps UX/UI designers integrate Agentic AI into research, ideation, and design workflows. Participants will learn to accelerate insight synthesis, develop structured design concepts, enhance usability analysis, and apply AI responsibly while maintaining human-centered design principles.

By the end of the workshop, learners will be able to integrate AI into real-world workflows, improve collaboration, accelerate design delivery, and create stronger user experiences with measurable impact.

• Conduct vulnerability assessments and penetration testing
• Identify, prioritize, and remediate security risks
• Apply industry-standard tools and methodologies

Key Learning Objectives

• Design AI agents tailored to UX research and design workflows.
• Apply structured AI systems to accelerate research and ideation.
• Integrate AI responsibly into everyday design processes.
• Enhance cross-functional collaboration through AI-enabled workflows.
• Measure improvements in productivity, efficiency, and design impact.

Course 10: Academic Masterclass by Virginia Tech Instructors

Attend academic masterclass by Virginia Tech instructors to gain insights about design advancements

Course 11: UX/UI Design Capstone Project

Complete a comprehensive capstone project by choosing from two to three practical project options, such as developing a UX case study, designing an e-commerce app or website interface, or creating a portfolio project focused on a stock market app interface.

• Personalized Health Coach Mobile App
• Smart Travel Assistant Mobile App
• AI-Enhanced Customer Support Platform
• Intelligent Content Recommendation System

Elective Course: Generative AI Masterclass

Attend live generative AI masterclasses and learn how to streamline workflows and enhance efficiency. Conducted by industry experts, these masterclasses dive deep into AI-powered creativity.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How is the program delivered?

The course is delivered entirely online through live virtual classes, offering an 80:20 blend of experiential training and theoretical learning. You'll engage in hands-on projects, case studies, and interactive sessions led by industry experts.

What does the class schedule look like? Are there recordings?

The course typically spans about 20 weeks with an estimated 5–8 hours of weekly weekend live sessions with a variety of schedules. In between courses, there will be a lot of hands-on project to complete. Please email us to get the details of the schedule of the program. If you miss a class, you can always watch the recording.

NOTE:

Attendance cannot be marked by simply watching the session recordings. Attendance is recorded only when a learner joins the live session. Since these are university-affiliated programs, the criteria are more stringent, as they are set by the universities themselves. However recordings will be available . Learners can view the specific certificate criteria for each course directly on their LMS

Can I work full-time while enrolled in this program?

Yes, you can! The program schedule is designed to help busy professionals with full-time work. You can attend live instructor-led sessions which are mostly held on weekends at the designated time according to your schedule and then complete assignments/projects during your free time.

What is the Professional Certificate in AI-Powered UX/UI Design?

It is a comprehensive, hands-on program covering UX research, design thinking, UI design, wireframing, prototyping, usability testing, HCI, AR/VR, and AI-powered design workflows.

What will I learn in the program?

You’ll learn UX research, persona and empathy mapping, visual design, wireframing, prototyping, microinteractions, usability testing, stakeholder management, project handoff, HCI, and emerging immersive design technologies.

Will I learn Generative AI and Agentic AI?

Yes. The program includes AI-powered design workflows and an Agentic AI workshop covering AI-assisted research, ideation, usability analysis, and design execution.

Which UX/UI tools are covered?

The program provides hands-on exposure to 25+ UX/UI tools, including Figma, Miro, Maze, Dovetail, Whimsical, Spline, Typeform, Behance, Dribbble, and various AI-powered design tools.

Will I learn Figma?

Yes. Figma is introduced early in the program and is used throughout the learning journey for interface design, wireframing, prototyping, and other design activities.

Does the program include practical projects?

Yes. The program includes 75+ activities, assignments, discussions, and case studies, along with 15+ hands-on projects and a capstone. Projects include mobile apps, web applications, UX research, MVP design, product testing, AR/VR prototypes, and more.

Will I build a UX/UI portfolio?

Yes. Learners develop portfolio-ready projects and receive guidance on creating and presenting their work through platforms such as Behance and Dribbble.

What career opportunities can this program support?

The skills developed can support roles such as UX Designer, UI Designer, UX Researcher, Product Designer, Interaction Designer, Visual Designer, and Digital Experience Designer.