Today, I would like to share my impressions and thoughts about the "Google UX Design" course. As someone who has completed this course and had the chance to review its content from various perspectives, I hope my insights will help you make an informed decision on whether it is worth investing your time and money in this education.

Why I Chose "Google UX Design"

When I decided to start the "Google UX Design" course, I had a rather tough supervisor who liked to tighten the screws. She dismissed my previous courses from Udemy, claiming they were not valuable to her, despite the fact that the company I worked for at the time had purchased a Udemy domain and funded these courses for employees. Because of this, I wanted a proper certificate that would be more widely recognized.

Additionally, at that time, Dribbble offered courses that were too expensive for my budget. In retrospect, I would prefer to take courses recommended by Google in their program, but then I chose their certified course as a reasonable compromise between quality and price.

What I Liked About the Course

A Well-Organized Knowledge Compendium

Looking back, I can confidently recommend this course as a well-organized knowledge compendium. The information is excellently prepared, and the theory is presented in an accessible and understandable way. Google ensured that the materials are not only rich in content but also inspiring. They can serve as a model for creating your own workshops for the team, which is a huge plus.

Simple and Accessible Language

Another advantage is the course language—simple and accessible. Even if you are just starting your UX journey, you will have no trouble absorbing the material. In addition to basic knowledge, the course contains many references to additional materials worth reading to deepen your knowledge.

Project Documentation

As a corporation, Google does not disappoint in terms of documentation. The projects are excellently documented, and the prepared Excel sheets, interviews, and reports are concrete and easy to fill out. This makes working on projects more organized and efficient.

Emphasis on Portfolio Building

One of the key elements that I liked a lot is the emphasis on building your own portfolio. If you don't have an idea for a project, the course offers many prompts that can help generate ideas for applications. This is a great solution, especially for those who are just starting and need inspiration.

Chapter on Writing a Resume and Job Searching

At the end of the course, there is a chapter dedicated to writing a resume and job searching for juniors. This is a great section that can help prepare you to enter the job market. Not everyone has the chance to get into Google, but this chapter provides a solid foundation for applying for UX positions in various companies.

Downsides - Peer Assessment

Unfortunately, the course also has its downsides. One of them is the assessment system, where students evaluate each other. Experience has shown that they often don't even read their peers' work. I checked this—at the end, I attached anything, and they still passed me. For me, it was a bit of a waste of time, especially since I put effort into the project with the thought of including it in my portfolio.

Proposed Tools

The proposed tools also leave something to be desired. Designing flow in PowerPoint does not offer the precision that FigmaJam does. This is an important aspect, especially for those who expect high-quality tools for working on UX projects.

Lack of a Competent Mentor

There is also a lack of someone competent to check the projects. The market has caught on to this gap and training sessions with a mentor have appeared, but here, too, there is a problem—everyone's knowledge is different. I am skeptical that someone after work hours will thoroughly check projects.

Wireframing: Paper vs. Digital

Another point is wireframing. Google promotes paper wireframes as a time saver, but I disagree. They have to be redrawn from scratch each time, whereas digital wireframes, with previously prepared elements, save time. They are especially useful during discussions—you can freely maneuver elements, copy, and paste them without having to redraw them.

Is It Worth It?

Is it worth investing in the "Google UX Design" course? The answer is not straightforward and depends on your individual needs and expectations.

For Newcomers to UX

If you are new to the world of UX, I definitely recommend this course as a great starting point. It offers solid foundations, well-organized knowledge, and practical projects that can help build your portfolio.

For Experienced Designers

For more experienced designers, the course can serve as a way to refresh knowledge and find inspiration. You can use the materials and approaches from the course to enrich your workshops and projects.

Overall Impressions

In summary, the "Google UX Design" course is a solid option for those who want to enter the world of UX design or enhance their skills. It has its drawbacks, but also many advantages that make it worth considering.

I hope my review helps you decide whether it is worth investing in this course.