Intro to User Experience

User experience (UX) design is the intentional process of creating products that are functional, intuitive, and engaging. Although classic UX workflows move systematically from initial user research to final prototypes, today's generative AI platforms enable product teams to build interactive software nearly instantaneously. However, this accelerated speed brings distinct challenges, including critical usability gaps and confusing user mental models. Throughout this course, students will explore core UX principles, research techniques, and design frameworks to critically analyze, iterate on, and direct software creation in an AI-powered landscape. Students kick off the course by pinpointing a real user challenge and quickly prototyping an improved solution using AI platforms. Over the following weeks, they systematically break down and enhance their concept using design thinking principles, qualitative user interviews, customer journey maps, and design best practices. Intended for individuals new to the discipline, this introductory course prepares future leaders to utilize UX strategies as a key catalyst for innovation, long-term business growth, and strategic distinction across any industry.