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Something I’ve always been interested in is how technology impacts student learning. I’ve seen how tweaks in instructional design, and even web design, can make learning more accessible to more students. While design encompasses a wide range of disciplines- from fashion design to graphic thinking to design thinking, it’s a truly important field with the ability to change lives.
The problem? A lot of potential students don’t know how to decide which course of design studies- if any- is right for them. Add on requirements for a certain GPA and high tuition costs, and it’s hard to make a good recommendation. That’s why starting with an introductory, open source course online through a platform like edX could benefit students who are still undecided.
No matter if you’re a high school student exploring your options or an adult looking for a career change, one thing open source design courses from edX offers is to help find the right discipline for you. Here’s my breakdown of the best design courses from edX- from course description to duration and requirements.
Bottom Line Up Front Summary: edX offers a pretty comprehensive catalog of design courses, from free classes to course bundles and micro masters. Micromasters are only for students with an undergraduate degree who are serious about committing to more studying. My selections for the best design courses focus on critical hard and soft skills and balance both theory and practical applications.
If I had to recommend just one edX course focused on design, it would be Product Design, Prototyping & Testing. This course has some great introductory information but is informative for intermediate students. I love the balance between theory and practice, and it’s all around a solid, well-rounded design course.
Translate product ideas into tangible assets by creating wireframes, 3D renderings, prototypes, and minimum viable products (MVPs) to test assumptions and validate customer interests
My Top Picks
- UX Design and Evaluation: Best Micromasters in Design
- Product Design & Health: Best Medical-Based/ Certificate Bundle
- Introduction to Web Accessibility: Best for Beginners
- Product Design, Prototyping & Testing: Best Comprehensive Basics
- Design for a Circular Economy: Best Engineering Design Course
- Sustainable Packaging in Circular Economy: Best For Retail, Supply Chain
- Designing & Leading Learning Systems: Best for Educators, Leaders
- Computer Systems Design: Best Advanced Course (Computer/ Tech Design)
How I Selected the Best edX Design Courses
Before I delve into the edX design courses I most recommend, here’s a look at my selection process. I also want to emphasize that these courses are not meant to replace a professional certification or degree program. They’re instead meant to serve as an introduction to design and sharpen your skills.
Finally, know yourself: all of these design courses require online learning without the interactive support you’d get from a traditional class- so use these wisely.
In-Demand Skills
I researched some of the most in-demand skills and fields within the design. The courses I selected could be good introductions to those in-demand fields. Rather than opting for very niche courses, I wanted to find ones that would be helpful for career exploration.
Theory vs. Practical Applications
I think both theory and practical applications are important across topics within design. For that reason, I’m showing courses that strike a balance between both. I wanted to show edX courses that provided helpful, broader frameworks but also showcased how these are applied in the real world.
Cohesive Objectives
I studied course objectives to understand the flow and purpose of these design courses. I wanted to showcase courses that flow logically, are well-organized, and still provide a comprehensive but nuanced overview of the subject matter.
Type of Course & Cost
You have a few options for design courses from edX: individual courses, micro masters, and professional certification courses. While I always recommend starting with a free course for the vast majority of students, there is an advantage to their micro masters as well.
Why I’m Including Micromasters Design Courses (But Only One)
Not offered in every discipline, micro masters are graduate-level courses from accredited universities (that do have admission requirements) that carry a bit more weight on your resume. In some cases, they can be used as credit towards a master’s degree- but please don’t assume this! If your goal is to transfer credits, always check with another institution if it will be accepted.
These courses will run you a few to several hundred dollars- so I recommend them only with a big caveat. Should you be able to transfer credit, it could save you money- but that’s also only true if you’re going into a program without funding.
Thus, I am including a suggestion for micrometers in design- but it’s only a good option for a narrow range of people.
Serving a Specific Purpose
This may sound vague, so hear me out. When narrowing down my selections for the best edX design courses, I wanted to think about the broader applications. That meant thinking about different students who might take these courses, their unique goals, and their unique learning styles. No student is the same, and I wanted to reflect on that with a well-rounded list of courses.
Top Design Courses to Take from edX: My Picks
Here are my top picks for the best design courses you can take from edX. As I explained in my selection criteria, my goal is to provide you with insights into courses that teach in-demand skills but also are suitable for a variety of students.
I’ll also show you what to expect before you enroll and tell you who or what I think each design course is best for.
UX Design and Evaluation
This micro master’s program is designed to be best only for those with a bachelor’s degree who have a serious interest in transferring credits. The best case scenario is that you can save time or money in a graduate program- but always check with your institution first!
With that out of the way, UX Design and Evaluation is the best and most comprehensive micro masters in design that can you take from edX. This rigorous program carries you through 5 courses: Introduction to User Experience, UX Research, UX Design, UX Prototyping, UX Evaluation, UX Data Analysis, and UX Data Management. Translation: you’ll work with professional interfaces, study web analytics, interpret data, and even evaluate interactive interfaces.
What stands out here is the emphasis on practical implications. Every course includes challenges focused on real-world user interaction. It’s specifically designed to transfer to a Master’s of Science at the HEC in Montreal.
Why It’s Important
Whether you take this option or not, these courses cover some of the most essential skills in design studies- with a user-centered approach and real-world applications. You’ll get both theoretical frameworks and ways to apply them.
Duration & Schedule
Ten months, assuming 6 to 9 hours/ week; self-paced
How to Enroll/ Cost
$1,800 to $1,900 (2022); Enroll Here.
Learn User Experience fundamentals from the professors of the most important UX lab in North America. 
Pros
- Could Count Towards Graduate Credits **See my note about this above**
- Comprehensive
- User-Centered Study
Cons
- Expensive
- Long-Term Commitment
Product Design & Health
Product design is an in-demand skill- but this course steps it up by applying it within a healthcare setting. While that could be limiting for some, it’s an excellent way to develop specialized skills- and makes this course a compelling option also for anyone interested in medicine or patient care.
This option includes a bundle of two courses- so it still requires commitment, but not the level of commitment from a micro master’s. Product Design and Design in Healthcare go hand in hand with learning how to create a better patient experience. First, you’ll learn essential skills under the umbrella of the product. The second course uses that theoretical knowledge, applies it directly to patients, and creates unique, thoughtful products.
Why It’s Important
Healthcare is an incredibly important and ever-evolving field. Knowing how to design products to optimize the patient’s experiences is an invaluable skill- and this is one of the best edX design courses with a heavy focus on practical implementation.
Duration & Schedule
Four months, assuming 4 to 6 hours per week; self-paced
How to Enroll/ Cost
$200 to $230 (2022): Enroll Here.
In this program, you will learn key design methods and learn to apply them to healthcare through mastering a unique method of patient journey mapping.
Pros
- Useful for Healthcare Fields
- Introductory Product Design Framework
- Practical Emphasis on Design Solutions
Cons
- More Expensive
- Second Course is More Niche
Introduction to Web Accessibility
This beginner-friendly design course is a great option if you’re not sure where to start. What I like about this introductory course is that you’re learning principles that make you think more deeply about everyday internet use and make information more accessible. On top of that, it’s a course that doesn’t require a great time commitment or former knowledge. It even includes supplementary materials related to different niches and practical applications.
After covering international standards for web accessibility, you’ll explore assistive technologies, as well as the different applications of general web accessibility. You’ll also study social responsibility and accessibility planning, and learn about helpful resources.
Why It’s Important
Developers, designers, educators, project managers, and so many others need to know how to make materials accessible to as many people as possible. This is not only a hot field but a meaningful one that can impact lives. At the same time, it’s a good option for beginners.
Duration & Schedule
Four weeks, assuming 4 to 5 hours per week; self-paced
How to Enroll/ Cost
Free with Upgrade Available; Enroll Here.
This course gives you the foundation in accessibility you need to excel in digital professions.
Pros
- Supplemental Resources
- Useful For a Wide Range of Fields
- Low Commitment, Beginner Friendly
Cons
- Not for Advanced Students
- Cursory/ Broad in Some Subject Areas
Product Design, Prototyping & Testing
If you’ve taken some introductory classes in product design, then it’s time to take it to the next level and put theory into practice. I highly recommend buying the verified track version to get the most out of this practical edX design course. Within just a month, you’ll learn some pretty critical and specialized hard skills- that are versatile for more studying.
This edX design course covers development processes (such as lean UX, prototypes, wireframing), product architecture design, testing, product management, and a heavy focus on user experience. The organization of this course makes it easy for information to build upon each other sensibly. Thankfully, this course nixes old thinking and embraces an interactive development process.
Why It’s Important
This is a great course for anyone interested in product management, product managers have a pretty good job outlook, and you can work in a nice range of industries.
Duration & Schedule
Four weeks, assuming 2 to 3 hours per week; self-paced
How to Enroll/ Cost
Free with Optional Upgrade; Enroll Here.
Translate product ideas into tangible assets by creating wireframes, 3D renderings, prototypes, and minimum viable products (MVPs) to test assumptions and validate customer interests
Pros
- Helpful for Product Management
- Low Commitment
- Embraces Iterative Processes
Cons
- Best with Background Knowledge
- Only Touches Upon Wider Product Management Principles
Design for a Circular Economy
Do you love the engineering side of design? Or are you interested in economics? If either of those is true, this edX design course could be the best option for you. It’s also a good opportunity for those in business who want a broader understanding of design principles.
The course focuses on both social and economic factors in a circular economy. Next, you’ll study design principles for reuse, repair, re-manufacturing, recycling, and how to create strategic plans for business and product designs.
Why It’s Important
Sustainability is an increasingly important focus on design- and that’s why this edX design course is very relevant. Too many design courses are focused on wider principles- without taking into account and adapting to our modern world.
Duration & Schedule
Six weeks, assuming 3 to 4 hours a week; self-paced
How to Enroll/ Cost
Free with Optional Upgrade; Enroll Here.
Pros
- Focus on Sustainability
- Business Modeling
- Multi-faceted Approaches to Design
Cons
- Not A Beginner Course
- While Sustainable Focus is a Plus, Can be Limiting
Sustainable Packaging in Circular Economy
Yes, you read that right: there’s another edX design course with a focus on sustainability that made my top picks. That’s because this course is one of the best that’s helpful for retail industries in particular. This edX design course will take you just two months and tackle interesting issues that pertain to business, the economy, and more.
Even though it’s not technically an introductory course, it’s still pretty beginner-friendly. You’ll learn how to apply circular design techniques, the advantages of closed-loop packaging, and develop relevant business plans. It also tackles issues many packaging design courses skirt, such as working with biodegradable materials.
Why It’s Important
Sustainable packaging is not just for environmentalists: it’s also becoming a draw for customers. This is a more niche design course, but it’s also quite friendly towards those in business and marketing.
Duration & Schedule
Six weeks, assuming 3 to 4 hours per week; self-paced
How to Enroll/ Cost
Free with Optional Upgrade; Enroll Here.
Pros
- Modern Trends
- Sustainability Considerations
- Developing Practical Business Strategies
Cons
- Niche Focus
- Not As Useful Outside Certain Industries
Designing & Leading Learning Systems
This course is especially interesting to me- and maybe to anyone in the fields of social work, education, educational leadership, or psychology. This unique design course from edX is a little longer (8 weeks) but still a low commitment, with both free and an upgraded option.
You’ll start by learning four main educational framework enterprises: shell, diffusion, evolutionary, and incubation. If none of these terms ring a bell, don’t worry. The course not only takes you through the theory of these principles but also takes you behind the how and why. And these aren’t just any frameworks, but ones tested in large-scale examples. You can also take this course under a micro master’s program, but I prefer it as a standalone course.
By the end of this course, you should be able to consider new ways to evaluate performance, create long-term strategies, and optimize a student-teacher learning experience.
Why It’s Important
There are many teaching theories- and I believe that it’ll never be a case of a one-size fits all. This course provides insight into how to effectively evaluate different approaches and pursue more innovative approaches.
Duration & Schedule
Eight weeks, assuming 2 to 4 hours per week; self-paced
How to Enroll/ Cost
Free with Optional Upgrade; Enroll Here.
Pros
- Insights to Enhance Student-Teacher Dynamics
- Four Tested Frameworks
- Helpful For Leadership
Cons
- Limited Applications
- Slightly Longer Commitment
Computer Systems Design
My final recommendation for a good design course from edX is notably different in one way: it’s instructor-paced rather than self-paced. For some, this will be an advantage, motivating them to be consistent. Others may find it less convenient. But that aside, this edX course is a nice introduction to the intersection between computer science and design courses.
This seven-week course focuses on optimizing efficiency through integrated computer designs. You’ll start by learning computer anatomy, then proceed to more advanced design principles. Through these units, you’ll study parallelism, important algorithms, memory design, and the challenges of multicore designs.
It’s not a course for novices- but the introductory unit is helpful and means you don’t have to be an expert.
Why It’s Important
One valuable skill in computer science is understanding how to increase system efficiency. This course is a great introduction to just that.
Duration & Schedule
Seven weeks, assuming 4 to 6 hours per week; instructor-paced
How to Enroll/ Cost
Free with Optional Upgrade; Enroll Here.
Pros
- Learn Key Frameworks
- Practical Ways to Increase Efficiency
- Cohesive and Focused Units
Cons
- Should have an Undergraduate Degree in Computer Science
- May Not Fit Everyone’s Schedule
Frequently Asked Questions
Answer: Design classes fall into many categories, from graphic design to interface, fashion design, web design, and more. The best courses are the ones that match both your interests and skill levels. It may also be helpful to consider careers in design. That includes UI and UX designers, photographers, interior designers, graphic designers, and work within the fields of advertising and marketing. Courses related to these design fields are helpful and tend to be in demand.
Answer: It depends on what type of learner you are and, to some extent, the field of design you’re most interested in. There are many free or low-cost courses through platforms like edX to get you started, and more universities are offering fully or mostly online degrees. (Just make sure they’re from an accredited university that is not for profit!).
That said, not everyone will be able to learn fully online. You usually get a little more support for in-person classes. And for some design fields- especially fashion and interior design- I do think there’s a lot to be gained by learning in person too.
Answer: You might assume that one field within design offers the most lucrative careers. UX designers indeed tend to make the most on average- but your position is also an important consideration. The top paying design positions, on average, include creative director, design manager, art director, graphic design manager, and user experience designer. Other great jobs would be going into interior design, architecture, and some fields within advertising and marketing.
Answer: Graphic design is an in-demand field, and you’ll have opportunities to work in a variety of settings for a variety of employers. It’s projected to grow at around 3 percent, which is a decent increase. Your income varies quite a bit, but most graphic designers can at least make ends meet and even make a fair salary.
According to Glass Door, that salary in the Midwest ranges from an average of just $37k to $74K. Many enjoy graphic design jobs because they require a combination of creativity and tech skills- but some environments could be stressful.
Final Thoughts
edX design courses are a convenient and affordable way to start exploring. Design is such a large umbrella of disciplines that I think many people don’t know all of its possibilities. The problem with traditional courses is that they’re a big investment- both for time and money- so open source platforms can be a way to dip your toes in.
Final Recommendations
Not sure where to start with design courses from edX? If you don’t have a specific focus in mind and no background knowledge in design courses, I recommend Product Design, Prototyping & Testing.
This is a great intermediate design course that tackles a wide umbrella of design principles and focuses on both soft and hard skills you can use regardless of your industry.
Translate product ideas into tangible assets by creating wireframes, 3D renderings, prototypes, and minimum viable products (MVPs) to test assumptions and validate customer interests
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