Designing effective interactive systems requires understanding the needs and capabilities of the people who will be using them. In this UX course we will focus on how to interact with users (or potential users) to understand what they need, what they currently do, what they love and hate, and examine human capabilities and behavior as they relate to UX design.
Understanding User Needs
Give your career the gift of Coursera Plus with $160 off, billed annually. Save today.
Understanding User Needs
This course is part of User Experience Research and Design Specialization
Instructor: Kentaro Toyama
34,030 already enrolled
Included with 
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.7
(507 reviews)
Beginner level
No prior experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 10 hours
Learn at your own pace
93%
Most learners liked this course
What you'll learn
Understand user needs assessments and qualitative research
Learn an end-to-end methodology for qualitative research
Explore good practices for conducting semi-structured interviews, in-situ observation, and affinity walls
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Assessments
11 assignments
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
Build your subject-matter expertise
This course is part of the User Experience Research and Design Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
- Learn new concepts from industry experts
- Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
- Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
- Earn a shareable career certificate
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV
Share it on social media and in your performance review
There are 5 modules in this course
What's included
3 videos5 readings3 assignments1 peer review2 discussion prompts
What's included
3 videos2 readings3 assignments1 peer review1 discussion prompt
What's included
5 videos2 readings2 assignments1 peer review1 discussion prompt
What's included
2 videos2 readings2 assignments1 peer review1 discussion prompt
What's included
2 videos3 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt
Instructor
Instructor ratings
4.6 (80 ratings)Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Design and Product
University of Michigan
Northeastern University
University of Minnesota
University of Michigan
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
Learner reviews
Showing 3 of 507
4.7
507 reviews
- 5 stars
82.84%
- 4 stars
11.24%
- 3 stars
2.36%
- 2 stars
1.77%
- 1 star
1.77%
New to Design and Product? Start here.
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 7,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
Frequently asked questions
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
If you subscribed, you get a 7-day free trial during which you can cancel at no penalty. After that, we don’t give refunds, but you can cancel your subscription at any time. See our full refund policy.