Unlike many courses that focus on tools (Figma, Sketch), Kennedy’s method focuses on visual decision patterns. The 2021 update emphasizes density, modern aesthetics, and industrial-grade polish.
Practical exercises & templates
- Deconstruction template: Screenshot, hierarchy annotations (1–3), spacing/grid notes, what works/doesn’t.
- Component checklist: States, accessibility, spacing tokens, responsive behavior.
- Case study outline: Problem → research → constraints → sketches → iterations → final screens → outcome/learnings.
Stage 2: Typography
- Focus: How to choose fonts, pair fonts, and set type parameters (size, weight, line height, line width).
- Key Concept: Kennedy emphasizes that typography is 90% of web design. He teaches a systematic approach to styling text to ensure readability and visual hierarchy.
Overview (what you’ll achieve)
- Understand visual design fundamentals used in modern UI (layout, typography, color, visual hierarchy, spacing, imagery).
- Learn practical workflows and critique methods for designing screens and interfaces.
- Build a 6–12 project portfolio demonstrating core UI skills.
- Develop a repeatable process for designing, iterating, and presenting UI work.
How to Get Started
To access the 2021 updated curriculum, visit the official Learn UI Design website. Look for the syllabus that mentions "Figma Auto-layout," "Dark Mode," and "SaaS Dashboard." Do not buy an older Udemy resell; buy directly from Erik’s platform to get the Slack access.
Pro tip: When you start, focus on the "Visual Spacing" video first. Fixing your padding/margins will improve your current work by 50% within one hour.
Are you a graduate of the 2021 update? Let the community know your results in the comments below.
Disclaimer: This article is an independent review. We are not affiliated with Erik Kennedy, but we highly respect the craftsmanship of the 2021 curriculum.
The Learn UI Design course by Erik Kennedy is widely regarded by design professionals from companies like Google and Amazon as one of the most comprehensive resources for mastering user interface design. The 2021 update, often referred to as Learn UI Design 2.0, introduced re-recorded video lessons, expanded content on tools like Figma, and deeper insights into visual design and user research. Core Course Content
The curriculum is built on over 36 hours of practical video lessons organized into seven major modules:
Introductory Topics: Includes a primer on Figma/Sketch, workspace setup for rapid design, and techniques for building a "design gut instinct".
Fundamentals: Covers objective principles of aesthetics, such as alignment, spacing, consistency, sizing, and advanced lighting/shadows.
Color: Focused on practical skills like using the HSB (Hue, Saturation, Brightness) system, generating interfaces from limited base colors, and designing dark interfaces.
Typography: Provides a "Good Fonts Table" of 100+ free or cheap fonts and strategies for choosing body fonts and pairing typefaces.
UI Components: Deep dives into creating component libraries (buttons, states), icon design, and data visualization (charts and tables).
Digital Platforms & Paradigms: Covers responsive UI design, accessibility, and platform-specific guidelines for iOS and Android.
Communicating Design: Practical career advice on creating portfolios, interviewing for jobs, finding clients, and developer handoff. Key Features and 2021 Highlights
Live Redesign Vault: Over 41 hours of narrated videos where Erik redesigns student submissions, tagged by color, font, and brand for easy reference.
Pragmatic Approach: Unlike theoretical courses, this program emphasizes "watching over his shoulder" as he works on realistic projects. learn ui design by erik kennedy updated 2021
Figma Deep Dive: The update added specific lessons on Figma's autolayout functionality and updated developer handoff checklists.
Personal Mentorship: Students receive feedback on homework and personal projects from a paid team of design mentors and Erik himself. Notable Perspectives
Efficiency Gains: Reviewers on Medium have noted finishing projects in 10% of their previous time due to the workflow-speeding techniques taught in the course.
Professional Outcomes: Many students report landing retainer clients or full-time UI/UX roles within months of starting the course.
Investment Value: While the price is approximately $1,000, it is frequently cited as being more practical and valuable than four-year university programs or expensive bootcamps. What I've Learned From Learn UI Design by Erik Kennedy
Learn UI Design is a high-level, comprehensive video course created by Erik Kennedy that is widely considered one of the most practical resources for mastering visual interface design. Originally launched several years ago, the course underwent a significant overhaul known as "Learn UI Design 2.0," with updates continuing through 2021 to ensure the content reflects modern industry standards. Core Curriculum & 2021 Updates
The course moved away from being tool-agnostic (previously leaning on Sketch) to fully integrating Figma as its primary design tool, reflecting the software's dominance in the industry.
Fundamentals: Focuses on "design gut instinct," which includes logical rules for spacing, alignment, and visual hierarchy.
Color & Typography: These modules are frequently cited as the course's strongest, teaching a math-based approach to color palettes and practical font pairing strategies.
Components & Real-World Projects: Covers everything from buttons and inputs to complex dashboards, lists, and tables.
Responsive Design & Portfolios: Teaches how to adapt interfaces for mobile and desktop, as well as how to build a professional portfolio to land jobs. Key Features of the 2021 Experience Learn UI Design Review - m lily
UI Design Report: Learn UI Design by Erik Kennedy (Updated 2021)
Introduction
"Learn UI Design" is a comprehensive online course created by Erik Kennedy, a renowned UI designer. The course, updated in 2021, aims to teach individuals the fundamentals of user interface (UI) design, covering the principles, processes, and best practices of designing intuitive and visually appealing interfaces. This report provides an overview of the course, highlighting its key takeaways, strengths, and weaknesses.
Course Overview
The course "Learn UI Design" by Erik Kennedy is designed for individuals with little to no prior experience in UI design. It consists of 12 modules, covering topics such as:
- Introduction to UI Design: Understanding the basics of UI design, its importance, and the role of a UI designer.
- Design Principles: Learning about the fundamental principles of design, including typography, color theory, and composition.
- User Research: Understanding user needs, behaviors, and motivations to inform design decisions.
- Wireframing and Prototyping: Creating low-fidelity sketches and high-fidelity prototypes to visualize and test designs.
- Visual Design: Learning about visual design elements, such as typography, color, and imagery.
- Interaction Design: Designing interactive elements, such as buttons, forms, and navigation.
- Design Systems: Creating and implementing design systems to ensure consistency across products.
- Designing for Accessibility: Understanding accessibility guidelines and designing inclusive interfaces.
- Mobile and Responsive Design: Designing for mobile devices and creating responsive interfaces.
- Designing for Web and Desktop: Designing for web and desktop applications, including layout, navigation, and interaction design.
- Case Studies and Critique: Reviewing real-world examples and receiving feedback on design work.
- Next Steps and Career Development: Preparing for a career in UI design and continuing education.
Key Takeaways
- A solid understanding of UI design principles, processes, and best practices
- Skills in wireframing, prototyping, and visual design
- Knowledge of design systems, accessibility, and mobile-responsive design
- Ability to design intuitive and visually appealing interfaces for web, desktop, and mobile applications
Strengths
- Comprehensive coverage: The course covers a wide range of topics, providing a thorough understanding of UI design.
- Practical exercises: The course includes hands-on exercises and projects, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge.
- Real-world examples: The course uses real-world examples and case studies to illustrate design principles and best practices.
- Erik Kennedy's expertise: Erik Kennedy is an experienced UI designer, and his expertise shines through in the course content.
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve: The course assumes little prior knowledge, but UI design can be a complex topic, making it challenging for beginners.
- Time commitment: The course requires a significant time commitment, with 12 modules to complete.
- Limited feedback: While the course provides some feedback opportunities, students may need additional guidance or mentorship.
Conclusion
"Learn UI Design" by Erik Kennedy is a comprehensive online course that provides a thorough introduction to UI design. With its practical exercises, real-world examples, and expert instruction, the course is suitable for individuals looking to start a career in UI design or improve their existing skills. While the course has some limitations, it is a valuable resource for anyone interested in UI design.
Recommendation
We recommend "Learn UI Design" by Erik Kennedy to:
- Individuals new to UI design
- Designers looking to transition into UI design
- Product managers and developers interested in understanding UI design principles
Rating
Based on the course content, structure, and overall value, we give "Learn UI Design" by Erik Kennedy a rating of 4.5/5.
Updated in 2021, Erik Kennedy’s "Learn UI Design" is a comprehensive, 36+ hour video course focused on practical, "non-fluffy" visual design principles and industry tools like Figma. The curriculum covers fundamental design rules, typography, color, UI components, and real-world application, often featuring over-the-shoulder demos and student project redesigns. Detailed course information is available at Learn UI Design Learn UI Design Learn UI Design: The Complete Online Video Course
Learn UI Design Erik Kennedy , which saw a major "2.0" update in 2021, is widely regarded as one of the most practical and comprehensive video-based resources for mastering visual design
. Unlike theoretical academic courses, it focuses on actionable frameworks that translate brand goals into specific design elements like color, typography, and layout. Course Overview & Updates
The 2021 update (version 2.0) significantly expanded the curriculum, increasing the content from roughly 16–20 hours to over 33–36 hours of video lessons . Key improvements included: Erik D. Kennedy Tool Transition : Complete introduction and deep dives into , alongside the original Sketch content. Re-recorded Content
: Many core videos were re-shot to improve quality and reflect modern design standards. Advanced Lessons : Added specific tutorials on Figma Auto Layout Unlike many courses that focus on tools (Figma,
, developer handoff checklists, and more complex responsive design patterns. maryshaw.net The Six Core Pillars The curriculum is organized into six major chapters: Erik D. Kennedy Introduction
: Setting up workspaces, building "design gut instinct," and using design inspiration. Fundamentals
: Analyzing aesthetics, alignment, sizing, and the crucial use of spacing and grids.
: Mastering HSB (Hue, Saturation, Brightness), fixing clashing colors, and designing dark interfaces. Typography
: Choosing body fonts, pairing typefaces, and utilizing the proprietary "Good Fonts Table" resource. UI Components
: Best practices for controls, states, icons, and complex data visualizations. Digital Paradigms
: Designing for responsive web, iOS, and Android, as well as accessibility standards. Erik D. Kennedy Key Features & Outcomes What I've Learned From Learn UI Design by Erik Kennedy
How to practice critiques
- Post one project per week to a design community or a study partner.
- Use the “I like / I wish / What if” framework for actionable feedback.
- Track three changes from each critique and implement them.
What You Will Build (The Portfolio Proof)
By the end of the course (specifically the 2021 version), you will have three portfolio pieces that get interviews:
- The Fintech Dashboard: Proving you can handle dense data.
- The Mobile Fitness App: Proving you understand touch targets and iOS/Android guidelines.
- The E-commerce Product Page: Proving you can drive conversion through hierarchy.
These are not Dribbble "shots" (visuals with no context). These are clickable prototypes with interaction states.
What Makes the 2021 Update Different? (Crucial Context)
Before 2021, the course was excellent but lacked:
- Dark mode design principles
- Design system & token management
- Auto-layout & component properties (Figma-specific)
- Accessibility-first workflows
The 2021 update added a full "Design Systems & Scalable UI" module, revised all exercises for modern component-based tools (Figma/Sketch), and integrated WCAG 2.1 guidelines throughout, not as an afterthought.
If you find an older review mentioning "no design systems coverage" — ignore it. That's fixed.
Master Digital Interfaces: A Deep Dive into "Learn UI Design" by Erik Kennedy (2021 Update)
In the ever-shifting landscape of digital product design, separating actionable, timeless skills from fleeting trends is the ultimate challenge. For years, aspiring and junior UI designers have struggled with a specific pain point: courses that teach philosophy but not execution, or tutorials that focus on a single button style rather than a holistic, systematic approach to interface creation.
Enter Erik Kennedy’s Learn UI Design .
While the original course made waves in the design community, the updated 2021 version is a significant overhaul. It addresses modern design systems, component variants in Figma, and the latest heuristics for conversion-focused interfaces. Stage 2: Typography
If you have been searching for a structured, no-fluff path to go from "confused beginner" to "competent UI designer," this is the definitive review and guide to the 2021 update.