Northeastern University
Web Design and User Experience Engineering Part 1
Northeastern University

Web Design and User Experience Engineering Part 1

Brett Ritter

Instructor: Brett Ritter

Included with Coursera Plus

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level
No prior experience required
5 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level
No prior experience required
5 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Recently updated!

August 2025

Assessments

32 assignments

Taught in English

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

 logos of Petrobras, TATA, Danone, Capgemini, P&G and L'Oreal

There are 7 modules in this course

This week emphasizes the importance of Semantic HTML and explores the definition and value that Semantic HTML provides .. We will cover how to use resources like MDN and the browser Developer Tools (DevTools)while being cautious of AI tools like ChatGPT. An examination of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript roles will follow, including HTML syntax, structure, and semantic elements.

What's included

23 readings3 assignments

This week, we examine CSS syntax, specificity, and semantic class names. We discuss loading CSS, the CSS box model and related properties, and the differences between inline, block, and inline-block elements in the flow layout. The week also covers debugging CSS using the browser DevTools and applying the box model to create various common layouts. The main assignment for this week involves creating CSS for an existing HTML page to match a requested appearance.

What's included

5 videos10 readings7 assignments

This week, we cover some common web design concepts, such as placeholder text and images, the issues that drive and complicate font selection, and important accessibility issues such as respecting text size and alt text. We examine some common misunderstandings regarding copyright law and how this impacts work as a web developer. We explore more layout options with CSS, learning about Flexbox, Grid Areas, and multi-column grids. We discuss the meanings and implementation of responsive and adaptive design in web pages. The main assignment for this week provides an approximate layout with changes between desktop sizes and mobile sizes and asks you to write the HTML and CSS to create a solution.

What's included

7 videos16 readings6 assignments

This week, we focus on the structure and layout of HTML forms, covering the syntax of various form-related elements and the related basic accessibility needs and mistakes, along with the limited HTML-based validation available for forms. I present common layouts for form labels and fields, including exceptions, and discuss how these layouts are or are not beneficial for your user experience. We also cover the different options for the position property and how these options are used to resolve common web design desires, including building a "dropdown" navigation menu. The main assignment for this week requires you to match a requested layout on a form that will submit data to a provided server.

What's included

3 videos11 readings4 assignments

This week, we introduce BEM (Block, Element, Modifier) class naming conventions and explore their use, reasoning, and potential benefits. We cover common UI/UX concepts such as hero images, calls-to-action (CTAs), the concept of "the fold," panels, cards, and breadcrumb navigation.We also dive into the syntax and practical application of CSS transforms, transitions, and animations. Finally, we will learn to restrict any animation to respect user settings about reduced motion and add motion to our dropdown navigation example.

What's included

1 video7 readings4 assignments

This week provides an introduction to JavaScript, focusing on key concepts and practical applications. You will explore how to load JavaScript and understand its basic syntax through this week's readings and quizzes. Topics such as variables, functions, arrays, objects, conditionals, loops, and lexical scope will be discussed, alongside some video animations to illustrate more complex concepts. We will also delve into the Document Object Model (DOM), a method of manipulating web pages dynamically using JavaScript. Finally, we will explore debugging techniques used to help identify and fix errors. To reinforce your learning, you will complete an assignment in which you will build a "Rock-Paper-Scissors" game that integrates buttons and console interactions, thus demonstrating the above core skills.

What's included

3 videos13 readings5 assignments

This week, we deepen your understanding of JavaScript by introducing advanced syntax concepts, including spread and rest operators, destructuring, JSON, and regular expressions. You will explore how to interact with the DOM by manipulating node contents and handling JavaScript events, reinforced with quizzes to check your understanding. This week also covers JavaScript-based form validation, highlighting best practices, common pitfalls, and the importance of balancing front-end convenience with backend security. The week culminates with an assignment where you create a form submission feature with integrated JavaScript validation, applying key concepts from the lessons to ensure functionality in web applications.

What's included

13 readings3 assignments

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Instructor

Brett Ritter
Northeastern University
3 Courses82 learners

Offered by

Explore more from Mobile and Web Development

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."
Coursera Plus

Open new doors with Coursera Plus

Unlimited access to 10,000+ 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