A UI, or a user interface, encompasses all of the visual elements that allow human users to interact with computer systems. User interface design organizes components such as webpages, icons, and buttons to provide maximum usability and an intuitive user experience (UX). Together, UI and UX are important for creation of software applications and websites, as today’s savvy users expect their online experiences to be attractive as well as easy to navigate.

UI design thus requires a combination of different skills. User research is critical to understanding how users interact with different interface elements, and UI and UX teams typically use multiple surveys, focus groups, and other research methods as part of the product development cycle. The “design” aspect of user interface design is also critical, and UI teams need professionals with an understanding of design theory and a sharp eye for graphic design to ensure that interfaces are eye-catching in a way that contributes to the product’s functionality instead of distracting from it.

UI and UX professionals are responsible for researching user needs, translating them into website wireframes and application prototypes, and rapidly iterating based on further user feedback until a final product is created that is visually appealing and easy to use. UI skills are highly valued in the tech world, as demand for computer software, websites, and mobile apps continues to grow and user expectations for usability continue to rise. According to Glassdoor, user interface designers earned an average salary of $85,277 in 2020.

Absolutely! Coursera is a great place to learn about almost any topic in computer science and software development, including UI. You can take individual courses as well as Specializations spanning multiple courses on user interface design, UX research, interaction design, and other related topics from top-ranked schools like California Institute of the Arts, University of California San Diego, University of Minnesota, and Georgia Institute of Technology. And, because you can build these valuable skills on a flexible schedule, you can fit learning about UI into your existing studies or work life.