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    • Software Design

    Software Design Courses Online

    Learn software design for developing robust applications. Understand design patterns, object-oriented principles, and user-centered design.

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    Explore the Software Design Course Catalog

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      G

      Google

      Foundations of User Experience (UX) Design

      Skills you'll gain: Design Thinking, User Research, User Experience Design, User Centered Design, Usability, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Cross Platform Development, Prototyping, Wireframing, Sprint Planning

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      73K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      I

      IBM

      Data Engineering Foundations

      Skills you'll gain: SQL, Web Scraping, Database Design, MySQL, Data Transformation, Data Store, Extract, Transform, Load, IBM DB2, Relational Databases, Data Architecture, Jupyter, Data Pipelines, Big Data, Data Warehousing, Data Governance, Databases, Stored Procedure, Data Manipulation, Automation, Python Programming

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      56K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      G

      Google

      Start the UX Design Process: Empathize, Define, and Ideate

      Skills you'll gain: User Experience Design, User Story, Ideation, Usability, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, User Research, Design Thinking, Human Centered Design, Competitive Analysis, User Flows, Persona Development

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      16K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • I

      IE Business School

      Making Architecture

      Skills you'll gain: Architectural Design, Storytelling, Creativity, Design Thinking, Design Elements And Principles, Photography, Design

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.4K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      Status: New AI skills
      New AI skills
      G

      Google

      Google Data Analytics

      Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Rmarkdown, Data Literacy, Data Visualization, Data Presentation, Data Ethics, Interactive Data Visualization, Interviewing Skills, Data Cleansing, Data Validation, Ggplot2, Professional Networking, Tableau Software, Presentations, Spreadsheet Software, Data Analysis, Data Visualization Software, Stakeholder Communications, Dashboard, Sampling (Statistics)

      Build toward a degree

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      168K reviews

      Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      M

      Microsoft

      Fundamentals of UI/UX Design

      Skills you'll gain: Design Thinking, User Experience Design, User Experience, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Human Centered Design, Wireframing, Prototyping, Usability Testing, User Research

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      315 reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of Michigan

      Python for Everybody

      Skills you'll gain: Web Scraping, Data Processing, Relational Databases, JSON, Database Design, SQL, Network Protocols, Web Services, Restful API, Data Modeling, Programming Principles, Application Programming Interface (API), Data Structures, Data Collection, Data Visualization Software, Data Manipulation, Computer Programming, Python Programming, Scripting Languages, Data Import/Export

      Build toward a degree

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      277K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      I

      IBM

      Data Science Fundamentals with Python and SQL

      Skills you'll gain: Dashboard, SQL, Descriptive Statistics, Jupyter, Statistical Analysis, Data Analysis, Probability Distribution, Pandas (Python Package), Data Visualization Software, Statistics, Data Visualization, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Databases, Stored Procedure, Web Scraping, Relational Databases, Automation, Data Science, GitHub, Python Programming

      Build toward a degree

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      71K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: New
      New
      Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      I

      IBM

      IBM Relational Database Administrator

      Skills you'll gain: Data Warehousing, SQL, Extract, Transform, Load, Apache Airflow, Web Scraping, Linux Commands, Database Design, Database Administration, MySQL, Data Pipelines, Apache Kafka, Database Management, Bash (Scripting Language), Shell Script, Database Architecture and Administration, Data Transformation, Data Store, IBM DB2, Jupyter, Generative AI

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      58K reviews

      Intermediate · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      Status: New AI skills
      New AI skills
      G

      Google

      Google IT Support

      Skills you'll gain: Computer Networking, Package and Software Management, Network Troubleshooting, Systems Administration, Cloud Infrastructure, Network Administration, IT Infrastructure, Information Systems Security, TCP/IP, Network Security, File Systems, Microsoft Windows, Computer Security, Professional Networking, Application Security, Desktop Support, Computer Hardware, Technical Support, Interviewing Skills, Professional Development

      Build toward a degree

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      202K reviews

      Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

    • U

      University of Pennsylvania

      Gamification

      Skills you'll gain: Game Design, Solution Design, Design Thinking, Human Centered Design, Drive Engagement, Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Employee Engagement, Organizational Development, Behavioral Economics, Emerging Technologies, Risk Analysis, Customer Engagement, Psychology

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      2.4K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      C

      California Institute of the Arts

      Game Design: Art and Concepts

      Skills you'll gain: Animation and Game Design, Game Design, Animations, Prototyping, Conceptual Design, Storytelling, Software Design Documents, Ideation, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Storyboarding, Video Game Development, Virtual Environment, Art History, Technical Design, Usability Testing, Creative Design, Design Strategies, Graphic and Visual Design, Design, Design Elements And Principles

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      4.1K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    Software Design learners also search

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    In summary, here are 10 of our most popular software design courses

    • Foundations of User Experience (UX) Design: Google
    • Data Engineering Foundations: IBM
    • Start the UX Design Process: Empathize, Define, and Ideate: Google
    • Making Architecture: IE Business School
    • Google Data Analytics: Google
    • Fundamentals of UI/UX Design: Microsoft
    • Python for Everybody: University of Michigan
    • Data Science Fundamentals with Python and SQL: IBM
    • IBM Relational Database Administrator: IBM
    • Google IT Support: Google

    Skills you can learn in Software Development

    Programming Language (34)
    Google (25)
    Computer Program (21)
    Software Testing (21)
    Web (19)
    Google Cloud Platform (18)
    Application Programming Interfaces (17)
    Data Structure (16)
    Problem Solving (14)
    Object-oriented Programming (13)
    Kubernetes (10)
    List & Label (10)

    Frequently Asked Questions about Software Design

    Software design is the process of creating a plan to guide the development of a software solution based on an assessment of user requirements determined through research and testing. It is a very important phase of the software development lifecycle, as software design provides the foundation for subsequent coding and implementation by programmers and software engineers.

    The software design process may encompass many aspects including planning for software architecture, design of user interfaces and other visual elements, and the selection of software design patterns and other components. Application security is another critical consideration for software design, and implementing secure practices as early as possible in the software development lifecycle can help ensure that the final product provides adequate protections for business and customer data.‎

    An understanding of software design principles can be a terrific asset for a career in software development, as it provides an overarching view of the entire software development lifecycle. In some ways, you can think of the software designer as the architect whose vision directs the work of a team of engineers and construction workers. According to Glassdoor, software designers in the U.S. earn an average annual salary of $92,046 - significantly more than software programmers, whose average salary according to Glassdoor is $76,526.‎

    Certainly. Taking online courses on Coursera has become an incredibly popular way for students from around the world to learn about a wide range of computer science topics, including software design. Top-ranked schools like the University of Alberta, the University of Colorado, and the University of Minnesota offer individual courses as well as Specializations spanning multiple courses covering software design and related topics such as application security and software design patterns. And, since you can view lessons and complete coursework on a flexible schedule, you can build these valuable, job-ready skills regardless of whether you’re a student or a mid-career professional looking to upgrade your skill set.‎

    The skills and experience you might want to acquire before starting to learn software design would include practical knowledge and work experience in all kinds of software development work, from websites to apps to network maintenance and more. You may already have skills or experience in designing, developing, and installing software for enterprise information systems via an internship or job role.‎

    Some of the common career paths for someone in software design might include starting out in junior roles in web design and development, and possibly moving into creative director roles for gaming systems (if on the creative side), or software analysis manager, if more geared to the operational side of the business. Software design workers could also possibly branch off into deeply analytical roles like computer science engineer, or information research scientist, depending on the company and industry.‎

    The kind of people best suited for roles in software design are computer science enthusiasts, who love programming and are excited about creating new software possibilities. These people are often creative, focused, and cerebral individuals who know programming languages such as Java, SQL, and Python. These languages are important to know as a software designer’s work may include developing software projects and programs for external clients or internal company usage. They might also write code, create charts and diagrams to represent the software, and may even supervise a team of programmers.‎

    Learning software design may be right for you if you love design challenges, love working with new software tools, and are interested in building a lucrative career in software design. You may be able to earn a good income in software design, as jobs for software developers are expected to rise by over 20% in the next decade, according to projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. If you find passion in work that involves designing computer systems, projecting network capabilities, and determining performance interfaces, then learning software design may be a good step in the right direction.‎

    Online Software Design courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Software Design skills. Choose from a wide range of Software Design courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.‎

    When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Software Design, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here.‎

    This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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