In this Interactive Design Foundation review, we’ll answer whether it is worth it and share our experience as a user.
In the fast-paced world of design, staying on top of the newest trends, tools, and tricks of the trade is crucial, no matter if you’re just starting out or have been in the game for years. That’s where the Interactive Design Foundation (IDF) comes in. It’s like a lighthouse for those of us looking to dig deeper into interactive design and user experience, shining a light on the path to knowledge.
But with so many online learning platforms out there, all shouting for our attention, it’s fair to ask: What’s so special about IDF? Why choose it over big players like Skillshare, Udemy, and Coursera?
This review aims to peel back the layers of IDF, offering you a glimpse into its core offerings and value proposition. We’ll explore what sets it apart, ensuring you can make an informed decision about where to invest your time and energy in your quest for design mastery.
Table of Contents
- Interaction Design Foundation Pros and Cons
- An Honest and In-Depth Interactive Design Review
- Strengths and Advantages
- Areas for Improvement
- What is Interactive Design Foundation ?
- How are Interactive Design Foundation courses structured?
- How much does Interactive Design Foundation Cost?
- Membership Tiers and Pricing:
- Evaluating the Investment
- Are There Better Interactive Design Foundation Alternatives?
- How to access IDF
- How to Cancel IDF
- Is Interactive Design Foundation for me?
- 7 Reasons to Invest in a Interactive Design Foundation Subscription
- 3 Considerations Before Buying Interactive Design Foundation
- FAQ
- Quick List of the Best Interactive Design Foundation Courses
- So, does Interactive Design Foundation Work?
Interaction Design Foundation Pros and Cons
Like Leslie Knope, I like a good pros and cons list. So here is mine for Interactive Design Foundation
Pros:
✅ Specialized Focus on Design: IDF is dedicated solely to design education, including UX/UI, interaction design, and more, making it a go-to resource for design professionals and enthusiasts. ✅ Community-Driven Learning: The platform fosters a strong sense of community, encouraging networking, collaboration, and peer feedback, enhancing the learning experience. ✅ Access to Expert Knowledge: Courses are developed by industry experts, ensuring learners receive up-to-date and real-world applicable knowledge. ✅ Membership Model: A single membership provides unlimited access to all courses, webinars, and community features, making it a cost-effective option for continuous learners. ✅ Personal Coaching: The Design League Membership offers personal coaching, adding a layer of personalized support and guidance. ✅ Global Design Community: The platform connects learners with a worldwide community of designers, offering opportunities for networking and professional growth.
Cons:
🚫 Niche Focus: The exclusive focus on design might not appeal to those looking for a broader range of topics outside the design sphere. 🚫 Niche Focus: The exclusive focus on design might not appeal to those looking for a broader range of topics outside the design sphere. 🚫 Limited Free Content: Unlike some platforms that offer a range of free courses, IDF’s most valuable resources are behind a membership paywall. 🚫 Personal Coaching Limited to Premium Members: Personalized coaching and mentorship are only available at higher membership levels, potentially excluding some learners from these benefits.
Opting for IDF in your design education journey offers a wealth of learning opportunities and a chance to connect with a passionate community. Keep in mind, that its tailored approach and membership model are designed to cater to those fully immersed in the world of design.
An Honest and In-Depth Interactive Design Review
When it comes to online learning platforms, transparency and genuine feedback are key to helping prospective learners make informed decisions. In this segment, we provide an unbiased review of the Interactive Design Foundation, drawing on various user experiences and expert analyses.
Strengths and Advantages
Comprehensive Course Catalog
IDF is lauded for its extensive range of courses covering fundamental to advanced topics in design. The curriculum is praised for its depth and the practical applicability of its content.
Expert Instructors
Learners appreciate the calibre of instructors at IDF, noting that courses are often led by industry leaders and seasoned professionals who bring real-world insights into the classroom.
Engaged Community
The vibrant and active community is frequently highlighted as one of IDF’s greatest assets. Members find value in the opportunity to connect, share, and learn from peers across the globe.
Flexible Learning
The self-paced nature of IDF courses, combined with the lack of strict deadlines, is well-received by those needing to balance learning with personal and professional commitments.
Value for Money
Many users like myself feel that the membership fees are justified given the quality of content, the community aspect, and the additional benefits like networking events and discounts on design tools.
Areas for Improvement
While the feedback on IDF is largely positive, some areas could be enhanced to provide an even better learning experience:
Course Variety for Advanced Learners
Some advanced learners express a desire for more specialized courses that delve deeper into niche areas of design.
Platform Navigation
A few users have suggested that while the platform is generally user-friendly, there could be improvements in how courses and resources are organized and accessed.
My Overall Sentiment
The consensus among users and myself is that the Interactive Design Foundation offers a robust platform for design education, characterized by high-quality content, expert instruction, and a supportive community. While there’s always room for enhancement, the general sentiment is that IDF provides significant value, particularly for those committed to investing in their design education and career development.
What is Interactive Design Foundation ?
The Interactive Design Foundation, or IDF for short, is so much more than just a place to learn online. It’s a thriving community for designers of every level. It all started with a simple goal: to make learning about design easy and accessible for everyone. At IDF, you can dive into everything from the very basics of user experience and interaction design to more complex topics like how to make designs accessible and the psychology behind them.
What sets IDF apart is its focus on learning together. It’s all about sharing ideas, making connections, and giving each other feedback. It’s not just about taking courses; it’s about being part of a community.
The courses at IDF are put together by some of the top names in the design world. This means you’re not just getting lessons; you’re getting cutting-edge insights that you can really use. And with a membership, you get the keys to the whole library: every course, live webinars, and even meet-ups with other designers in your area. It’s designed to fit your life, letting you learn at your own pace and in your own way. Whether you’re just starting out in design or you’re looking to up your game, IDF offers a mix of theory and hands-on practice that’s hard to beat.
How are Interactive Design Foundation courses structured?
Diving into an IDF course is like opening a treasure chest of knowledge, each piece tailored to fit a different part of your learning puzzle. Whether you love to read, watch, or discuss, there’s something here that speaks your language.
Text-based Lessons:
Dive deep into the written word, where concepts are unpacked and ideas are laid out with clarity.
Perfect for those who love to learn at their own pace, re-reading tricky bits and absorbing details.
Rich with examples and case studies, these lessons turn complex theories into digestible insights.
Video-based Lessons:
Engaging videos bring design principles to life, showcasing real-world applications and expert walkthroughs.
Visual learners rejoice as abstract concepts become clear with dynamic visuals and animations.
A chance to hear from the pros, gaining insights and tips that textbooks just can’t provide.
Discussion-based Lessons:
The virtual classroom buzzes with ideas, questions, and collaborative projects.
A space to challenge, debate, and refine your understanding with peers and mentors.
These discussions bridge theory and practice, encouraging you to apply what you’ve learned in creative ways.
Just take a peek at the lesson list—each item is marked with an icon indicating whether it’s a text, video, or discussion-based lesson. This handy guide lets you know exactly what to expect and how to plan your learning adventure.
Meet the IDF Instructors
At IDF, you’ll encounter instructors of exceptional calibre, each with their own unique contributions to the field of design. Let me show you some of them:
William Hudson brings a wealth of experience to the table, with a career spanning over 50 years in interactive software development and 30 in HCI/User Experience. His journey encompasses roles as a consultant, author, and educator, emphasizing user-centered design principles.
Don Norman is a pivotal figure in design, best known for introducing the concept of “user experience.” His contributions to cognitive psychology and human-computer interaction are celebrated worldwide, highlighted by his roles at Apple and the Nielsen Norman Group, and his recognition by prestigious organizations.
Alan Dix is a leading authority in Human-Computer Interaction, recognized for his bestselling textbook and his contributions to the field as a professor and director at Swansea University. His course is a treasure trove of knowledge for aspiring designers.
Frank Spillers is the mind behind Experience Dynamics, a UX firm known for its innovative approaches. With two decades of experience across various industries, Spillers’ insights enrich his courses, making them invaluable for learners aiming to excel in UX design.
From pioneers like William Hudson and Don Norman, who have shaped the landscape of user experience, to experts like Alan Dix and Frank Spillers, who bring cutting-edge knowledge and industry insights, the faculty represents the best in design education. These are the types of mentors guiding your learning journey at IDF, ensuring a rich and comprehensive educational experience.
How much does Interactive Design Foundation Cost?
A critical aspect of choosing an online learning platform is understanding the investment involved. The Interactive Design Foundation (IDF) offers a transparent membership model that caters to a wide audience, from students to professionals deeply invested in design. Here’s a breakdown of the costs associated with joining IDF:
Membership Tiers and Pricing:
- Student Membership: Tailored for those still in their learning phase, this option is priced at $15 per month, billed annually. It’s designed to make design education more accessible to students worldwide.
- Professional Membership: For working professionals looking to enhance their skills, this tier comes at $22 per month, also billed annually. It provides comprehensive access to IDF’s resources, catering to the ongoing learning needs of design practitioners.
- Design League Membership: At $240 per month, this premium membership is geared towards those seeking an intensive learning experience with the added benefit of personal coaching. It’s a substantial investment for individuals committed to making significant strides in their design careers.
Each membership level offers unlimited access to courses, with the Design League Membership providing personal coaching and more tailored learning experiences. The Student and Professional Memberships require an annual commitment, ensuring learners have ample time to explore a wide range of courses and community features.
Evaluating the Investment
When considering the costs, it’s essential to weigh the value provided. IDF’s memberships offer more than just course access; they include industry-recognized certificates, participation in online masterclasses, networking opportunities through UX meet-ups, and significant discounts on top UI/UX design tools. Especially for the Design League members, the personal coaching aspect can be a game-changer, offering personalized guidance and mentorship from seasoned industry professionals.
Furthermore, an overview by TrustRadius highlights a starting price of approximately $144 per year for IDF memberships, likely aligning with the Student Membership when billed annually. This competitive pricing structure, combined with the depth and breadth of learning materials and community benefits, positions IDF as a valuable investment for those serious about advancing their design skills and careers.
In conclusion, while the cost of an IDF membership is an important consideration, the extensive resources, community access, and professional development opportunities it unlocks present a compelling case for the investment, especially for those committed to their growth in the ever-evolving field of design.
Are There Better Interactive Design Foundation Alternatives?
When you stack the Interactive Design Foundation up against big names in online learning like Skillshare, Udemy, and Coursera, a few important differences pop up. These differences come down to the types of courses each platform offers, how they set their prices, and who they’re really aiming to teach.
IDF vs Skillshare
MasterClass—unlike Skillshare—offers select, high-quality courses taught by world-renown experts and celebrities. Comparable in cost (the MasterClass Standard plan costs $96 per year), MasterClass only offers just over 150 courses in their catalog with about 2 to 3 new classes added every month.
MasterClass courses tend to also be high-level and geared towards beginners looking to learn a broad set of skills instead of specific niche subjects (like the fridge organization course I found on Skillshare).
Don’t get me wrong, MasterClass is one of my favorite online learning platforms based on its wide array of subject material and high production value and definitely worth a look (they offer a risk-free 30-day refund policy).
IDF vs Udemy
With Udemy, you gain access to the bargain outlet of online learning. While Skillshare offers over 30,000 quality online courses from high-caliber instructors, Udemy offers thousands of cheap online classes from thousands of unknown instructors.
Nevertheless, Udemy touts a much more niche topic approach where students can learn specific technical skills from less-famous but still highly-qualified specialists. Course discovery is a bit tricky since some topics have hundreds of video courses alone.
If you have time to look for a gem on Udemy, they don’t sell monthly or yearly subscriptions. Rather you pay per class access.
IDF vs Coursera
Unlike Skillshare, Coursera offers courses from world-leading universities, not everyday instructors.
Coursera’s user experience feels a lot more traditional compared to Skillshare. However, Coursera is geared toward more professional users looking to build skills in their profession with actual Degrees and Certificates.
While Coursera has a lot more selection of professional and accredited courses, Skillshare edges out Coursera, in my opinion, due to their diverse selection of videos, ease of use, and curated Learning Paths.
If you’d like to try Coursera, there are plenty of free courses available. I’m currently taking a novel writing course taught by Michigan State University, completely free!
How to access IDF
Joining IDF is like getting a key to a vast library of design knowledge that’s always open. Once you’re in, you can explore courses at your own pace, with no rush to finish. Your membership acts as your all-access pass, letting you dive into any course, anytime, for as long as you’re subscribed. Renewing yearly means your learning journey continues uninterrupted, filled with endless opportunities to grow and connect within the design community.
When you’re ready to start, IDF offers a variety of payment options to make the process easy. You can use Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, with PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Amazon Pay also available in select regions. For larger accounts or organizational enrollments, IDF can provide an invoice for payment via bank transfer. If you need this option or have any questions about payments, reaching out to IDF directly is the best way to get detailed information and assistance.
How to Cancel IDF
To cancel your IDF membership, you can do so at any time through the ‘Billing’ section in your profile.
If you refer a friend and they cancel within 14 days, any bonus months you’d earn are forfeited. However, if they cancel after 14 days, you keep your bonus months.
For Design League members, there’s an option to downgrade to a professional membership instead of canceling.
Is Interactive Design Foundation for me?
Understanding whether the Interactive Design Foundation is right for you really boils down to your enthusiasm for expanding your design knowledge. With its comprehensive range of courses, IDF stands out as a valuable platform for those committed to dedicating time and energy to their learning journey. It’s a specific platform tailored for immersive learning experiences in design. If this aligns with your goals, IDF is certainly worth considering.
Take a closer look at their courses to make an informed decision. You might just find exactly what you’re looking for to advance your career!
7 Reasons to Invest in a Interactive Design Foundation Subscription
Expert-Curated Content
IDF courses are meticulously crafted by leading experts in the field of design, ensuring that learners receive up-to-date, industry-relevant education.
Wide Range of Courses
From foundational courses in UX design to specialized topics like accessibility and design thinking, IDF provides a broad spectrum of learning opportunities catering to various expertise levels.
Community and Networking
IDF’s global community not only facilitates learning through peer interaction but also offers unparalleled networking opportunities with design professionals worldwide.
Flexible Learning Paths
The platform’s self-paced courses allow learners to study at their convenience, making it easier to balance professional development with personal and work commitments.
Practical, Real-World Application
Courses are designed to not just impart theoretical knowledge but also to enable practical application, equipping learners with skills they can directly apply in their work.
Affordable Learning
With a membership model that gives access to all courses, IDF presents a cost-effective solution for comprehensive design education compared to piecemeal course payments or more expensive degree programs.
Continuous Learning and Development
The expanding course catalogue ensures that learners have access to the latest trends and practices in design, fostering continuous professional growth.
These seven points highlight the substantial value that an IDF subscription can offer, particularly for those committed to deepening their design expertise and advancing their careers in the design field.
3 Considerations Before Buying Interactive Design Foundation
Before committing to an IDF subscription, prospective learners should consider:
- Specific Learning Goals: Ensure that IDF’s course offerings align with your learning objectives and career aspirations in the design field.
- Learning Style Preference: Consider whether the self-paced, community-driven learning model of IDF suits your preferred way of learning and engaging with course material.
- Budget and Time Commitment: Reflect on your budget for professional development and your ability to commit time to learning, given the self-paced nature of IDF courses.
Taking a moment to think about these factors can really make all the difference in deciding if an IDF subscription is the smart choice for your learning journey and career growth in design. It’s all about making sure this investment aligns perfectly with where you want to go in the world of design.
FAQ
At IDF, you’ll need to pay upfront for the year if you’re eyeing the Professional or Student memberships. But don’t worry, the investment is worth every penny considering the top-tier courses you get access to. For those looking at the Design League membership, there’s a bit more flexibility with monthly payments. And to keep things clear, all the membership fees are shown on a monthly basis, making it easier for you to compare and decide what’s best for you.
Sure thing! Once your membership is paid for, you’re free to take as many courses as you want, all included in your membership. No extra costs, just pure learning and networking.
Absolutely! Every time you complete a course, you’ll receive a digital certificate that’s recognized in the industry. These certificates don’t have an expiration date and come in a handy .jpg format, making them a breeze to share. Plus, there’s no cap on how many certificates you can collect as long as your membership is active.
With a Professional membership, you have the freedom to dive into as many courses as you like, all without any additional fees. If there are 30 courses available, you can sign up for all 30 and hop between them as you please.
Opting for a Student membership? You can be enrolled in up to two courses simultaneously. But don’t worry, you can still take your pick from as many courses as you’d like over time, without any extra charges. Just make sure to complete or drop a course before adding a new one, so you always have no more than two in progress.
You’ll need about 5-8 hours to wrap up a single lesson, and each course comes packed with anywhere from 3 to 16 lessons. When you sign up for a course, you’ll unlock a new lesson weekly, but here’s the kicker – you’re on your own timetable. There are no strict deadlines or end dates, so you can learn at a pace that suits you best.
There’s never been a better time to dive into what IxDF has to offer and join their vibrant UX community. They’re constantly enhancing their course catalog and enriching their library of UX resources to better support learners. Keep an eye out for special promotions and campaigns they run throughout the year. To stay in the loop about current deals or discounts, it’s a good idea to follow their social media channels or reach out to their support team at hello@interaction-design.org. It’s a great opportunity to make your learning journey even more rewarding!
No need to worry about fitting into a strict schedule; IxDF doesn’t have live sessions due to their worldwide community. This means you can set your own pace for studying.
After you enroll, take your time with the course. Each course “classroom” is always open, so you have continuous access to your classmates, the course materials, and your own responses.
Quick List of the Best Interactive Design Foundation Courses
AI for Designers
The “AI for Designers” course is led by Ioana Teleanu, an expert AI Product Designer and Design Educator who’s built a community of over 250,000 UX fans on her UX Goodies social channel. This course dives into harmonizing with AI in your design work, pushing your career to exciting new levels. Here’s what you’ll learn:
- Explore AI’s Impact: Get to grips with AI’s game-changing role in design and what it means for future trends.
- Optimize Your Workflow: Uncover how AI tools can supercharge every part of your design process, from UX research to prototyping and evaluation.
- Integrate AI Tools: Seamlessly weave AI into your design workflow, making every step more efficient.
- Design for AI: Learn the essentials of creating for AI, including its unique challenges and the opportunities it presents.
- Solve Real Problems: Use AI-driven solutions to address genuine design challenges, keeping ethical considerations in mind.
- Stay Innovative: Position yourself at the forefront of design by adopting AI technologies and approaches.
Design Thinking: The Ultimate Guide
The main aim of this design thinking course is to empower you to create improved products, services, strategies, and more. Here’s what it covers:
- Applying Design Thinking: Learn to tackle your challenges using design thinking to come up with innovative, user-focused solutions.
- Using Practical Methods: Gain hands-on experience with design thinking tools at every problem-solving stage, supported by easy-to-use templates.
- Fostering a User-Centric Culture: Discover how to build a culture that prioritizes empathy, ideation, prototyping, and fun testing.
- Conducting Research: Master research techniques like interviews, focus groups, and surveys to gather deep insights.
- Prototyping and Testing: Learn to quickly develop prototypes and test them, minimizing risks and boosting learning within your team or organization.
Design for a Better World with Don Norman
“Design for a Better World” is led by Don Norman, a notable figure in user experience. In this course, you’ll learn:
- Sustainable Design: How to create designs that promote sustainability.
- Circular Design: Applying circular design to support a circular economy.
- Humanity-Centered Design: Addressing complex issues with a focus on human needs.
- Incrementalism: Tackling large projects in manageable steps.
- Measuring Progress: Rethinking how progress is measured and communicated.
- Design Leadership: The importance of designers taking on leadership roles.
- Overcoming Resistance: Mobilizing people towards a common goal.
- Using Technology: Utilizing new technologies like AI to solve problems.
So, does Interactive Design Foundation Work?
Jumping into the Interactive Design Foundation is like starting any new learning journey. Your success depends on how much you’re willing to dive in.
Think about it. IDF is your playground if you’re ready to roll up your sleeves. Join in on the discussions, share your thoughts, and really put those new skills to the test in the real world. It’s all about getting stuck in.
And here’s the thing: your growth in the design world with IDF is kind of like nurturing a plant. Give it your time, your energy, and a whole lot of enthusiasm, and you’ll see it flourish. The more you put in, the more you’ll get out of this adventure.