Google UX Certificate vs. Designlab: Which UX Course is Better for Your Career?
Choosing the right UX design course can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options out there. Two of the most talked-about programs are the Google UX Design Certificate and Designlab. Both have their strengths, but which one will actually help you land a UX job? Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to digest.
What to Consider When Choosing a UX Course
Before we dive into the specifics of each course, let’s look at what really matters when choosing a UX design program:
✔️ Cost & Accessibility – Can you afford the program? Is it flexible?✔️ Learning Format – Do you prefer self-paced courses or structured mentorship?✔️ Hands-on Experience – Will you build real projects to showcase in your portfolio?✔️ Career Support – Does the program help with job placement or resume building?✔️ Industry Recognition – Is the certification valuable to employers?
Now, let’s see how the Google UX Certificate and Designlab compare.
Google UX Certificate vs. Designlab: A Quick Comparison
Google UX Certificate: Pros & Cons
Pros:
✅ Affordable – great for beginners who want to explore UX without a big investment
✅ Flexible – learn at your own pace on Coursera
✅ Google-backed – adds credibility to your resume
✅ Covers UX fundamentals – a solid introduction to user experience design
Cons:
❌ No personal mentorship or feedback on your work
❌ Limited hands-on project work for your portfolio
❌ Minimal career support – no direct job placement assistance
Who it’s best for: If you’re just starting out and need an affordable, flexible way to explore UX design, this course is a solid choice.
Designlab: Pros & Cons
Pros:
✅ Personalized mentorship with industry professionals
✅ Strong focus on portfolio-building and real-world projects
✅ Career coaching, job application support, and networking
✅ Structured learning with community support for accountability
Cons:
❌ Higher cost – UX Academy is a significant investment
❌ More time commitment due to projects and mentor meetings
Who it’s best for: If you want direct mentorship, hands-on experience, and job support, Designlab is the better option.
Which One Will Help You Land a UX Job?
If your main goal is to transition into a UX career, Designlab (affiliate link) provides a much stronger foundation with real-world projects and mentorship. Hiring managers look for a strong UX portfolio, and Designlab ensures you graduate with one.
However, if you're just testing the waters, the Google UX Certificate is an affordable starting point before investing in a more intensive program like Designlab.
How Do Employers View These Certifications?
Many hiring managers value real-world UX projects and portfolio work over certificates. That said:
- Google UX Certificate is well-known and can help you get past ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) in job applications.
- Designlab’s UX Academy is more likely to impress employers because of its mentorship, projects, and career support.
Tip: If you take the Google UX Certificate, try to supplement it with real-world freelance projects or internships to strengthen your resume.
Alternative UX Learning Paths
Still unsure? Here are other UX learning options worth exploring:
🔹 Bootcamps – Programs like Springboard or CareerFoundry (affiliate link) also offer UX mentorship and job support.
🔹 Self-Study – Platforms like Interaction Design Foundation (IDF) and Nielsen Norman Group (NNG) offer great UX theory courses.
🔹 University Degrees – If you're looking for formal education, a degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) might be worth considering.
If you're already learning UX, you can explore remote UX job opportunities on our job board.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Pick?
Final Thought:
If you want a flexible, budget-friendly introduction to UX, go for Google UX Certificate (affiliate link). If you’re serious about building a UX career with mentorship and career support, Designlab (affiliate link) is the better investment.
