Professional Certification
Product Design Certification
Upon Successful Completion
Earn the Product Designer Certification (PDC™)
Accelerate your career with the globally recognized BrainStation Product Designer Certification (PDC™). Master the technical and strategic User Experience (UX) skills required to ship world-class products, integrating user research, AI, and interaction design. Learn in live courses taught by leaders from the world’s most innovative tech companies.
View the Course Package to access:
- Tuition details
- Financing options
- Employer sponsorship
Course Overview Product Design Certification
Kristina
Product Owner at Nestlé
Gabrielle
Product Manager at Sportsnet
Vadim
Senior UX Manager at Shopify
Get Certified as a Product Designer
Gain essential product design skills with hands-on instruction from UX/UI leaders working at the best global tech companies like Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft.
View Upcoming DatesThe return on investment has been two promotions. Can't get any better than that.
Kristina
Product Owner at Nestlé
The return on investment has been two promotions. Can't get any better than that.
Kristina
Product Owner at Nestlé
Product Designer Certification (PDC™) Course Overview
PDC-2025Q4
- Concepts
Design Thinking
AI in UX
Human-Centered Design
User Research
Empathy Maps
User Personas
Information Architecture
Card Sorting
Tree Testing
User Flows
Task Flows
Interaction Design
Prototyping
UI Design
Layouts
Grids
Typography
Style Guides
Usability
Heuristics
Accessibility
Design Thinking
Card Sorting
Layouts
AI in UX
Tree Testing
Grids
Human-Centered Design
User Flows
Typography
User Research
Task Flows
Style Guides
Empathy Maps
Interaction Design
Usability
User Personas
Prototyping
Heuristics
Information Architecture
UI Design
Accessibility
- Frameworks
Design Thinking
Human-Centered Design
The Double Diamond Process
Steps to Conducting User Research
Research Ethics
User Interview Structure
Categorizing Data
Affinity Mapping
Synthesis Process
Empathy Maps
User Personas
Website and App Navigation
Diagramming Flows
End-to-end design process
Interaction Design Principles
User Flows
UI Design
User Testing
Bruce "Tog" Tognazzini's Six Levels of Consistency
Heuristic Evaluation
WCAG
Design Thinking
Synthesis Process
User Flows
Human-Centered Design
Empathy Maps
UI Design
The Double Diamond Process
User Personas
User Testing
Steps to Conducting User Research
Website and App Navigation
Bruce "Tog" Tognazzini's Six Levels of Consistency
Research Ethics
Diagramming Flows
Heuristic Evaluation
User Interview Structure
End-to-end design process
WCAG
Categorizing Data
Interaction Design Principles
Affinity Mapping
- Skills
- Conducting Interviews
- Generative AI Use
- Sketching
- Wireframing
- Ideation
- Evaluating Usability
- Creating Personas
- Prototyping
- Designing UI
- Building Style Guides
- Usability Testing
- Accessibility Design
- Professional Portfolio Creation
- Industry tools
Why Get Certified as a Product Designer
Taught By Leaders From Top Global Tech Companies
Receive hands-on training from Product Design and UX Design leaders working at companies like Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft.
Build Your Product Design Portfolio
Apply practical skills in a cumulative, hands-on project. You will leverage human factors to take a product concept from initial strategy and research all the way to a high-fidelity prototype, creating a professional UX portfolio that demonstrates the full design lifecycle.
Globally Recognized By Top Companies
BrainStation certifications are globally recognized by top companies for the most advanced and up-to-date skills.
Product Designer Success Stories
BrainStation gave me the skills to excel at my job, and the confidence to be a better leader in the workplace.
Gabrielle Vandekas
Product Manager at Sportsnet
Product Design Course Start Dates
Take the Product Design Certification online or in-person at any of BrainStation's campuses. Select a time that fits your schedule.
Class dates & times
Location
Instructor
January 15 - March 12
8 Thursdays • Online
Online
UX Designer at AMEX
March 11 - April 29
8 Wednesdays • Online
Online
Senior Product Experience Designer at Mastercard
Class dates & times
Location
Instructor
January 28 - March 18
6:30pm - 9:30pm EST
8 Wednesdays • New York
New York
VP, Experience Design
February 26 - April 16
6:30pm - 9:30pm EST
8 Thursdays • New York
New York
VP, User Experience Design, Growth at JPMorgan Chase
April 1 - May 20
6:30pm - 9:30pm EDT
8 Wednesdays • New York
New York
Design Leader at YouTube
This Course is Offered Online in Miami
Class dates & times
Location
Instructor
January 19 - March 9
6:30pm - 9:30pm GMT
8 Mondays • London
London
Senior Content Designer at Meta
Class dates & times
Location
Instructor
January 21 - March 11
6:30pm - 9:30pm EST
8 Wednesdays • Toronto
Toronto
UX Design Leader at TD Bank
February 24 - April 14
6:30pm - 9:30pm EST
8 Tuesdays • Toronto
Toronto
Design Leader at Amazon
April 2 - May 21
6:30pm - 9:30pm EDT
8 Thursdays • Toronto
Toronto
Product Designer at Disney
Class dates & times
Location
Instructor
January 20 - March 10
6:30pm - 9:30pm PST
8 Tuesdays • Vancouver
Vancouver
Design Leader at Telus
Product Design Certification Course Curriculum
Unit 1
UX Strategy & AI-Powered Research
Great UX design is strategic problem-solving, not pixel-pushing. Establish a strategic foundation by mastering the human-centered UX principles used by top-tier product teams. Deploy AI to accelerate meaningful user research, augmenting your UX design skills and ensuring every design decision you make is backed by data and supported by critical research methodologies.
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- Key Skills:
- Design Thinking
- User Research
- User Interviews
- Personas & Empathy Mapping
- AI-Driven Research & Strategy
Master the Design Thinking Framework
Move beyond theory with fundamental concepts. Apply the industry-standard human-centered design methodology to gather user feedback, identify core user problems, and define a viable product strategy for innovative solutions.
Accelerate Research with Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Future-proof your workflow. Learn to leverage AI tools as part of your UX research to rapidly synthesize user data, perform market research and competitive analysis, and uncover key insights without sacrificing research quality or depth.
Conduct Interviews & Build Data-Driven Personas
Avoid assumptions. Plan and conduct unbiased user interviews, and translate research insights into empathy maps and personas that serve as the source of truth for your product.
Unit 2
Information Architecture, Wireframing & Prototyping
Great designs need a strong foundation. Translate abstract strategies into structural blueprints that can withstand real-world use. Through practical exercises, master Information Architecture (IA) to organize complex content systems, then rigorously validate your logic by building interactive prototypes in Figma, ensuring key concepts and functionality are proven before high-fidelity design begins.
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- Key Skills:
- Information Architecture
- Card Sorting
- Tree Testing
- User & Task Flows
- Wireframing
- Rapid Prototyping
- Interaction Design
Master Information Architecture
Organize the chaos. Utilize foundational skills like card sorting and tree testing to structure complex content hierarchies. Build navigation systems that match user mental models, ensuring information is logically grouped and instantly discoverable.
Engineer User & Task Flows
Translate user needs into interface logic. Develop comprehensive user and task flows that account for success paths and edge cases. Define the system's response to every interaction, solving usability friction on paper before it reaches the screen.
Wireframing & Prototyping
Move from static sketches to dynamic experiences. Practice creating wireframes and evolving them into clickable Figma prototypes. Use these artifacts to test and iterate on your design concepts to validate your decisions before committing to high-fidelity design.
Unit 3
User Interface (UI) Design & Design Systems
User Interface design is more than decorative: it’s structural. Move beyond simple aesthetics and master the rigorous systems - grids, typography, and atomic components - that allow products to scale. Build a solid foundation with style guides that ensure consistency, eliminate design debt, and streamline handoff to development.
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- Key Skills:
- User Interface (UI) Design
- Grids & Layouts
- Typography & Hierarchy
- Design Systems
- Style Guides
Master Grids & Responsive Layouts
Design with precision. Utilize professional grid systems to establish rhythm and structure across your interface. Learn to engineer responsive layouts that adapt fluidly to any device, ensuring your product integrity holds up on every screen size, including web pages and mobile apps.
Typography & Visual Hierarchy
Guide the user's eye. Master type hierarchy to drive user behavior, ensuring key information stands out and is easy to scan. Move beyond "font choice" and treat typography as an essential component of your UI design.
Build Scalable Design Systems
Move beyond designing single screens by creating comprehensive style guides and visual design systems. Build reusable component libraries that serve as a single source of truth, ensuring design consistency and smooth collaboration while you build your high-fidelity prototypes.
Unit 4
Usability, Accessibility & Your Portfolio
Great design needs to work for everyone. Get hands-on experience verifying your product through user testing and accessibility checks, and compile your findings into a strategic UX Case Study that demonstrates the rationale and logic behind your design decisions.
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- Key Skills:
- Usability Testing
- Heuristic Evaluation
- Inclusive Design
- Storytelling With Data
Conduct Usability Testing & Heuristic Audits
Stop guessing. Learn to conduct usability tests and evaluate your product against industry-standard heuristics to identify and fix friction points before web development begins.
Master Accessible Design
Go beyond color contrast. Learn to audit your designs against WCAG standards and measure key metrics to ensure technical compliance. You will design products that function for all users, treating accessibility as a core requirement rather than an afterthought.
Your Portfolio Project & Presentation
It is not enough to design well; you must also be able to sell your vision. Learn to articulate your design rationale and package your end-to-end process into a professional portfolio project.
Earn Your Product Designer Certification (PDC™)
Successfully completing BrainStation's Product Design Certification course will earn you the globally recognized BrainStation Product Designer Certification (PDC™), demonstrating your mastery of the latest cutting-edge skills and tools. Add this professional certificate to your LinkedIn profile and resume or CV.
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Your Next Step Towards Product Design Certification.
View the Product Design Course Package to Learn More.
View the Course Package to access:
- Tuition details
- Financing options
- Employer sponsorship
Attend an Upcoming Design Event
BrainStation events bring top product leaders together to talk shop, trade perspectives, and build their network with other leaders and innovators. Experience the BrainStation community yourself by reserving your seat today.
Leaders in Design
How Innovation, AI, and Experience Are Redefining FinTech
Join us in New York for an inside look at how design leaders are building the future of fintech.
-
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM EST
- 136 Crosby St, 4th Floor, New York City, NY
- $45
Eden Robbins
Director of Product Design
Discussion Topics:
- Reinventing the Banking Experience
- Personalization and AI in FinTech
- The Future of Digital Payments
Join us in New York for an inside look at how design leaders are building the future of fintech.
-
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM EST
- 136 Crosby St, 4th Floor, New York City, NY
- $45
Eden Robbins
Director of Product Design
Discussion Topics:
- Reinventing the Banking Experience
- Personalization and AI in FinTech
- The Future of Digital Payments
Join BrainStation's Global Alumni Network
With a BrainStation certification, you'll join our global alumni network: a community of accomplished professionals across a range of critical tech skills, including UX Designers, Interaction Designers, and Product Designers.
30,000+
Global BrainStation Alumni
100+
Countries
Industry-Led Product Design Certification
BrainStation's globally recognized certifications feature comprehensive curriculum created by industry professionals, for industry professionals. Our network of experts from leading tech companies provide insights and guidance to ensure each certification demonstrates the latest cutting-edge skills and tools.
Learn in our Next-Gen Online Classroom
Instructor-Led, Live Online Courses, From the Comfort of Your Home
In all our online courses, learn from BrainStation's industry-expert instructors through real-time, interactive classes in an engaging classroom environment.
Interactive, Project-Based Learning
Join breakout room sessions in smaller teams as part of the hands-on projects in our online courses, where you will collaborate and learn together.
Community Beyond the Classroom
During your online course, engage with your classmates and instructors in BrainStation's Slack community, where you'll receive updates and support. Stay connected and in the loop throughout your online course.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the Product Designer Certification (PDC™)?
The Product Designer Certification (PDC™) at BrainStation is a leading professional certification that verifies your completion of the course. Upon course completion, graduates receive the UX design certificate and become a BrainStation Certified Product Designer. A BrainStation UX design certification can boost your LinkedIn profile and resume, helping you stand out to potential employers in the job market when applying for UX Design, Product Design, and Digital Design roles. BrainStation has been a global leader in digital skills training since 2012 and has trained over 30,000 professionals around the world.
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Is my professional background a good match for the course?
While in-depth, all of BrainStation's UX certification courses are designed to be compatible with individuals from various professional backgrounds and career paths. The Product Design Certification course is considered beginner-friendly and is open to anyone looking to transition into Product Design or UX Design or enhance their existing UX skills to earn a UX certificate.
For experienced UX Designers or Product Designers, we recommend going beyond UX Design Certification programs with the Design Leadership Certification Course which is focused on advanced topics developing strategic leadership skills, including vision, team alignment, and driving design strategy across organizations.
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What are the prerequisites for enrolling in a Product Design course?
BrainStation's Product Design Certification UX courses were created for those who are new to digital products or digital design but are interested in a career as a Product Designer or UX Designer. The course is designed for individuals looking to transition into UX Design or enhance their existing skills with a UX design certification and UX training. It is considered to be beginner-friendly and requires no prior experience for admission.
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Who are the instructors?
BrainStation's Product Design instructors are seasoned industry experts with a comprehensive understanding who actively work in UX jobs at top companies like Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft. They bring real-world experience designing digital products used by millions, offering real-world examples and personalized feedback into what it takes to get hired and thrive as a Product Designer or UX professionals in today's digital landscape.
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What are the classes like?
The BrainStation Product Design classes are immersive and hands-on right from day one. Certificate students work on real-world projects, use industry-standard design software and tools, participate in group exercises, and develop portfolio content, completed at your own pace, that showcases your skills. Throughout the sessions, you'll build a strong foundation in UX Design and Product Design concepts and frameworks, and by the end, you'll be UX certified and have practical experience and the confidence to continue your UX career journey to your first design role or promotion.
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How many students are in each class?
We prioritize creating an engaging and tailored learning experience by keeping our class sizes small enough to ensure that everyone receives focused support from the instructor, but large enough that learners have the opportunity to build valuable connections and benefit from the unique perspectives of professionals from diverse industries.
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Is the course online or in-person?
Both! You can take BrainStation's Product Design Certification course in person at one of our campuses or in a live, online course format. Whether online or in-person, you will be participating in a live, interactive classroom environment taught by a leading UX design expert.
Students in our online Product Design courses stay in touch with each other and instructors alike through BrainStation's industry-leading online learning platform, as well as a lively Slack community that provides support and updates even beyond graduation. There are several dates and times to offer flexibility for remote learning, and the course is designed to fit around professional schedules. For more information, see the course kick-off schedule.
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How long is the course, and what is the schedule?
BrainStation's Product Design course is typically either 4 or 8 weeks long, depending on the delivery format — currently offered in either 8 evening classes or 4 weekend day classes. In either case, the course adds up to a total of 24 hours of training, case studies, projects, lectures, and more. Our course schedule is designed to give you ultimate flexibility with delivery format, days of the week, and length, with manageable hours per week to match your learning style. For more information, see the course kick-off schedule.
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What kind of roles can I apply for after completing the certification?
After completing the Product Designer Certification (PDC™), you can apply for roles such as Junior UX Designer, UX Designer, Associate UX/UI Designer, Product Designer or more. With experience, you can also pursue advanced roles like Senior UX Designer, UX Lead, or Director of Product Design, depending on your background and industry focus.
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How does a Product Design Certification compare to a Degree or Master's program?
A certification provides targeted learning and immediate recognition of specific skills, demonstrated through portfolio projects, making it ideal for design professionals looking to quickly validate their expertise and stand out in the job market. Unlike a degree or Master's program, which takes longer and covers a wider range of theoretical concepts, a certificate program is streamlined and practical, allowing you to apply new skills directly to your role. This makes certifications a great option for those looking to advance their careers efficiently without the time and financial investment of a traditional degree or UX Master certification.
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Do you offer an advanced design course?
Yes, BrainStation's Design Leadership Certification Course is designed for experienced professionals looking to develop strategic leadership skills, including managing design teams and fostering innovation. Upon completion, participants earn a professional certificate to solidify their expertise in leading complex design projects. Upon completion, graduates earn a BrainStation Design Leadership Certificate, equipping them with the skills to better tackle senior design roles while demonstrating their commitment to continuous learning.
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What payment options do you offer?
BrainStation offers some of the most competitive payment options for Product Design training. Payment options include:
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Scholarship discount programs
Partial scholarships are available to help with tuition and are subject to eligibility. about these options.
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Monthly payment installments
Split your tuition into smaller amounts and pay in installments over 3, 6, or 12 months.
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Employer sponsorship
Many learners can have their tuition reimbursed by their employer through established Learning & Development budgets or on an ad-hoc basis.
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Scholarship discount programs
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Can I speak to someone about the course before I start?
Definitely! Our team of learning advisors is here to answer any questions you have. Simply at a time that is convenient for you — we look forward to speaking with you soon!
UX Design 101
What is UX Design?
UX Design focuses on creating meaningful and intuitive experiences for users when they interact with a product or service. User experience design involves understanding user behavior, conducting research, and designing solutions that are both functional and enjoyable. It's a key role in product development.
Learn More: What Is UX Design?
