In 2020, the University of Pheonix engaged us to design a completely unique end-to-end learning platform including course discovery, commerce, and the entire learning experience itself.
How do we position, design and deploy a new learning model, based on self-led, academically-based short courses while maintaining the value and appreciation usually reserved for diplomas and degrees? You simply don’t. You redefine the rules, and you make it approachable and understandable with a very low-barrier to entry. That’s what we did with UOPX short courses. Every part of the experience geared towards meaning, simplicity and driving value and personal growth. To reflect the raw, everything you need, but only what you need philosophy behind the academics of the new short courses, we designed the system atomically, from the learning modules up to the course discovery experience. Striving for the most open, transparent, and cut-to-the-chase experience whether it was completing a learning module, taking a quiz, or finding the right courses for you. UOPX short courses is learning concentrated, from education to experience.
How do we position, design and deploy a new learning model, based on self-led, academically-based short courses while maintaining the value and appreciation usually reserved for diplomas and degrees? You simply don’t. You redefine the rules, and you make it approachable and understandable with a very low-barrier to entry. That’s what we did with UOPX short courses. Every part of the experience geared towards meaning, simplicity and driving value and personal growth.
Learning is a tough nut to crack. People are judged by their level of education, with a preconception that more education is better. Diplomas, degrees, masters and PhDs — this is what we’ve been groomed to respect. But, in today’s ever-changing, evolving world, is any one of the above going to keep you prepared and informed for what comes next? No. Can you go back to University every 5 years — also no. Continuous education, upskilling and re-skilling are absolutely critical in today’s context.
UOPX tested demand before building—ads, landing pages, and interest capture. We interviewed respondents, mapped contexts of use, and aligned value props to time-starved professionals seeking practical, stackable skills.
Demand tests (ads & signups)
Prospect interviews & concept probes
Audience definition & JTBD mapping
Value proposition & tone of voice
Early IA & content scaffolding
We built clickable prototypes for course flows and a multi-course “jump-off” dashboard, then iterated on readability, task focus, and progress cues. Feedback showed higher confidence and faster re-entry into in-progress courses.
Low to high-fidelity prototypes
Task-focused flow testing
Progress & reward mechanics
Content density calibration
Accessibility & readability passes
We delivered a lean component library for lessons, quizzes, and micro-certs; patterns for session resumes; and guidelines for writing concise, skimmable content that still signals rigour.
Component library (cards, lessons, quizzes)
Progress & streak UI patterns
Copy guidelines for micro-lessons
Dev handoff & spec documentation
When the experience became more complex that the dev team were accustomed to, we jumped in to build out assets and components to ensure the experience we designed, was the experience users actually got.
UOPX Short Courses treat time as the primary constraint. Each screen focuses on one task, every lesson ends with visible progress, and the “jump-off” dashboard lets learners resume any course instantly. Subtle gamification—streaks, badges, and micro-milestones—rewards consistency without feeling juvenile. It’s professional, friendly, and designed for real life.
Market tests showed strong intent from working professionals, and usability sessions confirmed faster re-entry, higher perceived momentum, and lower cognitive load. The project positioned UOPX to serve post-education upskilling with a format that respects time while preserving credibility.
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