Video summary

2023 Google UX Course: Yay or Nay?

Main summary

Key takeaways

Product Review

Product reviewed

Google UX Course (Google’s UX Design training; originally reviewed in 2021, re-evaluated for relevance in 2023)

Key points / unique claims mentioned

  1. Main misconception

    • The course provides a Google UX design certificate, but the content stresses that the certificate does not guarantee a job.
    • Job outcomes depend more on portfolio + networking.

  2. Best use of the course (what it’s good for)

    • Teaches UX fundamentals and UX research concepts.
    • Includes some methods not commonly used in industry, but they help fill the curriculum.
    • Described as a strong entry point for beginners.

  3. Relevance in 2023

    • The reviewer says issues raised in the 2021 review have been fixed/addressed, so it’s “not that bad” now.
    • Claimed to be likely the best UX course for the money.

  4. Where it falls short (biggest limitation)

    • Google is described as “not that great at design.”
    • The visual/UI design component is not employable-level for landing UI/landing UX/UI roles.
    • Achieving employable UI quality requires significant independent practice (described as months of daily UI work).

  5. Portfolio output vs real job readiness

    • The course ends with three portfolio projects.
    • Even with them, the reviewer claims you’ll still be far from tackling real industry projects.
    • The “job-ready” outcome is mainly case studies with basic research artifacts (e.g., journey maps, personas, empathy maps).

  6. Why the course’s “research” case studies are weak

    • Beginners typically can’t do real research (no real product, limited access to users/data), so research becomes made-up/template-like.
    • This can produce term-paper style case studies that resemble many others and are hard for companies to validate as true research skill.
    • Claim: many junior designer case studies suffer from this—companies can often check process completion, but not whether research skill is real/measurable.

  7. What to supplement with (specific recommendation)

    • Practice UI/visual design independently (potentially using the reviewer’s own UI courses), framed as learning the “why” behind UI decisions.
    • Prioritize UI skill because it’s more measurable and easier for hiring managers to assess quickly.
    • Make charts/graphs/data/feedback from (even limited) research look strong to improve presentation engagement and trust.

  8. Suggested short plan after the course

    • Finish parts 1–4 of the Google course (the reviewer implies the rest is less necessary).
    • Practice visual/UI skills to build a stronger portfolio.
    • Network, which is described as overlooked but crucial:
      • Engage on LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Behance, Dribbble
      • Comment on others’ work
      • Join communities/slack (mentions a junior designers slack channel)
    • Emphasis: no shortcuts—still months of effort, but accelerated with supplements.

  9. Overall framing / verdict stated

    • Good for UX fundamentals, but UI should be learned elsewhere.
    • Certificate alone won’t get you hired; portfolio + networking matter most.

Pros (as stated)

  • Good for UX fundamentals and UX research basics
  • Better than the reviewer’s earlier impression—issues appear fixed
  • Likely best value for the money
  • Helps you produce professional-looking case studies following a UX process
  • UI presentation improvements can make case studies more engaging, especially if your UI work is strong

Cons (as stated)

  • UI/visual design training is not employable-level
  • Research in course projects may become unverifiable/template/made-up, making research skill hard to assess
  • Certificate does not guarantee job outcomes
  • Course projects (even multiple) aren’t enough for truly real-world readiness

Comparisons made

  • Compared to other prominent brand courses
    • The reviewer implies Google’s course is still strong, and other options were considered—leading to the conclusion it’s “not that bad” and likely best for the money.
  • Compared to industry/UI employability expectations
    • The reviewer describes Google’s UI standard as far from employable, requiring additional practice.

User experience / learning experience notes

  • The course can increase confidence by producing detailed, structured case studies, but this may be misleading if the “research” isn’t truly real.
  • Hiring impact is suggested to come more from:
    • measurable UI quality
    • the ability to present work convincingly

Ratings / numerical scores

  • No explicit star ratings or numeric scores were provided.

Speakers / viewpoints

  • Single primary speaker/reviewer
    • Provides both critique and an actionable plan, including UI practice supplementation and networking guidance.

Concise verdict / recommendation

Recommended for beginners who want UX fundamentals, but not sufficient on its own for employable UI or genuinely credible research. Finish at least parts 1–4, then supplement with extensive UI practice and invest in networking, because the certificate alone won’t get you a job.

Original video