Why is this keyword still trending in 2023? Because the 2021 update has held up incredibly well. Let's compare it to two alternatives: Shift Nudge (MDS) and UI Design Daily.
| Feature | Erik Kennedy (2021 Update) | Shift Nudge | YouTube Tutorials | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Focus | Practical UI polish & spacing | Layout & grid theory | Specific effects | | Time to complete | 8 Weeks (self paced) | 12+ Weeks | Infinite | | 2021+ Standards | Figma Auto-layout, Dark mode, Design tokens | Mostly layout theory | Hit or miss | | Feedback | Private Slack community (Active as of 2023) | Peer review | None | | Price | Mid-range (~$500-700) | High-end (~$1200) | Free (low quality) |
The Verdict: If you already know how to use Figma but your designs look "amateurish" (crooked text, bad spacing, muddy colors), the 2021 Erik Kennedy update is the fastest fix available.
By the end of the course (specifically the 2021 version), you will have three portfolio pieces that get interviews:
These are not Dribbble "shots" (visuals with no context). These are clickable prototypes with interaction states.
One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is using pure hex black (#000000) for text. Pure black has zero lightness; it looks unnatural on digital screens and causes eye strain.
This is where the updated content shines. You build a massive SaaS dashboard.
Erik Kennedy is not a YouTuber; he is a principal designer at a high-growth SaaS company (formerly of Amazon and Microsoft). His course, Learn UI Design, launched years ago, but the 2021 update was unique. It wasn't just a cosmetic reskin of the existing modules.
The 2021 update addressed the "Great Resignation" shift in tech. As companies moved fully remote and design tools (Figma) reached peak maturity, the required skill floor rose drastically.
Key changes in the 2021 curriculum included:
| Module | Focus | 2021 Update Highlights | |--------|-------|------------------------| | 1. Visual Design Principles | Contrast, spacing, hierarchy, color | New color accessibility calculator walkthrough | | 2. UI Elements Deep Dive | Buttons, forms, cards, tables, nav bars | Mobile-first & responsive patterns | | 3. Typography | Font pairing, sizing, line-height | Variable fonts & system font stacks | | 4. Layout & Grids | Alignment, grids, white space | Auto-layout in Figma (practical demo) | | 5. Design Systems | Reusable components, tokens, documentation | Entirely new module — worth the update alone | | 6. Real-World Projects | Redesigns from scratch | Updated critique videos with 2021-2022 design trends |
Bonuses: Figma template library, UI checklists (printable), and access to a private alumni Slack (still active as of 2024/2025).
Answers:
1 – b (8pt grid)
2 – False (use dark grays to avoid eye strain and halation)
3 – b (Variants)
4 – b (4.5:1)
Mastering Digital Aesthetics: A Guide to "Learn UI Design" by Erik Kennedy (2021 Update)
For many developers and aspiring creatives, user interface (UI) design often feels like a mysterious "black box" where beautiful results are born from raw talent or subjective whims. However, the Learn UI Design course by Erik Kennedy has fundamentally challenged this notion, proving that high-end visual design is a logical, learnable skill set. learn ui design by erik kennedy updated 2021
The 2021 update (often referred to as Version 2.0) significantly matured the curriculum, expanding it to over 36 hours of video content and 53 lessons. Whether you are a senior designer looking to refine your fundamentals or a developer wanting to build professional-looking software, this course offers a pragmatic, "no-jargon" pathway to mastery. Core Pillars of the 2021 Curriculum
The Learn UI Design course is structured into six primary units, each focusing on a critical aspect of the interface design process:
Fundamentals: Move beyond vague aesthetics by mastering alignment, spacing, sizing, and the "6 techniques" for consistent design.
Color Systems: Learn why "gray is the most important color" and how to generate entire interfaces from just one or two base colors using HSB (Hue, Saturation, Brightness).
Typography: Access the "Good Fonts Table" featuring over 100 top-tier fonts and learn the logic behind styling text for both interactive apps and editorial content.
UI Components: A deep dive into creating component libraries, including buttons, states, icons, and complex data visualizations like charts and tables.
Digital Paradigms: Master responsive design, accessibility, and the specific UI patterns required for iOS and Android.
Communicating Design: Practical advice on building a portfolio, interviewing for design roles, and finding high-paying clients. Why the 2021 Update Matters
The 2021 refresh brought several critical improvements that kept the material relevant for modern design workflows:
Modern Tooling: The course transitioned to feature Figma as the primary tool for most lessons, while still providing support for Sketch users.
Expanded Content: The video library grew from its original length to over 33-36 hours, including re-recorded lessons for better clarity.
Redesign Vault: Students gain access to over 50 hours of narrated redesigns, where Erik takes real-world student submissions and transforms them into professional interfaces.
The updated "Learn UI Design" course by Erik Kennedy is a comprehensive, video-based program featuring over 36 hours of content aimed at teaching practical, professional-level interface design skills. The 2021 curriculum offers a deep dive into Figma-based workflows, color systems, typography, and responsive design, supported by a mentor-led community and a live redesign vault. For more details, visit Learn UI Design. Learn UI Design Course Video Review
UI Design Report: Learn UI Design by Erik Kennedy (Updated 2021) Why is this keyword still trending in 2023
Introduction
"Learn UI Design" is a comprehensive online course created by Erik Kennedy, a renowned UI designer. The course, updated in 2021, aims to teach individuals the fundamentals of user interface (UI) design, covering the principles, processes, and best practices of designing intuitive and visually appealing interfaces. This report provides an overview of the course, highlighting its key takeaways, strengths, and weaknesses.
Course Overview
The course "Learn UI Design" by Erik Kennedy is designed for individuals with little to no prior experience in UI design. It consists of 12 modules, covering topics such as:
Key Takeaways
Strengths
Weaknesses
Conclusion
"Learn UI Design" by Erik Kennedy is a comprehensive online course that provides a thorough introduction to UI design. With its practical exercises, real-world examples, and expert instruction, the course is suitable for individuals looking to start a career in UI design or improve their existing skills. While the course has some limitations, it is a valuable resource for anyone interested in UI design.
Recommendation
We recommend "Learn UI Design" by Erik Kennedy to:
Rating
Based on the course content, structure, and overall value, we give "Learn UI Design" by Erik Kennedy a rating of 4.5/5.
The Learn UI Design course by Erik Kennedy is a comprehensive, self-paced video program designed to teach practical interface design skills. Since its major 2021 update, the course has expanded significantly to include over 36 hours of video content and a heavy focus on modern tools like Figma. Key Features of the 2021+ Updated Course These are not Dribbble "shots" (visuals with no context)
Extensive Video Lessons: The curriculum covers every major area of interface design, including typography, color systems, layout, and mobile-specific paradigms for iOS and Android.
Practical "Over-the-Shoulder" Learning: Unlike theoretical courses, this program features live demos where Erik works on realistic projects, explaining the underlying logic of every decision.
Modern Tooling: While originally built around Sketch, the updated version includes extensive Figma tutorials and resources, reflecting its status as the industry-standard tool.
Student Community & Feedback: Enrollment includes access to a Slack community where students can receive personal feedback on their homework from Erik and a team of mentors.
The Redesign Vault: A library of narrated redesigns where Erik takes student projects and transforms them to demonstrate advanced techniques. Course Structure
The course is organized into logical modules that build from foundational basics to advanced implementation:
Introductory Topics: Setting up workspaces, building design "gut instinct," and finding inspiration.
Fundamentals: Analyzing aesthetics, alignment, spacing, and grids.
Color: Mastering HSB (Hue, Saturation, Brightness), fixing clashing colors, and designing dark interfaces.
Typography: Choosing and pairing fonts using a proprietary "Good Fonts Table".
UI Components: Designing controls, states, icons, and complex data visualizations.
Digital Paradigms: Responsive design, accessibility, and platform-specific guidelines. Pricing and Value Learn UI Design Course Video Review
Updated in 2021, Erik Kennedy’s "Learn UI Design" is a comprehensive, 36+ hour video course focused on practical, "non-fluffy" visual design principles and industry tools like Figma. The curriculum covers fundamental design rules, typography, color, UI components, and real-world application, often featuring over-the-shoulder demos and student project redesigns. Detailed course information is available at Learn UI Design Learn UI Design Learn UI Design: The Complete Online Video Course