What is IxDF (Interaction Design Foundation)?

The Interaction Design Foundation (IxDF) is an online educational platform dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable, and accessible UX design and interaction design courses. Founded in 2002, IxDF has become one of the world’s largest and most respected online communities for design professionals, enthusiasts, and students. Its mission is to empower designers by offering a wealth of knowledge on human-centered design, usability, and user experience through both free and paid resources.

How Does IxDF Work?

IxDF works by offering a vast library of online courses and masterclasses in the field of interaction design. The platform is structured to accommodate learners of all levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals, by offering a diverse range of educational content. The courses are designed by experts in the field and typically consist of video lectures, quizzes, and assignments, ensuring that learners gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Here’s how it works:

1. Sign Up and Membership: To access the full library of courses, you must sign up for a membership. The membership is available in different pricing tiers to suit various needs.
2. Choose Your Courses: Once subscribed, you can explore a wide variety of courses on topics like user experience, interaction design, usability testing, visual design, accessibility, and more.
3. Study at Your Own Pace: IxDF offers self-paced learning, allowing you to complete courses on your schedule, which makes it a convenient choice for busy professionals.
4. Engage with the Community: As a member, you have access to IxDF’s active community of design professionals, where you can discuss ideas, ask questions, and collaborate with like-minded individuals from around the world.

Courses and Masterclasses on IxDF

IxDF offers an extensive selection of courses that cover a wide range of topics. Some of the most popular courses include:

1. User Experience (UX) Design: This course covers the fundamentals of UX design, including user research, persona development, and prototyping.
2. Interaction Design: Learn the principles and practices of designing interactive systems that are intuitive and effective.
3. Usability Testing: Master the techniques to test and evaluate the usability of your designs and ensure they meet the needs of real users.
4. Mobile Interaction Design: Understand the unique challenges and opportunities of designing for mobile devices.
5. Design Thinking: Gain insight into the problem-solving approach that emphasizes empathy and user-centered design.
6. User Interface (UI) Design: Delve into the aesthetics of design, learning how to create visually appealing and functional interfaces.
7. Agile and Lean UX: Learn how to apply agile methodologies to UX design processes for better collaboration and efficiency.
8. Accessibility in UX: This course focuses on making digital products accessible to people with disabilities, which is an essential aspect of modern design.

IxDF also regularly offers masterclasses by renowned experts in the field, which dive deep into specialized topics such as advanced prototyping, UX research, and more. These masterclasses provide in-depth, hands-on learning and are particularly beneficial for those looking to level up their skills.

Costs and Free Literature

One of the standout features of the Interaction Design Foundation is its affordability. As of 2025, IxDF offers the following membership pricing options:

These options cater to a variety of learners, from students who are just beginning their journey in design to professionals looking to deepen their expertise. The Student and Professional memberships offer a substantial discount when billed annually, providing learners with 3 months free of charge. Meanwhile, the Design League membership offers more premium features and content for those looking for a more intensive learning experience.

In addition, IxDF is committed to democratizing design knowledge through open-source, free-to-access literature. Consequently, their blog has become the world’s largest free resource for UX design, offering expert insights to all. With this information, IxDF guides anyone interested in learning more about interaction design and user experience. This makes it an excellent resource for those just getting started, as well as for professionals looking to expand their knowledge without committing to a paid membership.

Why IxDF is a Good Platform to Learn From

1. Affordable and Comprehensive: With its reasonable pricing options, IxDF offers unlimited access to a wealth of educational content that is otherwise expensive on other platforms.
2. Expert-Led Learning: All courses are developed and taught by industry experts with years of experience, so learners can be assured that the knowledge they are gaining is up-to-date and practical.
3. Community and Networking: By joining IxDF, you are not just accessing courses but also becoming part of a thriving global community of UX and design professionals. This provides opportunities for networking, collaboration, and career growth.
4. Accreditation: Upon completion of courses, IxDF provides certificates that are recognized by industry professionals, adding value to your resume or portfolio.
5. Flexibility: The self-paced format allows you to learn at your own speed, which is perfect for individuals who may be balancing work and studies.
6. Up-to-Date Content: The field of design is constantly evolving, and IxDF ensures that its courses are regularly updated to reflect the latest trends and best practices.
7. Practical Approach: The focus on real-world applications and hands-on projects ensures that learners not only gain theoretical knowledge but also acquire skills they can apply immediately to their work.

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A Free Gift Just for You!

I’m offering you the chance to join IxDF and learn UX Design from industry professionals at IxDF, and get 3 months for free when you purchase a one-year membership!

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My First Impressions Completing the IxDF Course

I recently completed my first IxDF course, Emotional Design: How to Make Products People Will Love, and it was an insightful experience. The course taught me how emotions influence user behavior and the importance of creating emotional connections through design. I learned about the three levels of emotional design—visceral, behavioral, and reflective—and how to apply these concepts to make products users love. This course gave me a fresh perspective on design and boosted my confidence. In my article, My IxDF Journey: Exploring Emotional Design, I describe my first impressions and experience with the course in more detail. I highly recommend it to anyone starting out in design!

Conclusion

The Interaction Design Foundation (IxDF) is a highly valuable platform for anyone looking to dive into the world of interaction and UX design. Whether you’re just starting out or are looking to enhance your existing skills, IxDF offers an affordable, comprehensive, and flexible learning experience. With expert-led courses, a supportive community, and a rich library of free resources, IxDF stands out as one of the best platforms to learn about design and improve your career prospects in the field of user experience.

Sourses:

• The Interaction Design Foundation (IxDF). 2025. Official IxDF website. https://www.interaction-design.org/?r=viktoriya-2
• IXDF Course Catalog. https://www.interaction-design.org/courses?r=viktoriya-2
• 8 Reasons to Join Us. IxDF. https://www.interaction-design.org/turn-passion-into-paycheck?r=viktoriya-2