Level 1: Foundations of Emotional Intelligence in Design

In this foundational level, we dive into the core concepts of emotional intelligence and how it profoundly influences the design process. Emotional intelligence (EI) is not just a soft skill for interpersonal communication-it is a powerful tool for designers who aim to create meaningful, engaging, and emotionally resonant user experiences. You'll begin by understanding what emotional intelligence is, breaking it down into its key components: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills.

We'll explore how each of these principles applies directly to design thinking, particularly when creating products that need to connect with users on an emotional level. Through real-world examples and interactive reflections, you will learn how emotionally intelligent designers approach problem-solving, how they read and interpret user feedback beyond words, and how they craft experiences that anticipate emotional responses. The course will also introduce you to the psychological frameworks that help decode human behavior, including cognitive load theory, emotional triggers, and the psychology of user decision-making.

By the end of this level, you will have developed a new lens through which to view your design work-one that prioritizes emotional connection, user empathy, and human-centric values. This isn't just about making a product look good; it's about making people feel good when they use it.