#16. Become a Story Machine! Free Storytelling Courses for Designers (Part II)
Another week has begun… and another week has ended! I can't believe it's already February, or that my workshop will wrap up tomorrow with our last session.
I’m truly grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to share my knowledge across these four days of live sessions – especially as I know first-hand how challenging it can be to find helpful materials for your work.
But since my workshop is about to finish, I’m going to suggest a few more ways to help you become a better UX designer and storyteller. These are free online courses, to follow the resources I shared a few weeks ago.
Whether you’ve attended my workshop or you’ve simply opted to read these newsletters, I’m incredibly grateful for your support. Thank you.
Online Course 1: The Art of Storytelling, by Khan Academy
Part of a larger course sponsored and created in collaboration with Disney Pixar, Unit 2 is all about the art of storytelling.
While this course isn’t specifically for UX designers, it explains the power of storytelling, with some great examples from Disney creators, aka the world’s best storytellers!
Perfect for: anyone who wants to understand storytelling fundamentals from a visual perspective.
What I like: remarkable examples taken from real-world experience.
The extra mile: being under the Khan Academy umbrella, the course content is reliably high-quality and extremely valuable.
The Art of Storytelling, by Khan Academy. Remarkable examples taken from real-world experience from Disney creators.
Online Course 2: Why Great Stories Build Relationships and Make People Care, by Shane Snow
A LinkedIn post from Aaron Neilson-Belman alerted me to this course, and I’m glad I took the time to explore it. I think you will, too!
Shane Snow is a journalist, entrepreneur, and author known for his storytelling and innovation expertise. While I’m not typically drawn to bestselling authors (I feel they repeat the same concepts, and their work can feel too polished for my taste), Snow manages to deliver insightful, practical lessons that explain why storytelling engages people and sells ideas.
Perfect for: brand designers, or anyone who feels their work lacks emotional connection.
What I like: Snow has mastered the art of persuasion and shows how to build relationships through stories. This is particularly valuable for UX designers, as it mirrors the user-centric principles we already embrace.
The extra mile: while this course won’t teach you how to tell stories, it clearly explains why storytelling works. Shane’s anecdotes, paired with actionable frameworks, provide a refreshing depth that’s hard to find in other courses.
Why Great Stories Build Relationships and Make People Care, by Shane Snow. The course explains why storytelling engages people and sells ideas.
Online Course 3: Communicate Your Ideas Through Storytelling and Design, by Google Skillshop
Short on time? I’ve got you covered! Or at least, Google Skillshop does with this free, bite-sized course.
Once you gain access (use your Google account or create one – it’s free) this course will show how to communicate ideas through the power of storytelling. Just 15 minutes long, it’s the perfect companion for your commute – or a rainy day!
Perfect for: the emphasis on visual communication feels tailor-made for UX designers.
What I like: this course offers practical tools, like storyboards, mind maps, and frameworks, that are easy to implement in everyday design projects.
The extra mile: Google’s expertise in user-centric communication shines through, ensuring that the lessons are not just theoretical but highly actionable.
Communicate Your Ideas Through Storytelling and Design, by Google Skillshop This course teaches you how to communicate ideas through the power of storytelling.
Last notes…
Free or paid-for, all resources require time and concentration. You could think of these courses as akin to watching a show on Netflix – only better, as they will infuse your work with new ideas!
On a final note, next week I will be travelling to Japan. I have already planned a Japanese edition of this newsletter (though, thankfully not written entirely in Japanese!). So stay ready, as there is a lot to learn from this incredible country :)
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