Do this to kickstart your UX UI career

Congratulations on choosing UX UI design as your career path! As many UX designers and career guides have mentioned, there is no single pathway to becoming a successful UX designer. This is why some people thrive while others struggle in this field. UX designers come from diverse backgrounds, including developers who have switched fields, individuals with art degrees, architects, and even people with entirely unrelated professions.

You have several options to kickstart your UX UI career, including self-learning, joining an online course, enrolling in a design school, or obtaining a master’s degree in UX design. However, determining which path to take and which is the best fit for you can be challenging due to the many available options. In this article, we will explore the process of becoming a UX designer without prior experience, the length of time required to become one, and the qualifications necessary to pursue this career path.

What exactly is UX/UI Design?

If you know what UX and UI are, you can skip this part. 

UX Design: User experience design, or UX design, is the process of creating products or services (digital or physical) with the objective of offering users an experience that is both fulfilling and satisfying.

UI Design: User interface design, or UI design, is the process of creating a visual layout for a digital product or service. It includes elements like buttons, checkboxes, text fields, etc.

Enroll in a UX/UI design course

To learn more deeply and practically about UX/UI, we can choose either of these ways: by joining an online course, enrolling in a design school, obtaining a degree in UX/UI design, or learning by yourself. Let’s discuss each of the options one by one.

Online Course

Aspira, Udemy, Coursera, etc. offer a collection of pre-recorded videos that refer to an online course. Compared to other learning methods, it offers a cost-effective option. However, the downside of an online course is the lack of guidance and the inability to seek clarifications from a mentor. Therefore, if you are new to UX/UI or uncertain about pursuing it as a career, taking an online course as a trial is recommended. Nonetheless, if you prefer a more hands-on and practical approach, an online course may not be the best option.

Enrolling in a Design School

The design school offers students a practical and hands-on approach to learning. It’s widely considered one of the most efficient ways to acquire knowledge about UX and UI. Most design school programs are relatively short, lasting anywhere from 3 to 6 months, and provide students with all the necessary skills to pursue a career in the field. This option is a great fit for many because there are programs that offer weekend or online classes, and in a design school, there is always a mentor available to guide and clarify any doubts. If you’re looking to learn UX/UI while working, attending a design school is the best option available.

Obtaining a degree in UX/UI

For those seeking to acquire a comprehensive and thorough understanding of UX and UI, obtaining a degree in the field is the optimal choice. However, the unfortunate reality is that only a limited number of universities offer such programs. The functioning of a university is a familiar concept, and if you are a recent graduate or in the process of selecting a university, pursuing a degree in UX/UI would be an excellent option for you. It provides a structured and in-depth approach to learning about the field and equips you with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the industry.

Self-Learning

Self-learning is a high-risk option for those seeking to learn about UX/UI. The advantages and disadvantages of this approach can vary greatly depending on the individual. To succeed in this pathway, one must possess a strong sense of self-discipline and a genuine passion for the field. While there are people who have taught themselves and have achieved great success in UX/UI, it is important to note that this approach requires a significant amount of dedication and focus.

If you believe in your ability to allocate time for learning and can resist procrastination, then self-learning might be a viable option for you. There are numerous websites and YouTube channels dedicated to teaching about UX and UI. However, it is important to keep in mind that without guidance, there will be no one to critique your work and provide feedback on any mistakes made. As a result, this approach is best suited for those with a basic understanding of UX/UI and a structured plan for achieving their learning goals.

Building Portfolio

Once you have decided on the best pathway for your needs, it is crucial to create a strong portfolio. A well-crafted portfolio is the key to landing your dream job. Be sure to include a diverse range of products and services, such as apps, watch interfaces, car dashboards, websites, and more. This will demonstrate to potential employers that you are capable of handling a variety of projects. There are several platforms where you can showcase your work, such as Dribble, Behance, LinkedIn, and even your own portfolio website. As you build your portfolio, focus on creating unique and valuable projects that are useful to real users. Approach your work with the mindset that you are working on a real project and strive to produce the highest quality output possible.

Conclusion

I hope you have gained insight into how to kickstart your UX/UI career. It’s important to remember that although attending a design school, completing an online course, obtaining a degree, or teaching yourself are all valuable methods, none of these guarantee a job. You must put in the effort to achieve success. Stay up-to-date with the latest trends in UX/UI, read books and articles, observe the work of senior designers, and continue learning. Have confidence in yourself and believe that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to, regardless of which path you choose to pursue.