UX Design - Mentor & Author.
14 Jun, 2023
If you’re interested to join a UX/UI design school, or if you’re going to attend your first class in design school, you might be wondering how to prepare or what to do. We’ve compiled a list of things to do and know before starting on your UX learning journey.
Know what is UX UI Design:
Many of us may have entered the world of UX/UI design thinking that it was all about making visually appealing apps and resolving user issues. But this is not the sole process we undertake. As an example, consider an iceberg. What everyone sees, the tip of the iceberg known as UI is only the tip of the iceberg. Underneath, there is a lot of activity, including research, wireframing, prototyping, testing, and other activities that comprise the realm of UX.
To learn more about the field of UX. It’s a good idea to find out what UX means, how it’s different from UI. The different job titles that come under the UX category. You can do this by either watching videos or reading articles about it.
Establish connections with the graduates of the design school where you are about to enroll:
When considering enrolling in a design school, keep in mind that it’s a major investment of both time and finances. To ensure that you have thorough understanding of the education you’ll receive it’s recommended that you gather information about the school’s teaching style and curriculum. Talking to alumni can give you a clearer picture and help you make a better decision. LinkedIn is the optimal platform for connecting with graduates from your desired design school. Being a part of this professional network provides valuable access to updates and developments in the field of UX. If you are not already a member of LinkedIn. It is strongly advised that you create an account and actively engage in this thriving community to expand your network and stay informed
Create a roadmap of how you’ll complete your UX UI design school journey:
Upon enrolling in a design school, you’ll be immersed in a wide range of activities, including user research, persona creation, wireframing, and much more. The months will fly by so quickly that, before you know it, Your course will have come to an end. Having a well-structured plan can greatly help in your successful completion of the course. Consider including elements such as the number of case studies you are going to do, the mini projects you will undertake, the tools you will master, how you will showcase your portfolio (be it on Behance or through a standalone website), and a realistic timeline for finishing each case study. If you’re a working professional, tailor your plan to fit your lifestyle. The small investment of 10 to 20 minutes in creating a plan can bring significant improvements to your journey. So take the time to create a comprehensive plan.
Read books and articles about UX UI design.
One of the common oversights among us is neglecting to read about the field of UX/UI. While it’s relatively straightforward to learn design tools such as Figma, Adobe XD, etc. Through practical experience and tutorials, you can only gain a deeper understanding of the terminology, laws, and past Trends in UX design Books like “The Laws of UX,” “The Design of Everyday Things,” and “The Hooked” are great resources. There’s also an abundance of articles available on Medium that can help increase your UX knowledge 10x. Choose a book or article that you are curious about and start reading today.
Be Prepared
Get ready for your next big milestone in life by being open to learning from your mistakes, attending every class, and having the confidence to ask questions when you have doubts or feel something is incorrect. Despite any obstacles that may arise, always believe in yourself and never give up.
Conclusion
You should now have a better idea of where to start in UX design school. But it’s not just about joining a design school; that doesn’t make you a full-fledged UX/UI designer; there are a lot more things to do. You have to solve real user problems and make real users’ experiences easier and richer. The design school only tells you the path to take and where to go, but you are the one who is going to go down that path; no one is coming to push you. If you find any difficulties, share them with your classmates or with the tutors, but don’t expect a lot from them. You are the one who knows you best.
All the best.
Happy Designing