How to become a UX/UI Designer being from different backgrounds?
Starting a career in UX/UI design can be a real tough journey, especially if you don’t have a background in design. I totally get it, I was in the same boat not too long ago. But let me tell you, with the right attitude and approach, anyone can become a kickass UX/UI designer.
So, what exactly is UX/UI design? In a nutshell, it’s all about creating products that are easy to use, efficient, and enjoyable for the user. UX (user experience) design is the process of figuring out how the product should function, while UI (user interface) design is all about how it looks. Together, they make up the overall look and feel of a product.
Now, if you’re not a designer, you might be thinking “Great, just another thing to add to my plate.” But don’t worry, I’m here to help. Here are some tips to help you start your journey as a UX/UI designer:
- Learn the basics of design: Even if you don’t have a background in design, you can still learn the basics. Start by learning about color theory, typography, and layout. These are fundamental concepts that will be used in all aspects of design. Take some online courses, read some books, or even try to follow some design tutorials. There are so many resources available to help you learn the basics.
- Get to know your users: One of the most important aspects of UX/UI design is understanding the needs of the user. Start by researching your target audience, and try to get a sense of their goals, pain points, and needs. This is crucial in creating a design that is tailored to the user’s needs and preferences. Try to conduct user research, conduct interviews, surveys or even conduct usability testing to understand your users better.
- Try your hand at design tools: There are many design tools available, such as Adobe XD, Figma, and Sketch. Start by learning the basics of these tools and experimenting with different design concepts. It’s important to understand how to use these design tools effectively as they will be your main tools in your day-to-day work as a designer.
- Learn from others: There are many resources available to help you learn about UX/UI design. Follow designers on social media, read blogs and articles, and attend design conferences. Try to learn from other designers and take inspiration from their work. Learn from their failures and successes and try to apply that to your own work.
- Practice, practice, practice: The most important thing you can do is practice. The more you design, the more you’ll learn, and the better you’ll become. Try to design as many projects as you can, whether it’s for a client or just for practice. Try different design challenges and try to push yourself out of your comfort zone.
- Get a mentor: Having a mentor can be extremely helpful in your journey as a designer. A mentor can provide guidance, feedback, and support as you navigate the field. They can also help you to connect with other professionals in the industry and give you valuable advice on how to advance in your career.
Starting a career in UX/UI design can be a real tough journey, but with the right attitude and approach, anyone can become a kickass designer. Remember to keep learning, practicing, and always keep the user in mind. Trust me, it’s totally worth it in the end. It’s a challenging journey, but with hard work and perseverance, you can achieve your goal of becoming a successful designer.