This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by DEV Community
Introduction
There is no set road to becoming a UI UX designer, as most UI UX designers would tell you. Some designers have arts degrees, while others have attended architecture school, and yet some have come from completely different fields. Many designers have entered the field without any formal training, but with genuine empathy for others and the belief that design can improve people's lives.
However, finding an entry-level UI UX job is difficult, and many newcomers may be confused by the interchangeability of design concepts such as UX and UI. Let's take a short glance at the two terms below before digging deeper into starting a career in UI UX.
What is UI UX Design?
UX Design (User Experience Design) - The goal of UX is to improve user experience and create usability better. To discover and address real user problems, UX requires a thorough understanding of society, psychology, and design. In addition, tactical abilities like concept iteration, user research, prototyping, and usability testing are required. Communication is one of the most vital capabilities for UX designers.
UI Design (User Interface Design) -Text fields, buttons, checkboxes, and drop-down lists are just a few of the interface elements that may be used to build actual interfaces that users can understand and use. In small businesses, UI designers may handle the entire process, from user flows through high-fidelity mockups; in larger businesses, they are more likely to focus on designing the app or website's look. (that's what we call "Sketch" or "Wireframing").
How to get started with UI UX and become a UI UX Designer?
There's no need to follow in the footsteps of others; instead, consider the following tips for individuals considering a career in UX design.
1. Research what UX and UI Design are and see if it's what you really want to do
In general, becoming a UX or UI Designer is a terrific career, but before you invest hours of effort and possibly money into it, do some study into what UX and UI Designers do, the distinctions between them, and so on to see if it's something you want to commit to.
2. Figure out what skills/strengths you already have and how that can play into UX and UI Design
Even if you come from a completely different field, you most likely already possess certain talents that can be used in UX/UI Design. Do you, for example, enjoy pondering how things around you may be made better? Do you enjoy drawing or photographing? Are you an expert in data and analysis?
All of these abilities or interests can contribute to your success as a UX/UI Designer, so don't discount your previous work experience or education just because it isn't directly relevant!
3. Make a plan for learning design fundamentals
While you don't have to necessarily go back to school and invest a lot of money and time to acquire a formal degree, you can devise a strategy to study things like design processes, various tools and outputs, and abilities like wireframing and prototyping, etc.
For those of you that are great organizers and tremendously self-motivated, you can curate content yourself from around the web and learn everything on your own. You can enroll yourself in the free UI UX design course and also get your hands on a free certificate. The course entails lessons in which you learn about design fundamentals, and hands-on projects in which you get to learn by doing.
4. Work on projects
Be careful to do as many projects as you can, whether you're attending a class or learning on your own (you'll need them for your portfolio). Taking a look around you and seeing what you can change is the simplest way to come up with a project idea. Is there a website or app that you enjoy but believe could be better? To gain some solid practice, turn it into a project and go through the complete design process.
For example, suppose someone came up with the concept for an injection reminder mobile app while waiting for injection and hearing others gripe about how they always forget to come in for their injections or many more such incidents can pop up new ideas which you can implement and take advantage of.
5. Practice design
Aside from projects, practice design anytime you have the opportunity! Continue to experiment with and learn new tools such as Sketch, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator. Find some internet tutorials and practice making some cool and cute items.
If you have the time, learn HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, which are front-end programming languages.
6. Make a portfolio
If you want to work in the design industry, you'll need a portfolio to show off your work and introduce yourself to potential employers.
You can get away with a simple and uncomplicated portfolio that focuses on your work and design process if you are solely focused on UX. Spend some time developing your personal brand and ensuring that everything looks amazing if you want to work in UI at all.
For instance, you can create a portfolio using Webflow and the Valentino theme, or you can create one according to your needs. Webflow is the greatest option if you know HTML and CSS because it allows for far more customization than other sites like Squarespace or Wix.
7. Build your presence online
In addition to your portfolio, maintain your LinkedIn profile (or create one if you don't already have one) and participate in social media sites like Twitter, Dribble, and Behance. Follow people you admire, tweet about design, discuss relevant articles, and post work to share with the design community. These are all fantastic places to get your name out there and join the internet design community!
8. Write blogs
To share your ideas, start composing blog posts. It's also a good approach for employers to get a sense of your tone and thought process. Don't be scared to discuss your projects or anything else that interests you.
9. Stay up to date on design news and trends
There are numerous fantastic websites where you may read about tech news, design trends, ideas, and so on. UX Magazine, Smashing Magazine, and UX Booth are among the most popular sites.
10. Reach out to designers and people in the community
Begin forming connections with designers whose work you appreciate or people who work for companies where you'd like to work. Find their email address and write a nice note inquiring about their work and inviting them to meet for coffee or a brief discussion. Although not everyone will respond, I am confident that many will be eager to converse with you and share their knowledge!
12. Ask for feedback (and learn from them)
Negative feedback, contrary to popular assumptions, can be far more beneficial than positive input. It can assist you in developing as a designer, improving your talents, and creating better goods.
Learn to seek out and accept unfavorable design input, then use it to better your work. Post your work to Dribbble and ask for feedback; the community is eager to assist.
Finally, negative criticism might be one of the most beneficial aspects of your design career. Just keep in mind that you don't have to remodel all of your skills right first. Attempting to improve by one percent every day will result in continuous development toward success.
Conclusion
Now you have a better consideration about how to approach the industry of UI/UX. These steps above are not laidback or easy, but definitely feasible.
This was ample information about the ways you can get started with UI UX Designs. You can also visit Great Learning for various courses (free courses/paid courses) related to UI UX.
Stay bold, brave, and curious!
All the best to you in conquering the new heights and have a Great Learning!!!
This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by DEV Community
DEV Community | Sciencx (2022-02-25T06:36:37+00:00) Getting started with UI UX Design. Retrieved from https://www.scien.cx/2022/02/25/getting-started-with-ui-ux-design/
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