How to Become a UX Designer from Scratch: Where to Start Learning?

Posted on 3/30/2023, 5:08:49 PM

User experience (UX) design is a rapidly growing field that offers great career opportunities for those who have the skills and knowledge to succeed. However, starting a career in UX design can be a daunting task, especially if you have no prior experience or knowledge of the field. In this article, we will explore the steps you can take to become a UX designer from scratch and where to start learning.

1. Online Courses and Tutorials Online courses and tutorials are a great way to learn UX design from scratch. There are many options available, ranging from free to paid, and covering a wide range of topics. Some popular platforms for online learning include:

• Udemy: Udemy offers a wide range of courses on UX design, from beginner to advanced levels. One popular course is "User Experience Design Fundamentals" by Joe Natoli, which covers the basics of UX design and the design process.
• Skillshare: Skillshare is another popular platform for online learning. It offers courses on a variety of topics, including UX design. One popular course is "User Experience Design Essentials" by Jeff Humble, which covers user research, prototyping, and usability testing.
• Coursera: Coursera offers courses from top universities and organizations around the world. One popular course is "Introduction to User Experience Design" by Georgia Tech, which covers the basics of UX design and the design process.

2. UX Design Books Books are a great resource for learning UX design. They provide in-depth knowledge and insights that can be difficult to find in online courses or tutorials. Some popular UX design books include:

• Don't Make Me Think by Steve Krug: This book is a classic in the UX design world. It covers the basics of usability and user-centered design, and provides practical tips for creating intuitive and easy-to-use digital products.
• The Elements of User Experience by Jesse James Garrett: This book provides a comprehensive overview of the UX design process, from user research to prototyping and testing. It also covers the different elements that make up a great user experience, such as information architecture and visual design.
• Designing for Interaction by Dan Saffer: This book covers the basics of interaction design, including designing for different types of interfaces, creating effective feedback systems, and designing for mobile devices.

3. Online Communities Online communities are a great way to connect with other designers, get feedback on your work, and learn from others. Some popular online communities for UX designers include:

• UX Mastery: This community offers a range of resources for UX designers, including forums, articles, and courses. It's a great place to connect with other designers and get feedback on your work.
• UX Design: This community has over 100,000 members and is a great place to share your work, get feedback, and learn from others. It also offers job postings and resources for finding work in UX design.
• UX Designers: This community is focused on connecting UX designers with each other and with potential employers. It offers job postings, resources, and a forum for discussing UX design topics.

4. Design Challenges Design challenges are a great way to practice your skills and get feedback from other designers. Some popular design challenges for UX designers include:

• Daily UI Challenge: This challenge provides a new design prompt every day for 100 days. It's a great way to practice your design skills and get feedback from other designers.
• UX Design Challenge: This challenge provides a new design prompt every week, focusing on different aspects of UX design such as user research and prototyping. It's a great way to practice your skills and learn new techniques.

5. Conferences and Workshops Conferences and workshops are a great way to learn about the latest trends and technologies in UX design, as well as network with other designers and potential employers. Some popular UX design conferences and workshops include:

• UXPA International Conference: This conference is focused on user experience and provides opportunities to learn from industry leaders, network with other designers, and attend workshops and talks on a variety of topics related to UX design.
• Interaction Design Foundation: IDF offers online courses, workshops, and conferences on a variety of topics related to UX design. It's a great resource for learning new skills and connecting with other designers.

In addition to these resources, it's important to practice your skills and build a portfolio of work that showcases your abilities as a UX designer. This can include creating wireframes and prototypes for digital products, conducting user research and usability testing, and designing user interfaces that are intuitive and easy to use.

When building your portfolio, it's important to focus on the quality of your work rather than the quantity. Choose a few projects that showcase your best work and provide insights into your design process. Be sure to highlight your contributions to each project, such as the research you conducted, the prototypes you created, and the user feedback you received.

Finally, networking is an important part of becoming a successful UX designer. Attend local meetups and events, connect with other designers on LinkedIn and other social media platforms, and be open to mentorship opportunities. Building relationships with other designers and industry leaders can help you stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies in UX design, and can also lead to job opportunities and other career advancements.

In conclusion, becoming a UX designer from scratch requires a combination of learning, practice, and networking. By leveraging the resources available online, practicing your skills, building a portfolio, and networking with other designers, you can develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this exciting and growing field. So start learning today and take the first step towards a rewarding career in UX design!

For more design advice, book a call with a mentor at mentordial.com.