New technologies are rapidly developed and the need for well-designed means that there is a growing demand for UX designers. The job not only includes the visual layer anymore but the functional one as well.
UX, or user experience, is very important and the job of the UX designer is to find solutions that are simple, useful, and easy to understand so that to design a website or a mobile application that will be comfortable for the user. The UX designer not only takes care of the business requirements but also aims to create products that will solve the user problems and help them use the website or application as easy as possible.
The job of a UX designer usually includes several responsibilities, including conducting UX research, desktop research, and analysis, creation of functional requirements, analysis of business and user needs, creation of information architecture, wireframes, and user flows, and creation of prototypes and mockups.
If you want to become a UX designer, you are probably wondering where to start. It will depend on whether you have some existing experience or are a complete beginner. But overall, here are the best resources on how to become a UX designer.
Studies
It is not mandatory to go to university to become a UX designer but it will provide vast and well-structured knowledge. It is a good starting point to meet people from the design industry, gain useful experience, and start building your UX portfolio. You should consider a degree in Design, Programming, Cognitive Science, Architecture, Sociology, or Psychology as a starting point for your UX career.
Workshops and courses
Courses and workshops are a good complement to online books or university studies. It is one of the most effective methods to learn especially when it comes to conducting research or teamwork.
Online courses and seminars
Udemy and Coursera are two of the most popular and valuable platforms where you will find design courses of the highest quality. There are free and paid courses which include materials and videos. Other good options include courses from Norman Nielsen Group and the Interaction Design Foundation.
Books
A great way to gain theoretical knowledge you can use for building your UX portfolio. Some of the best books for beginners in UX design include The design of everyday Things by Don Norman, Don’t make me think by Steve Krug, UX strategy. How to devise innovative digital products that people want by Jaime Levy, Information Architecture for the World Wide Web by Peter Morville and Louis Rosenfeld, and Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman.
Podcasts
A popular way to learn a lot about design content. Some great podcasts include UX Podcast, Wireframe (from Adobe), What is wrong with UX, and Google Design Podcasts.
YouTube videos
YouTube channels are a great alternative to listening and reading and a good resource to learn a lot about design, UX basics, and how to become a UX designer. Check out the channels of Google Design, Norman Nielsen Group, Invision, Intercom, and Conversions.
Articles
There are many websites with plenty of useful articles you can read to learn more about building your UX portfolio, understanding user experience, and becoming a UX designer. Some of the most popular websites include Smashing Magazine, Medium.com, Nielsen Norman Group, UX Booth, UX Collective, and Cognitive UXD.
UX communities on Slack and Quora
These communities are a great way to solve specific problems or find answers to any questions or issues you might be facing. You can also ask other designers on how to start your career, find inspiration, or ask for feedback on your UX projects.
