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[title]Given how focused our world is on digital experiences, UX Designers are professionals who are in demand within nearly every industry. Everything from shopping online to checking your banking app before making a purchase revolves around the functionality of these digital platforms, and it’s UX Designers who are constantly researching and making updates to make sure every interaction is seamless for users. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the demand for UX and Digital Designers is only going to grow in the coming years, making now the ideal time to jump into a new career that allows for both creativity and technical expertise. This article will tell you everything you need to know about becoming a professional UX Designer, including all of the training you’ll need.
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What does a UX designer do?
The role of a UX Designer spans many tasks, but there’s one overall goal for these professionals: to make sure each and every user has a positive experience. However, there’s a lot in this career that goes on behind the scenes, including extensive research into products or digital services and how these items function. Research often examines which elements are working correctly and which are inhibiting the user from their ultimate goal. Without this important insight, companies would struggle to identify the best updates to make and would miss out on valuable insights into their consumers.
In addition to research, UX Designers may find themselves working on tasks like wireframing and prototyping. Essentially, a wireframe is a broad overview of what the final product will be (which can be anything from a website to a mobile app) and is crucial during the beginning stages of a new project. These eventually evolve into prototypes, which are more solid (and often interactive) versions of the anticipated final product that are used during testing.
The bridge between the research portion of this career and wireframing and prototyping lies in analysis and problem‑solving. This stage finds UX Designers taking their research results and sifting through the data to find what changes will make the biggest impact on the front end. Having the ability to think critically and determine the best ways to break down and tackle a problem is truly valuable when it comes to succeeding as a UX Designer.
Skills you need to excel in UX design
Given how vast the UX design field is, the skills needed to work as a designer span many disciplines. For example, one area of this role is conducting research on the interaction between the product and the user, meaning communication skills are key to working with consumers and interpreting their thoughts. UX Designers also use their communication skills to work with other creatives on projects, such as UI Designers and Web Developers. It can also be helpful to have visual design skills and an understanding of basic principles to help balance elements like colors, icons, and layouts. In addition to these skills, many UX Designers also find having basic coding knowledge of HTML and CSS and strong attention to detail to be vital in their overall professional success.
Best ways to start a new career in UX design
Learning UX design doesn’t have to feel monotonous or overwhelming with the proper preparation for the career transition. Taking the time to research the field as a whole and what different jobs do will help you make sure you’re pursuing the best role for your interests and long‑term goals. You’ll also want to spend time looking into different training programs to determine if you want to learn online or would prefer going to classes in person. Some schools even have certificate programs for veterans, meaning their service benefits can help offset the cost of training. Regardless of your goals, there are a few helpful steps you can take when becoming a UX Designer.
Complete a UX design certificate program
There are countless UX design training programs out there, but it can be difficult to sift through all the options to find one that works for your budget and learning style. You can opt for a quick one‑day course or even use free online resources to learn about UX design, but one of the best ways to gain a complete skill set that’s ready to take into a new career is by completing a certificate program. A certificate is a comprehensive training format that encompasses many areas of the field and provides a thorough learning experience to promote career readiness. Schools like Noble Desktop in NYC are known for their in‑depth programs, such as the UX & UI Design Certificate, that teach students different research methodologies and how to work with programs like Figma.
There are also helpful guides on the top UX design classes in NYC and online for remote learners, which feature some of the most up-to-date class listings and providers teaching UX design. You can use these guides as a way to research available UX bootcamps and to reach out to providers directly for more information.
Build a portfolio that highlights your skills
In addition to taking classes, building a portfolio that highlights your unique strengths as a UX Designer is an excellent way to gain traction in the field. It’s easy to list your experience, both educational and professional, but having a visual representation of your abilities is what often sets designers apart from one another. Some common platforms designers use to showcase their work are Behance, Squarespace, and Dribbble, though some prefer to use WordPress as a way to truly customize their portfolio. There’s no right or wrong way to build a portfolio, but having a blend of professional and passion projects represented can give potential clients a well-rounded overview of your abilities.
Some common things that many professionals include in their portfolios include:
- User interfaces that they have participated in designing
- Assets they created for digital interfaces
- Surveys they have designed
- Focus group reports and other data collection
- Visualizations created using data
- Evidence of revisions to designs that resulted from your contributions
Gain exposure by freelancing
Another helpful way to not only gain experience working as a UX Designer as a beginner but also be able to network within the industry is by freelancing. This is a flexible way to dip your toes into what working with clients is like without having to jump right into a full-time position, especially if you’re just starting out and want to build a portfolio before interviewing for more advanced roles. There are platforms dedicated to hosting design freelancers so they can market their services, with some of the most prominent in the field being Toptal and Upwork. Working as a freelancer also gives you complete control over the work you take on and allows you to focus on projects you’re truly interested in.
Keep practicing to build skills
Building on freelancing, UX Designers both working in full-time roles and those just starting should always set aside time weekly to work on building their skills. The design industry is constantly evolving, and trends move quickly, meaning that designers who stay engaged with the changes will have an arsenal of tools in their professional kits. Join online communities dedicated to UX to communicate with other like-minded designers and take advantage of the plethora of free resources available. You should always reference the most current resources, as some free ones may be outdated, but they can be helpful for learning the fundamentals that remain the same over time. Schools like Noble Desktop offer free seminars on their YouTube channel, which can be incredibly helpful for designers looking to improve their work.