How I'd learn UX Design (if I could start over)

Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Start Learning UX Design

1. Understand the Background:

• The journey into UX design can stem from various experiences. In this case, the individual initially aspired to be a tattoo artist, which taught them basic design principles and client communication skills.
• Transitioning into a business degree provided a foundation in product design, market research, and competitor analysis, which are valuable skills in the tech industry.

2. Differentiate UI and UX Design:

• UI Design: Focuses on the visual aspects of a product, such as the appearance of buttons, icons, and color palettes.
• UX Design: Involves research to determine user needs, create user experiences, and ensure usability of the software.

3. Importance of User Research:

• User research is crucial in understanding how different demographics interact with software, ensuring usability for all users.
• Learning about user research is essential for aspiring UX designers, as it forms the foundation of design decisions.

4. Start with Learning UX Principles:

• Explore the Laws of UX website to understand fundamental design principles that guide user experience decisions.
• Concepts like the Aesthetic Usability Effect and Hick's Law provide insights into user behavior and decision-making in design.

5. Consider Course Career for Learning:

• Course Career offers courses to help individuals start a career in UX design without prior experience or a degree.
• The courses cover essential skills, portfolio building, networking, and job search strategies in the tech industry.

6. Practice Design Platforms:

• Familiarize yourself with design platforms like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD, commonly used by UX designers.
• Start with tutorials to understand the functionalities of these platforms and choose one that suits your preferences.

7. Create Design Projects:

• Practice by replicating existing app designs in your chosen platform to understand the design process.
• Analyze app reviews to identify user pain points and propose design improvements based on user feedback.

8. Build a Portfolio:

• Develop portfolio pieces by redesigning existing apps or creating designs for personal projects that address real-world frustrations.
• Showcase your problem-solving skills and creativity through your design projects.

9. Learn from the Design Community:

• Engage with the design community to learn from experienced designers, access design resources, and gather inspiration for your projects.
• Utilize online platforms like Figma Community, Flat Icon, and Pixels for design assets and resources.

10. Seek Guidance and Feedback:

• Don't hesitate to ask for help and seek feedback from experienced designers to improve your skills.
• Build connections on professional platforms like LinkedIn, reach out to designers for advice, and learn from their experiences.

11. Persist and Adapt:

• Embrace the learning process, be open to feedback, and persist through challenges in your journey to becoming a UX designer.
• Remember that UX design is a skill that can be learned at any stage of life, regardless of background or experience.

By following these steps, you can embark on your journey to learning UX design and building a successful career in the tech industry. Good luck on your UX design endeavors!