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

Summary

In this insightful video, a seasoned product designer shares their unconventional journey into UX design, highlighting essential skills and knowledge for aspiring designers. They emphasize the importance of user research, empathy, and understanding psychology over mere visual design. The designer suggests practical steps for beginners, including leveraging design tools like Figma, learning through existing apps, and building a portfolio based on user feedback. They also recommend networking and seeking help from experienced professionals to navigate the industry successfully. Overall, the video serves as a motivational guide for those looking to transition into UX design without formal qualifications.

Takeaways

• 🎨 Start with foundational design principles learned from experiences like family businesses.
• 📚 A business degree can provide useful knowledge for product design, such as market research and competitor analysis.
• 🔍 UX design goes beyond UI design; it involves understanding user needs through research and empathy.
• 👵 User research is crucial to design, but beginners may need to focus on learning basic design principles first.
• ⚖️ Familiarize yourself with UX laws and principles, such as the aesthetic usability effect and Hick's law.
• 💻 Choose a design platform (like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD) and master it, as proficiency is often required by employers.
• 🖼️ Create portfolio pieces by redesigning existing apps based on user reviews to gain practical experience.
• 🛒 Identify daily frustrations to inspire personal project ideas, turning challenges into design opportunities.
• 🤝 Networking is essential; seek advice and feedback from experienced designers to enhance your growth.
• 📅 Attend local UX design events to build connections and discover job opportunities in your area.

Q & A

What initial experience did the speaker have that influenced their design career?

The speaker's initial experience in design came from their family's tattoo studio, where they learned basic design principles and client communication.

How does the speaker differentiate between UI and UX design?

UI design focuses on the visual aspects of a product, such as the layout and buttons, while UX design encompasses a broader scope, including user research and the overall experience of using the software.

What educational background did the speaker have that contributed to their career?

The speaker pursued a business degree that provided foundational knowledge in general product design, market research, and competitor analysis, all of which are helpful in their current role.

What are some key components of UX design mentioned by the speaker?

Key components of UX design include user personas, success mapping, user testing, affinity mapping, competitor analysis, feature prioritization, and service blueprinting.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of user research?

User research is critical because it helps designers understand the needs of different user demographics and ensures that the design is functional and meets the user's context.

What practical steps does the speaker recommend for beginners in UX design?

Beginners should familiarize themselves with design principles, learn to use design platforms like Figma or Sketch, create redesigns of existing apps based on user reviews, and build a portfolio.

What resources does the speaker suggest for learning UX design principles?

The speaker recommends the Laws of UX website and the M3 website for understanding key design principles and components.

How can networking benefit someone trying to break into UX design?

Networking allows individuals to seek advice from experienced designers, receive feedback on their portfolios, and learn about job opportunities, which can enhance their chances of securing a position in the field.

What mindset does the speaker encourage for those transitioning into UX design?

The speaker encourages embracing the learning process and accepting that it's normal to feel like a beginner. Persistence and willingness to learn are essential for success.

What role do online resources play in the design process according to the speaker?

Online resources provide access to icons, stock photos, and design templates that can be used in projects, allowing designers to focus on learning and creativity instead of starting from scratch.