If I Started UI/UX Design in 2024, I'd Do This! | Saptarshi Prakash

Summary

This video script is a comprehensive guide for aspiring UX designers starting their journey in 2024. It covers the basics of UI/UX, free online courses, mastering design tools like Figma, building a portfolio, finding clients, and setting competitive rates. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of staying updated with design trends, leveraging AI tools, and honing communication skills for success in the design industry.

Takeaways

• 🚀 Start with the basics: Learn the fundamentals of UI/UX design, including elements like research, wireframing, and prototyping, as well as design principles and terminologies.
• 📚 Utilize free resources: There are free courses online, such as those by Great Learning Academy and Accenture, which offer certificates and cover the essentials of UX design.
• 🛠️ Master design tools: Figma is recommended as the primary design tool due to its flexibility and accessibility across different devices and operating systems.
• 🔧 Learn through practice: Engage in passion projects and redesign existing apps or websites to hone your skills and showcase your abilities on platforms like Medium, Behance, and Dribbble.
• 💼 Build a strong portfolio: Include case studies that demonstrate your design process and decision-making, which are crucial for potential employers to understand your design thinking.
• 🔎 Know your job type: Be clear about whether you want remote or on-site opportunities, and whether you prefer startups or established companies, before choosing the right platforms to find jobs.
• 🌐 Apply on relevant platforms: Use platforms like AngelList for startup jobs and Upwork or Fiverr for freelance gigs to find your first client or job in UX design.
• 💰 Set competitive rates: Research market rates and adjust your pricing accordingly, ensuring you value your skills without under or overcharging.
• 🤝 Improve negotiation skills: Use polite but assertive approaches when negotiating rates, and keep the conversation open for further discussion.
• 🆕 Stay updated with trends: Learn about current design trends to make your work visually appealing and user-friendly, such as 3D design, minimalism, and bentor box.
• 🤖 Embrace AI tools: Utilize AI to enhance your design process, from generating illustrations with tools like Mid Journey to optimizing interfaces with AI plugins in Figma.
• 🗣️ Develop communication skills: Effective communication is vital for working with clients, developers, and other departments, ensuring your design vision is well-received and implemented.

Q & A

Why is the UX design industry rapidly growing?

The UX design industry is growing because companies across various industries recognize the importance of user-friendly products. Good UX design helps retain users on platforms longer and encourages the purchase of goods or services, which is essential for business growth.

What is the average salary of a UX designer in India according to the script?

According to the script, the average salary of a UX designer in India is around 10 lakh per annum, which equates to approximately 83,000 rupees per month.

What are some free resources mentioned in the script for learning the basics of UX design?

The script mentions two free resources: a course by Great Learning Academy that covers the overall process of UX with wireframing and prototyping tutorials, and another course by Accenture hosted on the Future Learning platform that covers the fundamentals of UX and visual design basics.

Why is Figma recommended as a design tool for UX designers?

Figma is recommended because it works seamlessly on any device with a web browser, making it accessible to a wide range of designers and teams. It also offers flexibility and is used by most designers.

How can a beginner learn to use Figma according to the script?

A beginner can learn Figma by going through its own playlist on the Figma YouTube channel, which explains the tool and its features through a rough approximation of the design process. There are also playlists about Auto Layouts and speeding up the design workflow.

What is the importance of building a strong portfolio for a UX designer?

A strong portfolio is essential for landing a UX design job as it showcases the designer's skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. It should include case studies that explain the design decisions, demonstrating the designer's thought process and ability to solve new problems.

How can a designer find their first client or job according to the script?

Designers can find their first client or job by creating profiles on platforms like Wound.com for startups or Upwork and Fiverr for freelance gigs. They can also search for jobs that match their preferences and apply accordingly.

What are some tips for setting rates as a beginner UX designer?

Beginners should research market rates to ensure they are not overcharging or underpricing their services. They should also be prepared to adjust their rates as they gain experience and work on improving their negotiation skills.

Why is it important for a UX designer to stay updated with industry trends?

Staying updated with industry trends is important because it helps designers make their work more visually appealing, engaging, and user-friendly, which are key to standing out in the competitive design industry.

How can AI tools help a UX designer in their workflow?

AI tools can help UX designers by providing personalized experiences, automating tasks, and offering intelligent recommendations. They can assist with tasks such as generating illustrations, optimizing user interfaces for accessibility, and creating user personas.

What is the significance of communication skills for a UX designer?

Effective communication skills are crucial for a UX designer as they enable them to explain their ideas clearly, collaborate with various departments, and translate their vision into reality, ultimately creating products that users love.