If I started UX in 2025, I’d do this.

Summary

In this video, Aliena shares essential steps for aspiring UX designers to maximize their chances of success. She emphasizes the importance of learning UI design first, practicing wireframing, and gradually moving to high-fidelity mockups. Aliena also highlights the value of gaining real-world experience, networking, and developing a personal brand. Additionally, she advises focusing on the business side of product design and the need for accountability throughout the learning process. With practical tips and insights, this guide offers a comprehensive roadmap for launching a successful UX design career.

Takeaways

• 😀 Start with learning UI design as the foundation before diving into UX design. This will help you design great user experiences.
• 😀 Don’t get too attached to the 'UX Designer' title – many companies use 'Product Designer' instead.
• 😀 Begin learning Figma by creating wireframes of digital products, and then move into high-fidelity mockups to master UI design.
• 😀 Learn the basics of prototyping in Figma, including components, Auto Layout, and Design Systems.
• 😀 Study the double diamond process for UX design, but understand that real-world practices might differ from theoretical methods.
• 😀 Choose smaller, business-driven projects for personal work, like adding a feature to an existing product, instead of large, unrealistic projects.
• 😀 Build accountability by finding study partners or enrolling in a course to stay motivated.
• 😀 Networking is key to landing your first client project, as it's often more effective than applying on job boards.
• 😀 Personal branding is important; share your failures, successes, and learnings to help others and build a following.
• 😀 Learn sales and pitching skills to offer your design services effectively to potential clients.
• 😀 Focus on professional packaging – build a solid resume, portfolio, and leverage referrals to increase job opportunities.

Q & A

What is the first step in learning UX design?

The first step is learning the basics of UI design. It’s important to master UI design as it serves as the foundation for UX design.

Why should someone interested in UX design start with learning UI design?

UI design is crucial for designing a great user experience because it focuses on how a product looks and feels. Without a strong understanding of UI design, your UX designs might not align with your intended user experience.

What is a wireframe in the context of UX design?

A wireframe is a simple, low-fidelity visual representation of a digital product, often consisting of basic shapes and text. It helps to outline the structure and layout of the product without worrying about finer details like colors.

How can Figma be used for learning UX design?

Figma is an essential tool for both wireframing and creating high-fidelity mockups. Start by creating wireframes, then move on to detailed mockups, exploring tools like alignment and prototype features to refine designs.

What is the Double Diamond process in UX design?

The Double Diamond process is a design methodology that breaks down the UX design process into four phases: Discover, Define, Develop, and Deliver. It's important to learn research methods for each phase and understand that the process is flexible in real-world applications.

What common mistakes should be avoided when learning UX design?

Common mistakes include focusing only on UX design without enough UI or product design knowledge, selecting overly ambitious personal projects (like designing entire apps), taking the UX process too literally, and lacking accountability structures for self-study.

Why is networking important when trying to secure your first UX design project?

Networking is crucial because most people get their first project through connections, rather than applying cold through job portals like LinkedIn. Building relationships and leveraging communities can significantly increase your chances of finding opportunities.

What is personal branding in the context of UX design, and why is it important?

Personal branding involves sharing your personal experiences, including both successes and failures, to help others learn. It’s a way to build trust and visibility in the industry, making it easier to attract clients and job opportunities.

How does focusing on product design complement UX design?

Product design is broader than UX design and involves understanding business needs and aligning design decisions with market demands. Learning product design helps ensure that your projects are commercially viable and make sense from a business perspective.

What is the role of accountability when self-studying UX design?

Accountability is essential when self-studying because it helps you stay on track and motivated. Having accountability partners or setting clear goals ensures you follow through on your learning and avoid distractions.