We all had that moment where we wanted to become a UX designer, but we probably all took slightly different approaches to get to where we are today. Of course, that doesn’t exactly help all the aspiring UX designers out there.
While it’s true that there isn’t a set path towards living the UX dream, we all did two things – decided to make a change in our lives and started learning everything we could about UX design.
Instead of a step-by-step guide, this is a set of guidelines towards becoming the next great UX designer.
Be Willing To Be A Lifelong Learner
Even UX experts are still learning. It’s true. UX design isn’t a career that fits within a textbook. Instead, we have to keep learning with every project, every new trend and every random “I wonder how this will work” thought we have. Before you ask yourself if you want to become a UX designer, make sure you’re willing to become a lifelong learner. The two kind of go hand-in-hand.
Understand That Improvisation Is Key
It’s not about courses or degrees in the end – one of the most important things we need as UX designers is a knack for improvisation. Why? Every project is different and so are the needs of end-users. In fact, many of today’s UX designers actually fell into the field while tinkering around with other projects. The reason that UX keeps evolving so rapidly is because designers are constantly trying new things.
Take Courses To Learn The Technical Side
Okay, so we do need some technical skills before jumping into the improv part. After all, we have to know at least some web design basics and how to lay out a project. Some great ways to get those skills include:
- Taking relevant courses at a local community college
- Taking courses online (Udemy, Coursera, Lynda and any other course marketplaces)
- Learn from UX design experts, such as those on All You Can Learn
- Take specific courses from UX experts
Test Your Human Skills
Remember that we’re all supposed to have improv skills? The other most important skill is human skills. We’re not just UX designers. To become a UX designer, we all had to figure out how to empathize and understand the people we design for. After all, the success of a project ultimately boils down to how well the end-user likes it. If it’s not what they love, it just won’t work.
You Don’t Need A Degree
Technically, you don’t need a degree, but many of us hold a degree in some field. In a Nielson Norman Group study, 90% of UX designers had a degree, but it wasn’t always technology. Business and people skills degrees are also incredibly common. Even those with degrees still had to teach themselves how to apply their degrees to UX design and learn additional skills.
Some of us don’t have a degree, but we’re self taught. We took specific courses to learn what we needed and built upon it. So how does that translate to a job? It’s all about showcasing skills versus a college degree.
Start Small And Build A Portfolio
Yes, every UX designer has to prove their skills at some point. We might have the perfect degree, but if we can’t handle a real world project, what’s the point? As we learn new skills, we have to test them out, right? This is how portfolios are built. Whether we’re working on a website for a friend or trying our hands at a fun app, every time we get to test our skills, we have another project to show on our portfolios. Think of your portfolio as your UX design resume. Proof is always a great way to get the job you want.
Find A Mentor Or Community
Since the path to becoming a UX designer isn’t exactly set in stone, we need some help along the way. This is where mentors or a friendly community of UX designers and aspiring designers is incredibly helpful. As Invision App recommends, mentors don’t actually have to be designers. For instance, they could also help with people skills or another area that’s related to UX design.
Some great ways to find mentors include:
- Try the advice found in this helpful Quora thread (abundance of options)
- Search for meetups on Meetup
- Join UX design groups on LinkedIn
- Talk with experts in the UX Community on Slack
Having mentors is important for any career. If you want to become a UX designer, the best advice UX experts will give you is to just get started today. The sooner you start and begin practicing, the sooner you’ll become one of the experts that mentors future designers.
Images: Team UI8, Mitchell Orr, Jens Johnsson, Joshua Ness