UX Designer is one of the most sought-after jobs nowadays. It’s true that it’s fulfilling, creative and gives you a high salary, but it also requires determination and hard work.
Did you ever think about what is it precisely that UX Designers do? To put it simply, they make sure that the programs, websites, apps, etc. are as easy as they can be for people, and give them the best user experience.
UX Designers are often confused with UI Designers, and even though they both have the same goal, which is to give you the best web experience, they are totally different. Think of it this way – if a program, a website or an app was a human body, the UX Designers would be responsible for the bones and muscles, while the UI Designers would be responsible for the skin.
If you want to know how to become a UX Designer, keep reading.
Be Sure
Before you start anything, you need to be sure that this is what you want to do. Do some research – find out what it exactly is that a UX Designer does, or what it means to be one. Becoming a UX Designer will not be easy, but it will definitely be worth it. And if your mind is set on doing, nothing will matter, and you’ll be able to achieve your goal by hard work.
Read Up
Before really getting into practical UX Designing, you need to learn a little bit of theory to have a good foundation. In the age of the Internet, finding resources is not difficult. Apart from traditional paper books that you can borrow from the library, the internet offers a variety of e-books, articles, blogs, and podcasts. And even though they will not give you any experience, they are a good source of knowledge for when you are just getting started. Remember – the theory is important.
Go Back To School
A lot of people who work as a UX Designer don’t have the degree or have one that is from another field. However, if you’re going to take the UX Design course, it’s going to give you an advantage. Usually, these degrees or courses, are taught by professionals, people who already work or worked in the field, which means that you can turn to them for help. But remember – UX Design is more about practical skills than a paper with a degree. Find a course that will combine both theoretical and practical classes.
Find A Mentor
A good choice would be to find someone who will act as your coach/mentor. They will be someone to whom you can talk to about all the things you are unsure of, and they can guide you in the right direction. However, in order to find that person, you need to become a part of the UX Designer community. Go to the local tech conferences, look through the internet – there are many options.
Gain Experience Without A Job
You may ask – But how can I do it? The answer is actually easy – offer your services for free. Maybe you know some company who has just started and doesn’t have the money to hire a professional, experienced UX Designer? Or perhaps there is a school in your area whose website looks like it hasn’t changed since the beginning of the internet? Both sides will benefit from this type of agreement. For you, it will mean more experience, a chance to test your skills and a new piece to add to your portfolio. For them, it means a new website that will attract more people, resulting in more clients or students. It’s a win-win!
Never Stop Learning
Even if you land a good-paying job and you feel like you are at the top of your career, it is important that you will never stop learning. UX Designer is a profession that will be around for several years. But the internet is changing. There are not only new tools, but user preferences and expectations are also changing. If you can, return the favor you were given – become someone’s mentor. After all, you were once in their position.
Conclusion
Becoming a UX Designer is difficult, but not impossible. If you have your mind set on it, there is nothing that you cannot achieve through hard work. Especially since most of the UX Designers don’t have a university degree. There is nothing you can’t learn, and following the steps listed above will help you in becoming a successful UX Designer. But remember – never stop your personal development.
