UX designers work at the intersection of technology, psychology and design, to create solutions that are not only functional, but also provide users with pleasure to use. From the technical side of mobile apps to the functionality of e-commerce websites, UX designers have a direct impact on the way interactive products are perceived and used by their end users.
Are you wondering how to start a career in this fast-growing industry? Have you ever wondered what skills and experience are necessary to become an effective UX designer? In this article, we will provide concrete and practical answers to these questions, helping you set the stage for embarking on a rewarding career in UX design.
What skills do you need to work as a UX designer?
A key aspect of the process of becoming a UX Designer is acquiring the right skills that are necessary to work effectively in this role. In the context of “How to become a UX Designer”, it is important to understand and develop the following competencies:
- Knowledge of User Experience: It is fundamental to understand the processes and techniques of user research, including mapping the user's journey, creating personas and scenarios, as well as modeling information. Understanding these aspects will help in creating productive interactions and user-friendly interfaces.
- Design principles and proficiency in tools: It is essential to know the fundamental principles of design, such as visual hierarchy, typography or color. Equally important is proficiency in using design tools such as Sketch, Adobe XD, Figma, etc.
- Research skills: A UX designer must be able to conduct research that will help understand the target users. These studies may include interviews, surveys, usability tests, and analysis of analytical data.
- Prototyping and usability testing: A key element of the UX design process is creating interactive prototypes that can be tested on users. Usability testing helps designers understand how users will use the product, which in turn informs the need for further development and improvements.
- Interdisciplinary communication and the ability to collaborate: UX designers often work in team environments, which can include programmers, project managers, copywriters, and others. The ability to communicate effectively on these different levels is essential.
- Empathy and the ability to put the user first: The key to success in UX design is the ability to identify with users. By bringing empathy into the design process, UX designers are able to create products that are not only useful, but also meet the emotional and psychological needs of users.
These key skills are the foundation for anyone aspiring to the role of UX Designer. They require both technical understanding and the ability to think empathically and user-centred.
How to get your first experience as a UX designer and start your career?
Starting a career as a UX Designer, especially without direct experience, can seem difficult. Nevertheless, there are some strategic steps that can speed up this process and help you gain your first experience.
Education and training
Start by gaining a solid theoretical knowledge of UX Design. You can do this by attending online courses, reading specialized literature, participating in workshops or conferences.
Practice through own projects
Start by designing your own apps or websites. It can be a project related to your hobby, an improvement to an existing application or a completely new idea. This will give you the opportunity to apply and practice the knowledge gained.
Practice through projects for others
Consider volunteering or working pro bono for local nonprofits, startups, or friends. This will give you the opportunity to work on real problems and real users.
Create a UX Designer Portfolio
Document all your work and create a professional portfolio that shows your skills and experience. Include in the portfolio not only the final projects, but also the process that led to them. Show your skills in research, prototyping, testing — the whole UX design process.
Also read: “Portfolio is not everything” - or how I got the position of UX Designer
Mentoring
Join the UX Designer community online and offline. You can draw knowledge, inspiration, as well as job opportunities from them. Consider finding Mentor, that would help you develop your skills and guide you through your first steps in the industry. At Design Mentorship we offer mentoring program, with which you can take your first steps as a UX designer and learn a lot of useful things from mentors.
Deciding to start your career as a UX Designer is the start of an exciting journey that opens up many opportunities for you. With the right preparation and commitment, UX Design is a role that offers a range of gratifications, both on a personal and professional level.
