Getting Started with UX Design Part 1: Introduction to User Experience Design
A Beginner’s Syllabus with Links
How I would learn User Experience (UX) Design if I could start all over again.
UX encompasses a wide range of topics and it can be overwhelming if you don’t know where to even begin. Learning is easier when you have a clear path.
This is the kind of structure I wish I had after a year of learning UX and UI Design through free online resources, paid courses, ebooks, and a UX and UI Design bootcamp.
You can either read or watch to learn each topic. Have fun learning!
Part 1 of 12
Introduction to User Experience Design
Definition of UX Design
User experience is about shaping how users interact with and feel about a product. It’s the process of integrating multiple disciplines such as marketing, engineering, graphic and industrial design, and interface design while taking into account the business goals of the company. Dive deeper through the provided resources.
NNgroup (video)
Interaction Design Foundation (article)
Aha! (article)
History and Evolution of UX Design
Though Don Norman formally defined “user experience” in the 1990s, the roots of this user-centric approach stretch back to ancient philosophies like Feng Shui. Explore UX Design’s fascinating history with CareerFoundry’s comprehensive resource.
CareerFoundry (video)
CareerFoundry (article)
Goals of UX Design
From smooth navigation to intuitive interfaces and delightful animations, UX Design strives to make products accessible, functional, and simply enjoyable to use. But creating successful products requires aligning these goals with the needs of the business. Find out how to find the balance between user experience goals and business objectives with these resources.
AxureBoutique (video)
AxureBoutique (video)
UXPin (article)
User-Centered Design (UCD) Principles
Utilizing an iterative design process when building a product is one of the main principles of User-Centered Design. This means continuously testing and refining a product based on user feedback, ensuring higher user satisfaction and product success. Understand these principles with the following resources.
Interaction Design Foundation (video)
Interaction Design Foundation (article)
Baymard Institute (article)
User Experience vs. User Interface
While the terms “user experience” (UX) and “user interface” (UI) are often used interchangeably, a nuanced understanding reveals their distinct roles within the product development process. A clear understanding of the distinctions between UX and UI is crucial for effective product design. While UI focuses on the surface level, UX delves into the user’s entire journey, ensuring a holistic and impactful experience. Learn more about the differences with these resources:
NNgroup (video)
Figma (article)
CareerFoundry (article)
The UX Design Process
The path to crafting successful products isn’t always linear, but a well-defined UX design process serves as a valuable map. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the process from user research to product launch with the provided resources.
CareerFoundry (video)
DesignLab (article)
The Fountain Institute (article)
Elements of User Experience (Jesse James Garrett’s Model)
The elements of user experience include strategy, scope, structure, skeleton, and surface. While Jesse James Garett’s comprehensive book delves deep into each, these resources offer concise explanations for this framework.
Jon Daiello (video)
UX Design Institute (article)
Medium by Marija Stojkovska (article)
The Business Value of UX Design
UX design isn’t just about creating beautiful interfaces; it’s about driving business growth. By leveraging UX metrics and KPIs, designers can demonstrate the tangible impact of their work on key business objectives, such as increased revenue, improved customer retention, and reduced development costs. This data-driven approach empowers UX professionals to proactively inform business decisions and showcase the value they bring to the table. Explore these resources to learn how to quantify and communicate the value of UX design.
NNgroup (video)
LinkedIn (article)
UX Design Institute (article)
Forbes (article)
Ethical Considerations in UX Design
The power of design extends far beyond aesthetics; it shapes our experiences and influences our choices. Design decisions have the potential for profound impact. It’s important for designers to make decisions that genuinely benefit users and society. Explore these resources to gain a deeper understanding of the link between ethics and design.
NNgroup (video)
Medium by Kseniia Pavliuchik (article)
LinkedIn (article)
My goal is to provide a structured path to those learning UX and UI design. I hope this helps!
Part 2 of this UX Syllabus will be posted in a week.
Cheers!
