So you wanna learn how to design? Here are 7 things you can do right now to get started

All you’ll need is 20 minutes

In the last couple of weeks, a few of my friends have asked me how they can get started learning design—specifically, user experience design. I thought I would share a more extensive version of what I shared with them here: a series of free (or relatively inexpensive) things that a beginner can do right now to start to get a basic grasp on the UX discipline.

I hope this is helpful. The ability to practice user experience design is a valuable, versatile, and gratifying skill to have, in much the same manner as coding is. And just like with coding, anyone can learn it. You don’t need an artistic eye (more on this later). So, ready to get started? All you’ll need is 20 minutes* to get through this list.

*untested claim ☺

Step 1: Watch this video to understand “what the #$%@ UX design is”

If you are new to the world of UX, this video will introduce you to “what the #$%@ it is” ☺. Matt of UX Mastery does a phenomenal job explaining what “user experience” refers to, why it matters, and why you should learn it—regardless of your chosen profession or industry—all in under 6 minutes.