5 Tips to get started in UI/ UX design
Do you want to learn about user interface and user experience design? But, not sure of how to get started here are some tips for you!
A frequent question that gets asked on the-dots is: How do I learn about UI/ UX design? Three years ago I was in the same position, I was studying sciences in my A-levels but I was passionate about art and coding websites. I started looking for courses that combined art & tech and found Information and Interface Design in University of the Arts London (now renamed to User Experience Design). A course that is design-led and digitally focused to explore user experience and user interface design for current and emerging technologies.
A perfect match
So, what is the simplest way to explain user experience and user interface design/ user-centred design/ human-centred design (the list could go on):
The practice of presenting information in a way that makes it most accessible and easily understood by users. The information is designed to target specific audiences in specific situations to meet defined objectives. In its most sophisticated forms, it helps users understand complex data by organising and simplifying data as well as information in ways this can easily change.
UI/ UX design applies to anything and learning about it helps you to become a better storyteller, critical thinker of design and a good collaborator. Here are my tips for getting into this field:
5. Make a plan
I would like to congratulate you first of all for embarking on this journey. It can be intimidating when you start something new but hopefully my bit of advice will help you.
If you google how to learn UI/ UX design you’ll see a number of online courses available to you and because there are so many you have to research. But, it doesn’t mean in order to study this field you have to pick an online course. You could ask people on forums such as the-dots, learn from Youtube videos, follow UI/ UX accounts on Twitter & Instagram or even get a degree. It really depends on how much you can afford, not just financially speaking but also in terms of commitment to learning. You also have to weigh out the pros and cons. For example, the benefit of studying at university is the exposure it would offer but the downside is the cost. Once you’ve decided what’s best for you, prepare for whichever you’ll enrol in and see how you can utilise your current skills.
Here is my thesis which outlines the essential UI/ UX design principles: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340870168_How_are_social_media_platforms_using_gambling_methods_to_create_psychological_dependencies
4. Begin blogging
Approach a blog as though it were your sketchbook, document all your work from start till finish. The benefit of having this is keeping a record of your development, enhancing your online presence and helping you become a better storyteller. Pictured below is my blog, using a WordPress template and Page Builder by SiteOrigin plugin.
*If you’re working with a company on a project ask if you can blog about it.
3. Start a project
When starting a project begin from researching a topic you’re interested in, not the technology you would like to use. This way you will have a better understanding of the subject you would like to present and the technology would act as an accessory enhancing your idea and you could write your brief using this outline my lecturers suggested:
Overview: One sentence framing the intent of the brief.
Background: What is the theoretical, design, visual, historical, technological, societal, cultural (etc) context of the brief?
Users/Audience: What is the audience of the project? Who (or what?) is it for? Where will it be presented?
Deliverables: What should the brief result in? This can be specific and narrow, or broader, leaving room for exploration.
Next Steps: What are your recommended first steps? Include a rough time plan for the project.
References/Bibliography: Include theoretical references/ reading as well as related existing work, technical resources and anything else that you feel is relevant or important.
I then structure my projects using Ex-Googler Andrew Doherty’s method:
Research (Who are the users? What is the product? What are the goals?)
Document (On the blog)
Collaborate and build relationships (users, stakeholders, devs, engineers)
Create early low-fi designs and socialise with stakeholders (keep everyone in the loop, to prevent big surprises)
Iterate & test (user test such as using Adobe XD, Miro, Instagram polls where possible)
Create html/css/js designs and socialise with stakeholders
Iterate & test (user test where possible)
Handover for implementation
Support implementation
Having this strategy will help you stay focused and help you achieve your outcome. You will see where your interest lies after you have done a few projects so try to experiment a little.
2. Build a network & find a mentor
LinkedIn is a great way to connect with professionals but also to find participants for user testing. Sometimes the advantage of connecting with professionals is that an unexpected opportunity appears such as someone offering mentorship (especially during the pandemic). You can start off with family & friends then professionals within your industry.
It will help to build your confidence.
1. Build a portfolio
A portfolio is vital! It is an easy way to share the work you have done but also a way of increasing your online presence. As a UI/ UX designer, you want to ensure that the user has a seamless experience when viewing your work on your portfolio as well as the work itself. When coding a website there are sometimes unexpected bugs which will impact the performance but you can also design a website that outshines your work which is not recommended. Pictured below is my portfolio using a Squarespace template (students get 50% off their first full year of Squarespace and with the-dots you get 10% using the code DOTS10).
If you’re interested in finding out more you can watch a series of talks with students as they unpack the design process behind the interfaces they built in their final year here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx_pFN-Zsjw
