Recently, I found a really interesting video named “Get Started in UX”. This video points out six steps to get started in UX. Thus, I want to share with everyone about this video and my opinions.
Step 1 Get Educated
This does not means that people should invest three years into a university degree in UX or some relative programs. There are plenty of great books and a lot of excellent online courses that you can work through in your own time to get going.
First, in my suggestions, you should start typing “definitions of UX” on Google, because figuring out definitions of UX is very crucial for helping build up fundamental knowledge. Then, you could learn more definitions, such as Design Thinking, Service Design, Customer Experience etc. Do not be satisfied with one definition, you should find as much as you can, because different people have different understanding about UX.
For me, I recommend that people read original version of books instead of translated. Because of the misunderstanding and misinterpretation of translation, it can become a serious learning disability.
Step 2 Get The Right Tools
In terms of software, it is absolutely important that you get yourself a copy of some wireframing software, for example, Axure. Also, the most common non-software tool — the three Ps: pens, paper, and post-its.
Step 3 Get Some Experience
You can do more projects. What is important is that not only you start following a user-center process, and iterating in regular feedback from users along the way, but understand the purpose and key points of the process.
Step 4 Get Connected
Find other UXers in your area via many social media. Reach out to prominent UX bloggers. Ask questions in the UX forums. These relationship can be invaluable for keeping you motivated, helping you learn.
Step 5 Get A Mentor
You need someone who is more experienced and can offer advice on how to solve design problems. Sometimes it is hard to find out mistake by ourselves, so a mentor can help you a lot, for instance, they can find your faults. Hence, your study become more efficient.
Step 6 Get Hired
You should not show off visual design artifacts, you should use this portfolio to explain the process you follow, use it as a launchpad to tell a story about the projects you’ve worked on.
These are the six steps to get started in UX. However, you should find ways that is suitable for you.