How I migrated from Graphic to Product Design

This is not a guide, but some ways that I used to learn, and migrate from graphic to digital product design.

As a former industrial designer, I've been working as a graphic designer for at least 6 years or so, with editorial, packaging, visual identity, and all those offline stuff that every graphic designer are familiar with.

It was 2013 and I needed to think about my graduate project. I was frustrated trying to learn something new, specifically in digital design, and for some reason, I couldn't at the moment. My will to learn something came in a perfect moment, and then we decided to improve the ATM user interface. Now I am talking about pixels, not picas. From that decision, lots of subtopics started to come together: a whole new world called user experience and all those strange terms that we needed to explore and apply on that project.

Since then, my interest in UX and product design was growing faster, and I started to explore more and get deeper. But, how would I gather this world of knowledge for real? How do I migrate from paper to the screen?

The knowledge was in my hands

Books, articles, groups, courses and workshops, podcast, videos, professionals, events and meetups, are all available around the internet, doesn’t matter if you want to be a UI, UX, interaction, or a unicorn designer. There’s a terrific world of materials, and also people willing to help. A quick google search and you’ll find awesome articles from beginners to experienced designers from UxDesign, IDF, UX Magazine also Facebook groups like UXPA, UI/UX Designers, and thousands of other groups.

You can also, look for a Meetup in your city, just search for "UX", or "Design". Meetups are groups that people can share their knowledge with other professionals, beginners, students and everybody who wants to grow their network and understanding in a specific subject.

There are always good events about user experience like ISA and UXConf if you live in Brazil. Look for events nearby you, like meetups, it's a good way to be in touch with professionals and learn with them with workshops and lectures.

Slack groups are a great way to be close with what's happening in the community, and also be in touch with awesome professionals. Talk to the people, ask, understand and learn with them.

Also, there are many online courses that you can learn and develop a project at the same time. Look for one you won't get bored, follow along and have fun.

Last but not least: find a tutor. Maybe it won't be that easy, but if you get a tutor, you can learn things that aren't in a book. Show your projects, and discuss the topics you're are learning. You can use also use Meetups and Slack groups to find yours.

Damn, thousand of software!

Sketch, Figma, Axure, InVision, Adobe XD, Origami, Principle… Well, there are many, I have to agree. For each step you learn, you'll understand which one is useful for you, but don't worry too much for now, software are not the focus at the beginning, and you'll understand while you're studying. But feel free to try, and understand how it works. If you are familiarised with Adobe products, it won't be the end of the world.

Creating a portfolio

While you're learning, a good way to improve your skills is to develop a project and use it to build your own portfolio. Once you have your first project, you can spread the world. Share your projects with the community, and always ask for feedback.

Finding a job

Finding a job maybe will not be that easy at the beginning. But keep your head up (sounds silly, but keep going), and show that knowledge and portfolio in your interviews.

Design is continuous learning and understanding

As other areas, no one knows everything about every topic. So keep learning, reading, and sharing your experiences and doubts. The more you learn, the more you'll be a great professional.

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Currently, I’m working at Magnetis, a fintech based in São Paulo as a Product Designer.

If you want to share your way to learn, please leave a comment. And don't forget to clap if you like this article :)