Navigating UX Design: 20 Essential Tips for Beginners
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Chapter 1: Overcoming the Overwhelm
Are you new to UX and feeling a bit lost? You're not alone. Many newcomers experience a whirlwind of questions:
- Should I read design articles daily?
- What resources should I explore?
- Is a bootcamp necessary?
- Do I need a degree for a career in UX?
- What’s the difference between UX Designer, UI Designer, and Product Designer?
- Why is landing that first job as a UX designer so challenging?
- If I’m older, is it too late to switch careers?
- What tools should I use for my portfolio?
- How do I handle criticism of my designs?
- Is it normal to feel exhausted by all this information?
The reality is, starting out in UX design can feel overwhelming. I remember that feeling vividly from eight years ago—it was thrilling yet stressful. Here are some practical suggestions to help you navigate this new career path without the fog of confusion:
Take Your Time.
Achieving your goals doesn't have to be rushed. Allow yourself the time to learn and grow—this journey is ongoing.
You Don't Need to Know Everything.
Fabricio Teixeira's article, "You Don’t Need to Know Everything About UX," is a great reminder that you can ease your stress by focusing on what you can learn gradually.
Focus on a Well-Rounded Skillset.
A balanced approach is beneficial: dedicate 50% of your efforts to UI/Visual Design, 30% to UX Design, and 20% to UX Writing/Content Design.
Avoid Overly Complex Terminology.
Seek out resources that communicate effectively without confusing jargon.
It’s Not Rocket Science.
Don't let the myths of UX design being overly complicated deter you. It's more accessible than it seems.
Keep an Open Mind.
It's okay if you discover that UX design isn't the right fit for you. Exploring other digital roles can be beneficial.
Don’t Stress About Your Sketching Skills.
Being an average sketcher is perfectly acceptable and won't hinder your design capabilities.
Be Honest About Your Experience Level.
Authenticity can alleviate the pressure of feeling you need to know everything right away.
Get Comfortable with a Design Tool.
Whether it’s Sketch, Figma, or Adobe XD, familiarize yourself with a design tool—this will be essential in your work.
Practice on a Mac.
If you're not already a Mac user, getting accustomed to it while learning a design tool can be very helpful.
Read Daily Insights from Designers.
Publications such as UX Planet and UX Collective offer valuable insights into the day-to-day life of a designer.
Explore High-Level Books on Design.
Consider reading foundational design literature to enhance your understanding.
Be Kind to Yourself.
It’s natural to have tough days. Self-compassion is key.
Expect Differences Between Study and Work.
Your studies may present an idealized view of UX design—reality can be different, but that’s part of the learning curve.
Cultivate Persistence.
The transition from study to your first role can be challenging; resilience will be your ally.
Don't Worry About Bootcamp Criticism.
Bootcamps can effectively kick-start your career, regardless of others' opinions.
Age is Just a Number.
Whether you're over 40 or even 60, it's never too late to embark on a new career path.
Keep a Journal of Your Journey.
Documenting your progress can help you reflect and grow in your new role.
Network with Designers.
Reach out to professionals on LinkedIn for informal chats—they can provide valuable insight and support.
Remember the Essence of Design.
As Joe Natoli wisely states, "Your job is to uncover the truth the best you can and share it with kindness, empathy, and respect."
Chapter 2: Valuable Resources for Your Journey
In the video "Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting Out in UX Design," seasoned professionals share their insights and advice that can help ease your transition into the UX field.
The second video, "Brutally Honest UI/UX Reviews [LIVE]," offers a candid look at design critiques, providing real-world examples to learn from.
In summary, don't feel pressured to rush, embrace a broad learning approach, and remember that it's all part of a continuous journey. You can do this!
Thank you for reading! If you found this article helpful, give it a clap to help others discover it too. Follow me, Guy Ligertwood, to stay updated on my writing.