7 Essential Skills for Becoming a UI/UX Designer

UI/UX design is among the most promising professions today. GlassDoor discusses that an entry-level UX designer can make anywhere between $81,000 and $139,000, with the potential of the director of UX design being up to $290,000. 

Numbers like these demonstrate both the financial opportunity UI/UX design represents and how critically important this type of design is for branding and product experience.

But what does this demand stem from? As the focus changed from product-oriented business models to consumer-oriented ones, UI/UX design emerged as the key to customer requirements. 

UX designers focus on user usability and intuitiveness, while UI designers focus on the interface’s looks. Combined, they design things to get users’ attention and captivate them enough to stay loyal to a brand. 

Currently, the expertise and qualifications of UI/UX experts are highly valued and actively required in companies ranging from IT-based startups to large retail chains because they immediately affect the brand’s performance.

This article serves as a perfect starting point for anyone who wants to work in the UI/UX industry because it describes every key concept shared by this exciting and growing profession.

Enroll in a UI/UX Design Course

UI/UX design entails talents and a combination of technical and creative competencies. There are more than 140 UX-related Bachelor’s and Master’s programs worldwide, including Interaction Design, Digital Design, and Information Architecture, yet a degree is not always mandatory. 

Shorter, specialised courses are considered a good way to establish the basics of professions such as user psychology, design criteria, interaction design, etc.

If you want something less structured that you can complete at your own pace and

on your schedule, then try online courses such as the Google UX Design Professional Certificate. It can take up to 6 months to finish and can connect you to numerous employers, such as Google, Apple, Walmart, Best Buy, etc. 

Also Read: Lessons for Product Excellence Unveiling the Secrets of Apples Design and UX

Nadia Xu Designity writes, “To be an effective UX Designer, I took a specific UX course to fill out the gap between my business and design experience and provided the depth I sought.” Selecting a course is useful for getting some field information and showing employers that you are really interested in the sector.

Practice Design Independently

Unfortunately, becoming a competent UI/UX designer can only be fully accomplished through practice. Many boot camps and courses incorporate project-based learning, but designing independently will give you more practice with different designs and tools.

First, create mock-ups for nonexistent tasks or take existing applications you engage with and tweak their parts to become more visually pleasing and helpful. 

Even if you are satisfied with a certain design, you can post it on Behance or Dribble. It also helps with reference feedback from the design community and increases your profile visibility.

For instance, Emi Lantz is a UX designer who hosts some of her designs in the Behance portfolio they help in getting constructive criticisms on freelance works. 

Gain Real-World Experience

On the same note, many UI/UX designers consider internships or freelance projects as a key to building up a competent and complex skill set. What can you get from an internship?

It is the ability to apply the design theory to actual projects and gain information about how the collaboration process is carried out, how to communicate with the clients, elucidate their vision, and how to manage project work.

On the other hand, independence includes flexibility, which means to become UI/UX designer one can do different projects and develop different skill sets.

Internships can be found on LinkedIn, and for freelancing, there is Upwork, where hundreds of different UX projects are posted every day. Not only do these experiences provide good portfolio material, but they also solve real-life problems, which is essential for UX positions.

Build an Impressive Portfolio

In UI/UX design, your portfolio is your best resource and your greatest asset. Gassia Maljian, an executive search director at Creative Niche, says, “Portfolios enable the designers to provide evidence of their experience and Enumerate how good they are.”

Through creating a portfolio, it is essential to include a variety of paid work, freelance adventures, and personal designs that demonstrate your thinking and the results of your practice. 

To build an engaging portfolio, you should map the design process from concept to the product to the testing phase. Show aspects of design that you resolved and anything pointing to progress, such as the enhanced levels of users’ engagement or the raised rates of completion of specific tasks. 

When that is possible, try to incorporate your prior customers’ testimonials or reviews or your previous colleagues’ endorsements. Of course, such testimonials strengthen reliability, creativity, and positive impact on clients, as will be seen in the example of Emi Lantz’s online portfolio.

Prioritise the Connections between the UX Stakeholders

Networking is important in any job, but it’s preferred in design because getting advice from those in the industry can hasten one’s development. Networking with work role models who are proficient in a skill, knowledgeable of available jobs, and up-to-date with current trends is possible. 

Visit sector gatherings and webinars or opt for design-related forums on social media platforms such as Slack or LinkedIn. Networking means not only hearing about job openings from people but also about potential sponsors who might either offer a job or give some feedback on your work. 

Other professionals, such as Rose Benedict, got their first UX job by networking and getting mentors, reiterating how powerful connections are.

Also Read: Level Up Your Web Dev Skills with a Fascinating Project

Apply for UI/UX Designer Jobs

After developing a strong base, a person should start applying for employment. Titles can be different depending on the company, but search for positions that include such words as ‘UX Designer,’ ‘Experience Designer,’ ‘UX Researcher,’ and ‘Interaction Designer.’

Each position may focus on different fundamentals of UX design, ranging from usability testing to visual design. 

However, try to select a position that interests you and aligns with your expertise. LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Indeed post thousands of UX positions regardless of the business field at any given time.

Before applying, make sure your CV and portfolio fit the position you are applying for to prove to them you are flexible with the tools you use but focused on customers. 

Commit to Continuous Learning

The sphere of UI/UX design is actively developing, and new trends, instruments, and user expectations appear. Leizel Laron of ExaWeb agrees, saying that it is critical to have knowledge of the current trends and materials used in UX design for problem-solving and critical thinking. 

Continuous learning can help in self-employment, including consulting the internet for industry blogs, or structured learning by enrolling for courses such as journey mapping or data-driven designs.

The implication is that the person stays open so they can always learn to adapt to the new systems in the marketplace. 

Bottom Line

One of the most beneficial things you can do for your professional development in UI/UX is get a solid grounding in design, followed by mentorship by accomplished teachers.

This journey will equip you with the relevant knowledge, skills, and processes and create the right attitude for success in the industry. 

If you dream of being a skilled designer, MAGES Institute is your one-stop destination. We offer a wide range of courses that can help you grab the right job. Book a consultation now.