So, you’ve decided you want to become a UX designer? Welcome to the land of wireframes, sticky notes, and pretending you don’t hate Comic Sans.
Whether you’re a total newbie or just tired of pretending you totally know what UX even stands for (spoiler: it’s User Experience), here’s a no-fluff, easy-to-digest guide to start your UX journey — minus the jargon and the 50-tab YouTube rabbit holes.
🧠 Step 1: Understand What UX Design Actually Is
UX isn’t just making things look “pretty.” That’s UI’s job (kinda). UX is about making things usable, useful, and not annoying. It’s like being a digital therapist for frustrated users.
Think: “Can my grandma use this app without rage-quitting?”
🧐 Step 2: Stalk, Study, Repeat
Start consuming UX like it’s your new Netflix obsession.
- Watch UX case studies on YouTube
- Read blogs (like this one, obviously)
- Follow UX peeps on Twitter/X/Whatever-it’s-called-now
- Listen to podcasts while pretending to work out
Bonus points if you start saying things like “user pain points” in everyday conversation. People will think you’re super smart or super annoying. Possibly both.
🛠️ Step 3: Get Your Hands Dirty
No, not with actual dirt. With tools! Try:
- Figma (it’s free and addictive)
- Adobe XD (RIP if Adobe ever pulls the plug)
- Sketch (Mac users only – sorry, Windows warriors)
Start redesigning your favorite apps. Or your least favorite ones. Either way, just design stuff. A lot of stuff. Ugly at first? Cool. That means you’re doing it right.
📚 Step 4: Take a Course (But Don’t Sell Your Kidney)
You don’t need a $10k bootcamp to get started. Check these out:
- Google UX Design Certificate (cheap and legit)
- Coursera / Udemy (pick wisely—some are golden, some are 💩)
- Free content on YouTube (bless the UX angels who upload for free)
Just don’t fall into the “learn forever, never do” trap. Learn, then do.
✍️ Step 5: Build a Portfolio That Doesn’t Suck
Your portfolio is your UX Tinder profile. No one’s swiping right on “here’s a random button I made in Figma.” Tell a story:
- Problem → Research → Wireframes → Final Design → Results (even if fake)
- Bonus: Add GIFs. Everyone loves GIFs.
🤹 Step 6: Fake It ‘Til You Make It (Then Keep Making It)
Apply for internships, freelance gigs, or make your own fake projects. “UX designer” isn’t a title—it’s a mindset. If you’re thinking like a designer, congrats — you’re becoming one.
Pro tip: Put “freelance UX designer” in your bio. Even if your only client is your cat’s Instagram.
🎉 Step 7: Celebrate the Small Wins
Got your first client? Nailed your first prototype? Convinced your mom UX is a real job? That’s a win.
Also, drink water. Stretch. Go outside. UX-ing is intense.
Final Words of Wisdom:
UX design isn’t just a career — it’s a lifestyle of caring way too much about whether a button should be 8px or 12px from the edge. But if that excites you? You’re in the right place.
Want help coming up with fake-but-awesome portfolio projects or figuring out what the heck to put on your UX resume? Drop a comment or hit me up!