Experience design is a vast and versatile field. So, there are a lot of opportunities for individuals who aspire to be User Experience Designers. For learning Experience Design, getting the answers for how and where will give a clear path to follow. Anyone can become an Experience designer regardless of the current career or background.
The answers for where and how in Learning Experience Design
Before learning Experience design, it is very important to collect a lot of information to understand better. Learn the qualities that define a good UX designer. The below steps will help you to get some answers.
1. Use the internet to research all about User Experience Design
Before starting the journey of learning Experience Design, learning about the field is very important. Using the internet is one of the options, but as there are thousands of websites with a wealth of information. Segregating and finding the right set of information is the key. Also, checking out the job market filled with job openings will increase the confidence for learning.
2. Understanding the purpose of a User Experience Designer
As per the research, you will get a basic idea of what a UX designer will do after learning Experience design. UX design improves user interaction with a product or service that solves the problems and creates a pleasant experience. UX designer should use design principles such as the definition of the product, extensive research
(market and user), user mapping, design, and validating (testing) to develop unique solutions that will lead to great user interaction with the product.
As a UX designer, it is significant to learn how to use different design tools at different stages of product development. The type of tools used will vary from designer to designer, but the essence of the design will be similar.
- User research: Conducting extensive user research will answer any questions before the actual design is initiated. Questions like target audience, competitors, feedback for a similar type of products already available in the market, pricing will be answered. They will be used as inputs for the design process. Survey tools like Survey Monkey, Type Form, Wufoo will be useful to conduct user research.
- Wireframing: It is used to build the skeleton of the product and help designers to share ideas on a common platform. Ex: Sketch, AdobeXD
- Prototyping: It is the better version of wireframes. It is used to create a rough version of the actual product, run iterations and simulations to get desired outputs before the actual product is finalized. Ex: Figma, Axure RP.
4. Structured learning with a well-designed course or a program:
After learning the basics and UX design tools, understanding the Experience Design will be much better. A structured learning course with a certified and experienced UX designer will help you get serious in pursuing a career as a UX designer. Some of the most popular online platforms for learning experience design are UX Academy, Interaction Design Foundation, Lynda, Udemy, and so on.
The right UX design learning course will provide the correct order, narrow the topics, and provide a real-world perspective.
5. Seek inspiration from the top UX designers
Many social platforms are available to check out the best UX designers that are ruling the market. Get inspired by them and, if possible, try to understand their work method and keep a keen designer eye on them to churn out minute details which enables them to be at the top of their profession. Understand their USP and try to replicate it in your way. Always be updated on the latest trends in the UX design industry. Keep working on new ideas and hone your UX design skills for long-term success.
Most of the companies are using the User Experience Design approach to build their products and services. Hence there will be a lot of opportunities opened up for an accomplished UX designer. Just doing an online course on Experience Design will not be enough to get a call for the interview. Creating a portfolio consisting of a minimum of 2 to 3 UX design projects is a must to showcase hands-on experience. The projects should display your user research skills, wireframing, prototyping, User Interface design, architecture, and empathy towards the user. Share your experiences and problem-solving methods while doing the projects so that the recruiter will get confidence in your ability. Selling a good story is an essential arrow in the quiver of a UX designer.
7. Build a solid network with other UX professionals
Building a good rapport with other UX professionals can help improve the design process's knowledge and lead to job opportunities. Being in constant touch through social media, personal chatting will help you build an excellent launchpad that will increase your chances to grow in the UX design field.
"Learn Experience Design in a structured way, and successful career is on the way."