How to start UI/UX Design

UI and UX design perhaps have one of the brightest futures that there are in the software engineering industry. Have you ever dreamed of standing at pinnacle of the world of design? Of course you have else you would not have been spending time reading what a strange kid on the internet has to say about design. Achieving that dream will take time, A LOT OF TIME indeed. But if you’re wondering where to start, you’ve come at the right place. Throughout this post, I will talk about from how I started designing. Get ready for a thrilling ride!

Ask yourself, Is Design right for you?

Most people will suggest you to get into UI design if you feel the thrill and excitement about designing. I think, it is okay, to not feel the thrill. You are new to the field and are confused, that doesn’t mean you should not get into the industry. Explore the field, take your time, search the internet for information. Ask yourself, is design going to be something that you are ready to do for every single day of your life for the next 10 years. Because mastering design will need a lot of patience and I mean A LOT. Not 10 years necessarily but indeed a lot of time is needed.

Pick out your tools

There are 3 applications setting standards in the design industry- SKETCH, FIGMA and ADOBE XD. Sketch was the only tool created for designing apps and websites up until the past few years when Figma and XD entered the industry. I mostly prefer Figma or Sketch but you can choose any one according to your requirements. I will soon release an article comparing the three applications in depth.

Find a place to learn

After your all set to design, find a place to learn it. It could be an in-person bootcamp, a friend who has expertise in design or even a YouTube video. I would suggest you to browse Udemy if you have a few bucks in your pocket, they have industry standard courses at very cheap prices (this is not a promotion but my personal experience). If you don’t, you always have YouTube. Search Youtube and you will find a solution to every problem.

PRACTICE

“Everywhere I go, I see his face.” Many of you may think that practice is overrated but believe me its not. Practice is the most CRUCIAL step that there is to master design or any new skill at all. Find projects, look for ideas, maybe visit sharpen.design to find prompts. Make as many designs as you can, build a portfolio. There are many ways to do it and all of them lead to one final destination, MASTERY

I understand that this is a lot and you will have to sail through it . You will not be able to master it in a month or even a year but you will have to put in the effort for the results. Well that is it, start your design journeys now. HAPPY DESIGNING!