How to Get Started with UX (Part 1)
So you want to learn more about user experience…
Want to jump ahead? Part 2
Keeping in mind the gaps in the current design learning landscape and online learning — here’s some resources to help you get started with UX regardless of where you’re starting from.
What is User Experience?
UX designers are able to combine core user-centric design skills (User Research, Visual Design, Interaction Design, Implementation, Evaluation) with enterprise/business skills.
Many designers refer to the phrase “follow the user” because it represents the concept that designers adhere to. While balancing business needs, designers utilize a variety of visual tools to communicate and provide value to the user and allow him or her to achieve certain goals.
This might sound complicated so here’s an example:
As a chocolate enthusiast who is looking to purchase some for a gift, I might go to my search engine of choice and search for gift chocolates. This takes me to a local chocolate store in my city’s downtown area. If I choose instead to order online, the process of searching through store selection, price and varieties are part of my journey.
As a customer, I first found out about this company (maybe through a friend, or a commercial) which fit a problem I was trying to solve, then found a product to purchase (which was my goal) and successfully navigated through the site to make this purchase (all thanks to the website).
The Basics
- Information architecture
- User Research
- Visual Design
- Interaction Design
- Tech implementation
- History, present and future of design
- Basics in Business/Marketing
This is not a complete list, but some high level topics that could be of interest.
Practical Tips for Everyday Learning
- Find products that you love
Break down all the aspects of design that went into it. Evaluate how they communicate their identity, what goes into their branding, what makes them money and keeps them thriving.
Are they centered around a motto? A lifestyle? What color palette do they use and why? Are they trying to appeal to a certain demographic? How do they engage with their fans?
Find three ways that they could improve or three opportunities they can grow. This could turn into a potential portfolio piece or a redesign project.
2. Find experiences that cause frustration
If you are designing a mobile app, consider how people like to use their phones. What draws them to action? What frustrates them? What is annoying about using their phone or completing some action?
Also know that whatever you are creating probably isn’t completely unique. Look for relevant examples in related industries to find out how they were successful. Read case studies about why some things work and others don’t. Find UI patterns that work and utilize them.
Track real world usage of different products. Why are some apps so popular? Why are other platforms dead upon arrival?
3. The road to success is a long one
Your first logo will suck. Your first app will probably flop. Your first website won’t be amazing.
Don’t let this discourage you.
And don’t quit. Whether through experimentation, doodling or sketching daily, improvement does come. And it comes with practice and consistent hard work.
Focus on the fundamentals of the design process and the different stages. Keep learning and hang in there. Best of luck!
Continue reading: Part 2
