In this blog, we will discuss how to become a UI designer and more importantly what all of this involves and how can it affect your current lifestyle. A career in UI design promises creativity, longevity, and a great salary, for starters. But there are problems, just like with every other profession or activity. You feel like you cannot become a UI designer without relevant experience. Plus, you are not sure how to get the right experience without having basic UI design skills.
Therefore, you find yourself stuck in career change paralysis mode, and we are here to break you out of that situation. UI design is a very appealing career. It offers a unique blend of creative and analytical work, it does not require a specific or extensive educational background, and it pays well, even for entry-level design positions. Yet, like any career, UI is not flawless. Unfortunately, some UX professionals experience significant work-related stress. Tight deadlines, confusing expectations, and miscommunication can turn a dream job into a nightmare. So here is all that you need to know if you are looking to become a UI designer.
No Experience as a UI Designer
Is it likely to get into UI design with no aforesaid experience? It is, without a doubt. As is the case with many tech professions, you do not need a background in design, nor UI design qualifications, to forge a successful career as a UI designer. Employers are much more concerned about whether or not you have the in-demand skills and mastery of the tools to do the job of a UI designer. Anyone can learn these skills in a short time.
In reality, all you need to do to become a UI designer is a computer that can support the relevant design software, the time and money to complete your career change, and the motivation to make the switch. If you have that, then it is most likely that you will figure out the rest just fine if you dedicate yourself to it.
Becoming a UI Designer
Here is how it is most recommended to start as a UI designer and all the things that are required for you to do.
1. Build Technical Knowledge
While soft skills are always important, you will want to get a foundation in the fundamentals of UI design, as well as learn some of the basic skills. Fortunately for you, there are plenty of ways to build your technical knowledge and tip your toes into the field, without necessarily having to commit to a full career-change course. You can start by watching UI design tutorials, reading blog posts, and attending workshops. Moreover, you can always enroll in a free UI design course, where you will be able to immerse yourself in the field and get stuck in with practical tasks.
2. Transferable Skills
Before you render your previous knowledge completely redundant, it is essential to understand that there is more to being a UI designer than just being able to design interfaces. Successful UI designers need to be creative, empathetic, and motivated. They also can take on feedback and communicate their visions and ideas. If you already have some of these qualities, you might be further along on your journey to becoming a UI designer than you think you are.
3. Developing UI Skillset
Once you have got to grips with the basics of UI design, you are going to need to keep adding to your skillset and developing your proficiencies. If you want to make sure the skills you are learning are in-demand with today’s employers, you might want to consider investing in a full UI design boot camp program. There, you will be paired with a dedicated mentor and tutor who can support you along your journey, and graduate with a job-ready portfolio to showcase your newfound skills.
The Lifestyle of a UI Designer
There are many things said about a UI designer's lifestyle and most of them are not nice, but the fact is that most UI designers are happy in their roles. UX designers rate their job satisfaction score at 72%, placing it among the top jobs for overall satisfaction. Glassdoor also included UI design in a list of the top jobs in the US based on earning potential, number of job openings, and overall job satisfaction.
Nevertheless, here are some factors that can stress you out as a UI designer if you are not able to handle them.
1. Long Hours, Tight Deadlines
Projects have deadlines, and clients have expectations. Even a well-planned project can fall behind schedule, leaving designers scrambling. Unluckily, this can result in extra stress for UI designers. Despite their best efforts, they may end up with a lot of work to do in a short period and have to work late to keep up.
2. Challenging Problem-Solving
A UI designer solves users’ problems through solid design, and this is no simple task. Even experienced designers find head-scratching, stress-inducing design problems that can take weeks to solve. Then, after they finally solve a tough problem, three more problems can also appear. Patience is mandatory in such a complex line of work. Still, even the most patient designers can burn out when they face mounting challenges without acceptable support from their team.
3. Challenging Learning
UI design is an ever-changing area. Designers must constantly learn new tools and techniques to stay efficient and compelling. If you have ever tried new software for the first time or taken an unfamiliar class, then you know learning can be very frustrating. A UI designer who does not have the time to learn can quickly feel overwhelmed and insufficient.
Bottom Line
Now you know all that you need to know to decide and find out for yourself whether you think that becoming a UI designer is worth it or not.
