Back to Blog

best uiux bootcamps
Design

Best UI/UX Design Bootcamps to Get You Skilled & Hired

7 minute read | March 1, 2024
Sakshi Gupta

Written by:
Sakshi Gupta

Free UX Design Course

Dive into UX design with our free starter course. Transform your creative ideas into user-friendly solutions.

Enroll for Free

Ready to launch your career?

As businesses continue to prioritize online presence and digital interfaces, the demand for skilled UI/UX professionals has skyrocketed. The global UX services market is expected to grow by 37% by 2030, while in the US, the average salary for a UI/UX designer is now over $100,000.

As the demand for skilled UX professionals grows, UX bootcamps have emerged as a cost-effective and efficient alternative to traditional degree programs.

But with so many options available, how do you pick the best UX bootcamp for you? Whether you’re an aspiring designer or a seasoned professional seeking to refine your skills, we’ve curated a list of the top UI/UX bootcamps to guide you to the ideal program. Let’s dive in.

Best UI/UX Design Bootcamps  

In this section, we’ll look at what we consider the best UI/UX bootcamps on the market, examining each course’s unique offerings and advantages to help you identify the ideal fit for your career goals and budget.

About Our Criteria

To assess the best UI/UX design bootcamps, we used a point system to score a list of criteria as a 1 or 0. (More on that below.) We then averaged out the publicly available reviews of all the bootcamps featured before finally adding these up to come up with a final score. We then ranked the courses from high to low in the order you see here.

We looked at two different types of criteria:

To be included:

  • Must have at least 1 rating
  • Must disclose price on the website
  • Must be at least four weeks long

To be included:

  • Must have at least 1 rating
  • Must disclose price on the website
  • Must be at least four weeks long

Springboard (UI/UX)

The Springboard UI/UX Design Bootcamp is an online, beginner-friendly, project-based course that will turn you into a proficient UI/UX designer. This nine-month bootcamp allows individuals to gain practical experience and nurture their creativity, preparing them for an exciting UI/UX design career.

Throughout this intensive bootcamp, you will learn to conduct user research, identify design problems, create delightful designs using UI elements, and increase usability by building high-fidelity mockups and creating prototypes. Our experienced mentors and career coaches will guide you every step of the way, helping you gain an edge in the field.

“With Springboard’s structured curriculum and continuous support I was able to transition into design despite having a weekly 60+ working hours.” Allie @ Course Report

PRICE

$16,200

RATING

4.6/5 @ Course Report

FEATURES

  • 1-on-1 mentoring
  • 100% online curriculum
  • Career coaching
  • Project-based learning
  • Industry design project
  • Multiple payment options

JOB GUARANTEE?

Yes

MENTORSHIP?

Yes

Springboard (UX)

Springboard’s UX Bootcamp sets students up for success in the increasingly in-demand field of UX design. This 100% online program offers a project-based curriculum, coupling academic learning with real-world application.

Over six months (part-time), you’ll conduct user research, sketch solutions, wireframe, create high-fidelity mockups, and build prototypes. Springboard’s graduates have been hired by companies such as Youtube, Netflix, Shopify, and Microsoft.

From understanding user needs to performing usability tests, students work on real-life problems, allowing them to build a job-ready portfolio.

“The program offered an enriching 9-month journey, covering diverse topics and culminating in a hands-on capstone project. The supportive staff, especially my mentor, and the post-graduation career coaching made it a rewarding experience, guiding me through rejections and emphasizing the importance of the journey.” – Hafsa @ Course Report

PRICE

$7,900

RATING

4.6/5 @ Course Report

FEATURES

  • 1-on-1 mentoring
  • Hands-on learning
  • Personalized support
  • Four-week externship
  • Thorough curriculum
  • Flexible learning
  • Networking opportunities
  • Career transition support

JOB GUARANTEE?

Yes

MENTORSHIP?

Yes

Devmountain

devmountain

With a strong focus on human-centered design, the Devmountain UX Design Bootcamp ensures students understand the importance of layouts, organization of information, navigation, and creating intuitive flows. Whether you are already familiar with the field or looking to switch careers, Devmountain’s hands-on, part-time program offers an immersive learning experience to make you job-ready.

The 16-week part-time course, structured to cater to working professionals, takes place on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. With the option to study remotely or in person at the Lehi, Utah campus, students can choose the learning environment that best suits their needs.

“I loved this program and was really impressed with the instructors and the curriculum. I learned a lot in the short time, and it was a great addition to my graphic design background. I have been able to expand my knowledge in the creative field which has been extremely beneficial for me in my career.” – Lizzy @ Devmountain Website

PRICE

$9,900

RATING

4.6/5 @ Course Report

FEATURES

  • No 1-on-1 mentorship
  • Flexible learning options
  • Part-time schedule
  • Human-centered design focus
  • Career advice
  • Interview prep
  • Networking with employers

JOB GUARANTEE?

No

MENTORSHIP?

No

Designlab

The UX Academy by Designlab offers a fully online, project-based UX/UI design bootcamp. This intensive course is designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and portfolio you need to launch a successful career in the fast-paced world of UX/UI design.

This program stands out due to its thorough curriculum, a worldwide network of top-notch design mentors, and focus on creating a standout portfolio. Whether you are a beginner looking to understand the basics or a professional hoping to enhance your skills and boost your career, UX Academy provides the expertise, mentorship, and community to help you succeed in your design journey.

“I had zero experience with design before the course and having completed it now, I can confidently say I have a good grasp on design basics. My mentor is an amazing teacher. She is supportive, helpful and caring. Our sessions were always productive and she even took the time to walk me through past projects, explain workflows, and share frameworks.” – Antonia @ Designlab Website

PRICE

$16,900

RATING

4.8/5 @ Course Report

FEATURES

  • 1-on-1 mentorship and weekly calls with your mentor
  • Career support
  • Engaged community
  • Portfolio after graduation
  • Full-time and part-time schedules

JOB GUARANTEE?

No

MENTORSHIP?

Yes

Flatiron School

Flatiron School’s UI/UX Product Design Bootcamp is an immersive, entirely online program that blends academic learning with practical application. Over six months, you’ll engage in user research, solution sketching, wireframing, mockup creation, and prototyping.

With graduates securing positions at companies like YouTube, Netflix, and Microsoft, the bootcamp is recognized for its industry relevance. Students tackle real-world challenges, crafting portfolios that resonate in the job market.

“If you have the right mindset, a good eye, and a strong desire to learn, you can make your design dreams come true. I pinch myself every day that I get to do this for a living!” – Eric @ Course Report

PRICE

$16,900

RATING

4.5/5 @ Course Report

FEATURES

  • No 1-on-1 mentorship
  • A 15-week full-time course or a 40-week part-time course
  • Live classes
  • In-person options available
  • Career services and hiring partners

JOB GUARANTEE?

No

MENTORSHIP?

No

CareerFoundry

careerfoundry

CareerFoundry’s UX Design Program is an online bootcamp perfect for individuals seeking a satisfying, creative, and high-demand job. The program focuses on imparting all the necessary skills, tools, and processes needed to thrive as a UX designer. By partnering with an expert mentor and tutor, students receive personalized feedback and insights, helping them understand the daily life of a UX designer.

The course also offers tailored coaching from the Career Services Team to ensure students stand out in interviews. The goal is to assist students in building an impressive portfolio filled with real-world projects they complete during the course and, ultimately, land a job as a UX designer.

“The bootcamp taught me invaluable skills which I can readily apply to my current job and carry forward into my future career. The mentorship and guidance from my tutors has been exceptional, making this learning experience truly enriching and practical.” – Clare @ Course Report

PRICE

$7,505

RATING

4.7/5 @ Course Report

FEATURES

  • 1-on-1 mentorship
  • Flexibility with accountability
  • Real-world projects
  • Career support
  • High graduate success rate

JOB GUARANTEE?

Yes

MENTORSHIP?

Yes

Thinkful

Thinkful’s UX/UI Design Bootcamp is designed to accommodate both full-time and part-time commitments, taking approximately 5 to 6 months to complete. Whether you’re looking to study intensely at an accelerated pace or need flexibility due to other responsibilities, they have options to suit your needs.

Throughout the course, you will gain hands-on experience and learn industry-recognized job-ready skills, from wireframe prototyping to user empathy. Thinkful’s curriculum has been meticulously crafted, integrating practical exercises with theoretical learning.

“Thinkful’s program fueled my career growth, securing a raise and multiple job interviews. It’s a transformative journey that turned challenges into opportunities!” – Autumn @ Course Report

PRICE

$12,350

RATING

4.5/5 @ Course Report

FEATURES

  • 1-on-1 mentorship
  • Industry-endorsed curriculum
  • Prep course before admission
  • Flexible study options
  • Job-ready skills
  • Veterans and eligible individuals discount

JOB GUARANTEE?

Yes

MENTORSHIP?

Yes

IDF

The IDF UX Design Bootcamp provides an in-depth learning experience focusing on the long-established Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) field. This hands-on course helps participants build a solid foundation in UX design, providing knowledge and practical skills essential for creating intuitive and delightful user experiences.

The course covers key concepts, including user-centered design, interaction design, navigation

“I prefer what I’d term a single source of truth. IDF has been that single source of truth on design since I joined as a member.” – Mudia @ IDF Website

PRICE

Free for IDF members

RATING

4.6/5 @ Course Report

FEATURES

  • No 1-on-1 mentorship
  • No deadlines
  • Learning on any device
  • Self-paced
  • Optional meet-ups in your city

JOB GUARANTEE?

No

MENTORSHIP?

No

UX Design Institute

The UX Design Institute offers a rigorous six-month UX Design course, providing a comprehensive understanding of the entire UX process. With a commitment of five hours per week, this online course format includes live support and mentoring.

Upon completion, students attain a genuine university credit-rated qualification, distinguishing themselves within the competitive landscape. The program, developed by industry experts and endorsed by academic institutions, offers regular mentor-led workshops, personalized career support, and a vibrant student community. Participants enrich their portfolios with practical projects using industry-standard tools like Figma, Adobe XD, or Sketch.

“I’d definitely recommend the diploma to anyone who wants to get into UX because you come out with such a valuable portfolio. The course really improved my confidence and helped me communicate better with senior stakeholders in the business.” – Azeem @ Course Report

PRICE

€3,350

RATING

4.8/5 @ Course Report

FEATURES

  • 1-on-1 mentoring
  • Robust career services
  • Instructor-led live classes
  • Tutor support
  • University credit-rated qualification upon completion
  • Community beyond the classroom
  • Career guidance

JOB GUARANTEE?

No

MENTORSHIP?

Yes

UI vs UX: What to Choose?

If you’re going to work at the intersection of design and tech, understanding the differences between UI and UX is essential to picking your career path.

In essence, UX design is about the overall feel of the experience, while UI design is about how the product’s interfaces look and function. Both are crucial for the product and work closely together. 

UI

  • Suited for individuals with a strong visual design background and a keen eye for aesthetics

  • Ideal for those who enjoy creating visually appealing interfaces and have proficiency in graphic design tools like Adobe XD, Sketch, or Figma.

  • Best for designers who are passionate about typography, color theory, and creating pixel-perfect designs.

  • Well-suited for individuals who thrive in collaborative environments and enjoy working closely with visual designers, graphic artists, and front-end developers to bring designs to life.

UX

  • Suited for individuals with a blend of analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.

  • Ideal for those who are curious about human behavior and enjoy conducting user research, analyzing data, and identifying user pain points.

  • Best for designers who excel in information architecture, interaction design, and creating wireframes and prototypes to optimize user experiences.

  • Well-suited for individuals who can effectively communicate research findings and design recommendations across cross-functional teams, including product managers, developers, and marketers.

Ultimately, the choice between UI and UX design depends on an individual’s skills, interests, and strengths. Some designers may find fulfillment in crafting visually appealing interfaces (UI design), while others may thrive in creating seamless user experiences through research and problem-solving (UX design).

If you’re more concerned about the functionality and efficiency of a product, UX Design may be your primary focus. If a product’s visual aesthetics and interactivity matter more to you, then UI Design should be your primary consideration. It’s important for aspiring designers to explore both fields and determine which aligns best with their career aspirations and talents.

Get To Know Other Design Students

Jane French

Jane French

Founder at Ella Verbs

Read Story

Heidi Sanders

Heidi Sanders

Sr. Digital Designer at Kendo Brands

Read Story

Trixy Woodhouse

Trixy Woodhouse

UX Designer at Nike

Read Story

Making the Most Out of a Design Bootcamp

Attending a UX bootcamp can be a game-changing step towards a thriving career in UX design. But how do you make the most of your chosen bootcamp? Ask yourself these questions.

How Do Bootcamps Work?

Bootcamps usually incorporate theoretical lessons and hands-on practical activities to foster an understanding of UX principles, tools, and techniques. 

Students collaborate on projects, mimic real-world scenarios, and build portfolios showcasing their UX design proficiency. 

These bootcamps also often provide career support, including resume reviews, interview preparation, and job placement assistance to help students transition into the industry.

Andrea J Mille

LeadWell

In today’s tech-driven market, especially with AI skills in such high demand, completing a tech bootcamp can be a substantial asset for job seekers. These intense programs will help you meet current industry requirements quickly. Yet, for those seeking more cost-effective alternatives, there are also plenty of low-cost or free resources that can equip you with similar skills, because effectiveness in a role is about skill mastery, not how it’s acquired.

What Should You Expect To Learn During a UI/UX Bootcamp?

During a UX bootcamp, you should expect to learn the fundamental principles of UX design. This includes understanding user needs, creating user personas, designing user journeys, and conducting user research

You will also get hands-on experience with the tools UX designers use daily, like Figma, Sketch, and Adobe XD. 

Bootcamps typically guide you through the design process from conception to execution, teaching you how to design wireframes, create interactive prototypes, and conduct usability testing. 

What Will the Schedule Look Like?

The schedule of a UX bootcamp can vary, but most programs are quite intense, given their short duration. You can expect a mix of live online classes, self-study periods, project work, and group collaborations. Some bootcamps also offer mentor-led sessions and guest lectures from industry professionals. 

What Kind of Jobs Can You Land After a UX Design Bootcamp?

After completing a UX design bootcamp, you can qualify for various job roles within the tech industry, thanks to the broad set of skills you will acquire. 

We decided to take a creative approach to this question and turned to ChatGPT to analyze the list of course pages and extract the most common ideas, concepts, and skills from the bootcamps:

From there, we searched for the keywords on Linkedin Jobs with an entry-level experience filter applied:

The result was a list that you might not find by just searching for “entry level designer”; instead, these are jobs specifically looking for candidates well versed in the skills most commonly taught in UI/UX bootcamps:

Pros and Cons of Choosing a UI/UX Design Bootcamp

UI/UX design bootcamps can be a great way to acquire skills in this field rapidly. However, they’re not the right fit for everyone. It’s essential to carefully consider the pros and cons of enrolling in a UI/UX design bootcamp. In short, UI/UX design bootcamps have the following pros and cons:

  • Intensive, Hands-On Training

  • Career Transition Support

  • Flexibility and Affordability

  • Short Duration

  • Varied Quality

  • Lack of Formal Accreditation

Pros:

  1. Intensive, hands-on training: UI/UX design bootcamps offer intensive, project-based learning experiences that equip you with practical skills and knowledge essential for a career in the field. Through real-world projects and mentorship, you gain hands-on experience in various UX design tasks, helping you build a strong portfolio.
  2. Career transition support: Many UI/UX design bootcamps provide comprehensive career services, including resume reviews, interview preparation, and job placement assistance. These programs help you transition into the industry by connecting you with potential employers and providing guidance on networking and job search strategies.
  3. Flexibility and affordability: UI/UX design bootcamps often offer flexible learning options, including full-time, part-time, and online courses, making them accessible to individuals with different schedules and commitments. Additionally, compared to traditional degree programs, bootcamps are typically more affordable and cost-effective, offering a shorter time commitment and focused curriculum.

Cons:

  1. Short duration: UI/UX design bootcamps are typically short-term programs, ranging from a few weeks to several months. While this allows for quick skill acquisition and entry into the field, it may not provide as much depth or comprehensive understanding as longer-term educational programs.
  2. Varied quality: With the proliferation of UI/UX design bootcamps, the quality of programs can vary widely. Some bootcamps may lack experienced instructors, a comprehensive curriculum, or adequate career support, leading to a less effective learning experience and potentially limiting job prospects.
  3. Lack of formal accreditation: Unlike traditional educational institutions that often offer accredited programs, UI/UX design bootcamps may not always have formal accreditation or recognition from accrediting bodies. This could potentially affect the perceived value of a bootcamp certificate or diploma in the eyes of employers or institutions prioritizing accredited qualifications.

FAQs About UI/UX Bootcamps

We’ve got the answers to your most frequently asked questions.

Are UX Bootcamps Worth It?

Yes, UX bootcamps are worth it for those seeking to break into the field or enhance their existing skills. They provide intensive, hands-on training and exposure to industry-relevant tools and methodologies and often include portfolio-building projects, making them a valuable step for aspiring UX designers.

How Does a Design Bootcamp Work?

A UI/UX bootcamp is an intensive, short-term training program, typically ranging from a few weeks to several months. It combines theoretical instruction with practical, project-based work, helping students gain hands-on experience in various UX design tasks.

Are There Any Prerequisites for a UI/UX Bootcamp?

Prerequisites for a UX bootcamp can vary by program, but typically there aren’t formal educational requirements for a college degree or anything like that. Some bootcamps may require a basic understanding of design principles or familiarity with certain design tools, while others are open to beginners without prior experience.

Can a Bootcamp Teach You How To Become a Designer?

Yes, a good bootcamp can equip you with the fundamental skills, knowledge, and portfolio necessary to start a career as a UX designer. However, breaking into the field also relies on continuous learning, networking, and gaining hands-on experience in real-world projects.

Since you’re here…
Are you a future UX designer? Enroll in our UI/UX Bootcamp and join over 10,000 students who have successfully changed careers with us. Want to get wireframing right this second? Check out our free UX design course today.

About Sakshi Gupta

Sakshi is a Managing Editor at Springboard. She is a technology enthusiast who loves to read and write about emerging tech. She is a content marketer with experience in the Indian and US markets.