{"id":48792,"date":"2023-08-14T17:33:54","date_gmt":"2023-08-15T00:33:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/?p=48792"},"modified":"2025-01-27T04:35:08","modified_gmt":"2025-01-27T12:35:08","slug":"learn-ui-design","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/design\/learn-ui-design\/","title":{"rendered":"From Novice to Pro: How To Learn UI Design [2025 Guide]"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>In 2014, renowned multimedia designer Martin LeBlanc tweeted, &#8220;A user interface is like a joke. If you have to explain it, it\u2019s not that good.\u201d In other words, UI design shouldn\u2019t need to be decoded\u2014if you\u2019re having trouble navigating around a website or app, then it\u2019s probably in need of an update.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>UI design brings together psychology, brand identity, user needs, business goals, and web development to build a functional and aesthetic website or app interface. Given our reliance on apps today, it should be no surprise that UI designers are in high demand across virtually every industry.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So if you\u2019re looking to cash in on this trend, then you\u2019re in the right place. Below, we\u2019ll share with you a 7-step guide to learning UI design. We\u2019ll also show you how to do this in just under a year!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is UI (User Interface) Design?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/design\/ui-design-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">User interface design<\/a> is the planning and building of a digital product\u2019s interface, usually focusing on the interactive elements of a website or app. Examples include the placement of buttons, layouts of drop-down menus, color schemes, quality\/pitch of voice-controlled interfaces, the sensitivity of gesture recognition in VR games, and the overall look and feel of a digital interface. Ultimately, a UI designer aims to create positive user experiences with easy usability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is It Easy To Learn UI Design?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/learn\/learn-ui-design\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/design\/learn-ui-design\">To learn UI design<\/a>, you need to master various fundamental design principles, color theory, different kinds of tools, typography, and other vital concepts. Experienced UI designers go a step further and apply these principles within a brand\u2019s guidelines. The extent to which you\u2019re already adept at all of this will largely determine how easy it is to learn UI design.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How To Learn UI Design: A Seven-Step Guide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Learning UI design can be overwhelming when you don\u2019t have a blueprint in place. Here\u2019s a 7-step guide that can get you from novice to expert within months.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-howto\" class=\"rank-math-block\" >\n<div class=\"rank-math-howto-description\">\n\n<\/div>\n\n<ol class=\"rank-math-steps \">\n<li id=\"howto-step-1691110903360\" class=\"rank-math-step\">\n<p class=\"rank-math-step-title \">Learn the Fundamentals and Best Practices<\/p>\n<div class=\"rank-math-step-content \"><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"howto-step-1691110933217\" class=\"rank-math-step\">\n<p class=\"rank-math-step-title \">Education and Training Matters<\/p>\n<div class=\"rank-math-step-content \"><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"howto-step-1691110967056\" class=\"rank-math-step\">\n<p class=\"rank-math-step-title \">Develop Your Skills<\/p>\n<div class=\"rank-math-step-content \"><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"howto-step-1691111009445\" class=\"rank-math-step\">\n<p class=\"rank-math-step-title \">Become Proficient With Popular Tools<\/p>\n<div class=\"rank-math-step-content \"><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"howto-step-1691111029385\" class=\"rank-math-step\">\n<p class=\"rank-math-step-title \">Gain Practical Experience<\/p>\n<div class=\"rank-math-step-content \"><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"howto-step-1691111046056\" class=\"rank-math-step\">\n<p class=\"rank-math-step-title \">Pursue an Internship<\/p>\n<div class=\"rank-math-step-content \"><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"howto-step-1691111063841\" class=\"rank-math-step\">\n<p class=\"rank-math-step-title \">Network and Join the UI Design Community<\/p>\n<div class=\"rank-math-step-content \"><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Learn the Fundamentals and Best Practices<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Outlining and understanding the core principles of UI design will set you up for success. Jakob Nielsen and Rolf Molich, renowned UI experts, have identified some \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/aelaschool.com\/en\/interactiondesign\/10-usability-heuristics-ui-design\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">golden rules for UI<\/a>\u201d that you should revisit frequently. Some of those rules are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Your user should feel informed about what\u2019s happening on the interface (website screen\/app) with easy-to-understand buttons.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>An intuitive interface needs to contain logical information. It must be presented in a cohesive and minimalistic manner in the language that the target user understands and expects. This reduces any cognitive overload they might face while navigating a complicated website.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Users want to feel a sense of control when they are on your website or page. They need to be free to reverse their actions, such as going back to a previous page or adding a product to the cart without returning to the product page.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Brand recall is integral to a user\u2019s journey across your platforms. Create a memorable impact with consistency in typology, graphical elements, and terms used across the platforms.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The user should be presented with the most efficient way to get from point A to point B and have the option of tailoring their experience on the website.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Education and Training Matters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You don\u2019t need a specific degree for UI design. Hiring managers are more focused on your portfolio, rather than where you studied. You can be self-taught, complete certifications, and enroll in courses\u2014these are all valid paths. What matters is you are constantly learning and applying your knowledge. An online bootcamp, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/courses\/ui-ux-design-career-track\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Springboard\u2019s UI\/UX Design Bootcamp<\/a>, can get you job-ready in a matter of months, and at a fraction of the cost of a traditional college degree.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Develop Your Skills<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll need a mix of technical and soft skills to land a job as a UI designer.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Technical Skills<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Prioritize the following technical skills to enhance your UI design education:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Basic Coding Skills<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>UI designers do not need to code, but a preliminary understanding of HTML\/CSS, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/data-science\/python-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Python<\/a>, and Java Script will give you a leg up amongst UI designers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Design Thinking<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>UI designers need to engage in systematic <a href=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/design\/what-is-design-thinking\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">design thinking<\/a> to solve a specific user design problem. You can adopt a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/design\/design-thinking-process\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">design thinking process<\/a> by reviewing case studies and pursuing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/design\/design-thinking-courses\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">design courses<\/a> focusing on the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Human Psychology or Interface Psychology<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>You don\u2019t need a psychology degree to work in UI design, but if you look at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/design\/ui-examples\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">websites that are known for excellent UI design<\/a>, you will notice the following psychology-based UI principles, among many others:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Hick\u2019s Law\/Choice Paralysis.<\/strong> Don\u2019t overwhelm your users with too many choices. Rather than giving your user all of the options available, sometimes a user needs someone to simplify their options for them.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Von Restorff effect.<\/strong> This principle of isolation states that when presenting a user with different options, highlight the option that you would ideally like the user to pick. This could be through slightly contrasting color palettes, typography, or structure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Principle of Perpetual Habit.<\/strong> Don\u2019t shock a user\u2019s established expectations or habits while they interact with your website. Experimentation is necessary, but don\u2019t overhaul visual designs and symbols that have worked well in the past.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Responsive Design<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>UI designers must know how to work with responsive units to design an easy-to-navigate website. Here\u2019s how responsive design differs from interactive design:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"662\" src=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/how-to-learn-ui-design-responsive-design-adaptive-responsive-1200x662.png\" alt=\"how to learn UI design, responsive design, adaptive responsive\" class=\"wp-image-48806\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/how-to-learn-ui-design-responsive-design-adaptive-responsive-1200x662.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/how-to-learn-ui-design-responsive-design-adaptive-responsive-400x221.png 400w, https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/how-to-learn-ui-design-responsive-design-adaptive-responsive-768x424.png 768w, https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/how-to-learn-ui-design-responsive-design-adaptive-responsive-1536x847.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/how-to-learn-ui-design-responsive-design-adaptive-responsive-380x210.png 380w, https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/how-to-learn-ui-design-responsive-design-adaptive-responsive-700x386.png 700w, https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/how-to-learn-ui-design-responsive-design-adaptive-responsive.png 1617w, https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/how-to-learn-ui-design-responsive-design-adaptive-responsive-380x210.png 420w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/kinsta.com\/blog\/responsive-web-design\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/kinsta.com\/blog\/responsive-web-design\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kinsta<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Soft Skills<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Technical know-how will set you apart when you have the following soft skills:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cross-Functional Communication<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>As a UI designer, you will work with graphic designers, visual designers, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/design\/product-designer\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">product designers<\/a> and managers, interaction designers, and other business stakeholders. Finalizing UI designs that satisfy the different departments requires cross-functional communication and collaboration.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Empathy<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Experienced designers know how to be empathetic and put themselves in their users\u2019 shoes. To accomplish this, it helps to be an active listener and observer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ability To Receive Feedback<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>This will be the biggest strength of a UI designer, as your designs will go through a lot of scrutiny and iterations. So you have to know how to process critiques and negative feedback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Presentation and Storytelling Skills<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Most UI designers present their findings in a digestible manner to non-technical teams. So you have to be able to translate complex design thinking into a concise story. Build the habit of developing short presentations for your projects and run them by your team members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Become Proficient With Popular Tools<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll need to be familiar with these tools to launch a career in UI design:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Figma or Sketch<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>With Figma and Sketch, you can build design systems and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/design\/what-is-wireframe\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">wireframes<\/a>, share them for feedback, collaborate in real time with other team members on the same design, and conduct iterations based on comments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.figma.com\/resource-library\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Figma<\/a> also has an expansive database of assets and UI kits for your projects\u2014you can also learn from their extensive database of valuable resources and case studies. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sketch.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sketch<\/a> is an excellent design tool that\u2019s similar to Figma, except it\u2019s limited to MacOS users.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Jira<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>This collaborative tool accommodates large design teams working simultaneously on projects. You can create new pages and work on them with other members within <a href=\"https:\/\/www.atlassian.com\/software\/jira\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Jira\u2019s Work Management system<\/a>. Jira easily integrates with popular design tools like Figma, InVision, and Adobe XD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Adobe Illustrator\/XD\/Photoshop<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>With the Adobe set of design tools, you can create impressive prototypes that prioritize user interactivity. <a href=\"https:\/\/adobexdplatform.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Adobe XD<\/a> is ideal for mobile and web applications, while <a href=\"https:\/\/www.adobe.com\/in\/products\/photoshop.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Adobe Photoshop<\/a> is a great starting point for graphics like logos, buttons, etc. And as the name suggests, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.adobe.com\/in\/products\/illustrator.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Adobe Illustrator<\/a> is for illustrations and visual design elements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Gain Practical Experience&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you get the hang of the tools, it\u2019s time to put your design skills into motion and gain some experience. Here\u2019s how you can go about it:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Create Sample Projects<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>When you\u2019re just starting out, work on sample projects that you can later show to employers. Experiment with the practical applications of design tools and principles, gradually building your portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Shadow a UI Designer<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Shadowing a UI designer will help you pick up the essential skills required for the job. If you don\u2019t have access to a designer, there are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=wN7ThtueEpM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">hours of video lessons on YouTube<\/a> where UI\/UX designers show how they complete a particular task from beginning to end. Follow along and observe how they adapt to sharpen your eye for design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"ratio ratio-16x9 my-5\" itemprop=\"video\"><img src=\"https:\/\/img.youtube.com\/vi\/kPHouBlCw9E\/sddefault.jpg\" class=\"img-fluid\" alt=\"YouTube video player for kPHouBlCw9E\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"object-fit:cover;width:100%;height:100%\" data-yt-facade=\"1\" \/><div class=\"yt-facade\" style=\"position:absolute;z-index:2;background:rgba(0,0,0,0.2)\"><svg fill=\"#fff\" height=\"100%\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"72\" style=\"position:absolute;top:50%;left:50%;transform:translate(-50%, -50%);\"><path d=\"M0 0h24v24H0V0z\" fill=\"none\"><\/path><path d=\"M21.58 7.19c-.23-.86-.91-1.54-1.77-1.77C18.25 5 12 5 12 5s-6.25 0-7.81.42c-.86.23-1.54.91-1.77 1.77C2 8.75 2 12 2 12s0 3.25.42 4.81c.23.86.91 1.54 1.77 1.77C5.75 19 12 19 12 19s6.25 0 7.81-.42c.86-.23 1.54-.91 1.77-1.77C22 15.25 22 12 22 12s0-3.25-.42-4.81zM10 15V9l5.2 3-5.2 3z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"UI Designer: A Day In the life\" width=\"1170\" height=\"658\" data-yt-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/kPHouBlCw9E?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Take Up Volunteer or Freelance Work<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Ask people in your network if you can volunteer to redesign their business website or app. It\u2019s not uncommon for self-taught UI designers to start with a friend\u2019s business website. When you\u2019re ready to start earning money, offer your services on freelance platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. Scour through other people\u2019s profiles, see how they position their offerings, and try to stand out with unique services and efficient pricing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pursue an Internship<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Interning at a design agency, or with a business that has a dedicated UI team, will give you insight into the day-to-day life of a UI designer. As an intern, you\u2019ll also build a network you can leverage when looking for jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Network and Join the UI Design Community<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When not studying or interning, dedicate time to nurturing your professional connections. Here are a few ways to do this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">LinkedIn<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Build a tailored LinkedIn profile that communicates your interest in UI design. Connect with experts and engage with their posts to build meaningful connections. You can also utilize the LinkedIn job board to find freelance or full-time UI design jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Online Communities<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Slack, Reddit, and Facebook groups are excellent avenues to connect with other UI designers. Here, you can share your experiences, struggles, successes, and ideas. Scour through tool-specific or <a href=\"https:\/\/designtalks.slack.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">industry-specific Slack channels<\/a>. You can also join <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/UI_Design\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">subreddits<\/a> to have focused discussions with UI professionals. Participate in virtual workshops or AMAs in these online communities to maximize learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conferences and Meetups<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Virtual conferences, summits, and meetups with renowned UI designers sharing tips and tricks can help you stay updated with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/design\/ui-design-trends\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">recent UI design trends<\/a> and further build your network. Being visible at these conferences will boost your career opportunities as you identify your niche and expand your horizons within the UI field.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"bg-leaf-50 p-4 my-3\"><h4 class=\"fw-bold text-center\">Get To Know Other\tDesign Students<\/h4><div class=\"row row-cols-1 row-cols-lg-3\"><div class=\"col\"><div class=\"card success-story-card h-100 d-flex justify-content-between mb-0\"><div class=\"flex-grow-1 text-center\"><a class=\"d-inline-block rounded-circle\" href=\"\/success\/reyna-martinez\" style=\"width:125px;height:125px;overflow:hidden\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/springboard-images\/image\/upload\/v1656431257\/Student%20Success\/Reyna_Martinez.jpg\" alt=\"Reyna Martinez\" style=\"object-fit:contain;max-width:170px;height:125px\" \/><\/a><p class=\"fw-bold mb-0\">Reyna Martinez<\/p><p class=\"text-muted lh-1\">Associate UX Designer at ServiceMax<\/p><\/div><div class=\"w-100 d-block d-md-none mt-3\"><\/div><p class=\"mb-0 mx-auto text-center\"><a class=\"btn btn-primary mx-auto\" href=\"\/success\/reyna-martinez\">Read Story<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"col d-none d-md-block\"><div class=\"card success-story-card h-100 d-flex justify-content-between mb-0\"><div class=\"flex-grow-1 text-center\"><a class=\"d-inline-block rounded-circle\" href=\"\/success\/janessa-poole\" style=\"width:125px;height:125px;overflow:hidden\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/springboard-images\/image\/upload\/v1638213299\/Student%20Success\/Janessa_Poole_125x125.png\" alt=\"Janessa Poole\" style=\"object-fit:contain;max-width:170px;height:125px\" \/><\/a><p class=\"fw-bold mb-0\">Janessa Poole<\/p><p class=\"text-muted lh-1\">Content Designer at Reforge<\/p><\/div><p class=\"mb-0 mx-auto text-center\"><a class=\"btn btn-primary mx-auto\" href=\"\/success\/janessa-poole\">Read Story<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"col d-none d-md-block\"><div class=\"card success-story-card h-100 d-flex justify-content-between mb-0\"><div class=\"flex-grow-1 text-center\"><a class=\"d-inline-block rounded-circle\" href=\"\/success\/jeffrey-surban\" style=\"width:125px;height:125px;overflow:hidden\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/springboard-images\/image\/upload\/v1629203191\/Student%20Success\/Jeffrey_Surban_125x125.png\" alt=\"Jeffrey Surban\" style=\"object-fit:contain;max-width:170px;height:125px\" \/><\/a><p class=\"fw-bold mb-0\">Jeffrey Surban<\/p><p class=\"text-muted lh-1\">UX Designer at Citi<\/p><\/div><p class=\"mb-0 mx-auto text-center\"><a class=\"btn btn-primary mx-auto\" href=\"\/success\/jeffrey-surban\">Read Story<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How To Learn UI Design: Different Learning Paths (and Resources)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Your learning path depends on how soon you want to land a job, the kind of financial resources you have, and your existing commitments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Formal Education<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>UI design is a vast field with multiple specializations, intersections with UX design, and industry-specific knowledge. You can cover these by going down the formal route if you have some time (a couple of years or more).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">University Degree<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>UI design degrees cover the following fundamentals in detail:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>User research<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Problem framing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prototyping and wireframing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Evaluation and usability tests<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>UI design degrees also go over the intersection of human psychology and design principles. You\u2019ll identify the tenets that dictate how humans interact with any interface or digital product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Community College<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t have four years or the means to pay for hefty tuition? Consider community college, an excellent alternative within the realm of formal education.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Certificate Program<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>UI design certificate programs will validate your knowledge, making it easier to land jobs. Certificate programs with a project element will help you add samples to your portfolio. If you choose UI\/UX certificates, you will benefit from a more rounded set of skills and comprehensive knowledge that covers both UI and UX.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"ratio ratio-16x9 my-5\" itemprop=\"video\"><img src=\"https:\/\/img.youtube.com\/vi\/zAn9PjjYHBQ\/sddefault.jpg\" class=\"img-fluid\" alt=\"YouTube video player for zAn9PjjYHBQ\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"object-fit:cover;width:100%;height:100%\" data-yt-facade=\"1\" \/><div class=\"yt-facade\" style=\"position:absolute;z-index:2;background:rgba(0,0,0,0.2)\"><svg fill=\"#fff\" height=\"100%\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"72\" style=\"position:absolute;top:50%;left:50%;transform:translate(-50%, -50%);\"><path d=\"M0 0h24v24H0V0z\" fill=\"none\"><\/path><path d=\"M21.58 7.19c-.23-.86-.91-1.54-1.77-1.77C18.25 5 12 5 12 5s-6.25 0-7.81.42c-.86.23-1.54.91-1.77 1.77C2 8.75 2 12 2 12s0 3.25.42 4.81c.23.86.91 1.54 1.77 1.77C5.75 19 12 19 12 19s6.25 0 7.81-.42c.86-.23 1.54-.91 1.77-1.77C22 15.25 22 12 22 12s0-3.25-.42-4.81zM10 15V9l5.2 3-5.2 3z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Industry Expert Explains UX vs UI\" width=\"1170\" height=\"658\" data-yt-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/zAn9PjjYHBQ?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">UI Design Bootcamp<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Bootcamps are ideal for intensive study in a shorter timeframe. The right UI design bootcamp can teach you job-ready skills in under a year with interactive classes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Self-Taught Route<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The self-taught route will be the best option for those who don\u2019t mind curating their syllabus from various sources and learning independently. Here are some resources to get started:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Online Courses<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Universities offer self-paced online courses. You can access pre-recorded sessions, complete the assignments, interact with other students, and earn a certificate of completion once you\u2019re done. It\u2019s a flexible way to learn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.learnui.design\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Learn UI Design<\/a> is an excellent course taught by Erik Kennedy, a UI expert with over ten years of experience. You can also try <a href=\"https:\/\/shiftnudge.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Shift Nudge<\/a>, a popular option among other high-quality courses. It\u2019s a 30+ hour course ideal for building a solid foundation in UI design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you prefer learning with one tool as your base, try <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thedesignership.com\/courses\/the-ultimate-figma-masterclass\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Designership\u2019s Figma Masterclass course<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">YouTube Channels<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>With YouTube channels, you can learn at your own pace, mix and match content and informally engage with other UI designers in the comments. Try <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/c\/VAEXPERIENCE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Vaexperience<\/a>, a channel run by a design leader. He shares his insights on experience design and also has comprehensive design tutorials for tools like Sketch and Axure RP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another channel you can consider is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCeB_OpLspKJGiKv1CYkWFFw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AJ&amp;Smart<\/a>, run by a product design duo based in Germany. They share UI design content, go into product strategy, and teach how to run a UI design business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCvBGFeXbBrq3W9_0oNLJREQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Jesse Showalter<\/a>, a UI\/UX designer, covers freelancing tips and the steps to master the creative design process using the right tools on his YouTube channel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, check out this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Rh18iJ8gSfI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">talk by Jeff Johnson<\/a> for Google on designing keeping the human mind in consideration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Websites and Books<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the most popular books among UI designers is \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.refactoringui.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Refactoring UI<\/a>\u201d by Steve Schoger, a UI designer, and Adam Wathan, a full-stack developer. This book covers fundamental design concepts along with numerous examples for each principle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other useful UI design books include \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/sensible.com\/dont-make-me-think\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Don\u2019t Make Me Think<\/a>\u201d and \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodreads.com\/en\/book\/show\/840\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Design of Everyday Things<\/a>.\u201d For those who want to dive deeper into UI\/UX and psychology, pick up a copy of \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/lawsofux.com\/book\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Laws of UX<\/a>\u201d by Jon Yablonski.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also check out the following websites for UI design content:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/fireart.studio\/blog\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fireart Studio\u2019s blog<\/a> and case studies to get insights on UI software and frameworks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/baymard.com\/blog\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Baymard Institute&#8217;s blog<\/a>, which focuses on UX but also goes over UI principles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nngroup.com\/articles\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nielsen Norman Group\u2019s UI blog<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Follow Experts on Social Media<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Make your time on social media more productive by following these UI experts on Twitter\/Linkedin for resources, opinions regarding UI trends, career advice, and tips to thrive in the UI field:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/erikdkennedy?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Erik Kennedy<\/a>, founder of \u201cLearn UI Design\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/sarahdoody\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sarah Doody<\/a>, a career strategist for UX and product design<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/feed\/update\/urn:li:activity:7064692385984720896\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Jared Spool<\/a>, who is a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/design\/what-is-ux-writing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">UX\/UI writer<\/a> and designer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Learning UI Design and Starting a Career: Real-Life Examples<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>UI design is a competitive field. Here are two UI designers who built their careers with diametrically opposite approaches:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Joseph Zakher<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"390\" src=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/how-to-learn-ui-design-real-life-examples-joseph-zakher-1200x390.png\" alt=\"how to learn UI design, real-life examples, Joseph Zakher\" class=\"wp-image-48807\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/how-to-learn-ui-design-real-life-examples-joseph-zakher-1200x390.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/how-to-learn-ui-design-real-life-examples-joseph-zakher-400x130.png 400w, https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/how-to-learn-ui-design-real-life-examples-joseph-zakher-768x249.png 768w, https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/how-to-learn-ui-design-real-life-examples-joseph-zakher-1536x499.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/how-to-learn-ui-design-real-life-examples-joseph-zakher-380x123.png 380w, https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/how-to-learn-ui-design-real-life-examples-joseph-zakher-700x227.png 700w, https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/how-to-learn-ui-design-real-life-examples-joseph-zakher.png 1805w, https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/how-to-learn-ui-design-real-life-examples-joseph-zakher-380x123.png 420w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The start of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.josephzakher.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Joseph Zakher\u2019s journey<\/a> was not marked by a degree. Instead, he learned everything he could on his own using online resources and anything else he could find. He attributes his success to the hours and hours of absorbing books, articles, podcasts, videos, and certifications like the <a href=\"https:\/\/grow.google\/intl\/en_in\/ux-design-course\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Google UX Design certification<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During his seven months at a not-so-satisfying design job, he spent his free time upskilling and eventually knew enough to land a senior-level design role. Joseph credits his swift learning process to having a design buddy, a friend he made at his first job, with whom he studied daily. His recommendation for budding UI designers is to never stop learning, no matter what stage of your career you\u2019re at.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Robin Smith<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"726\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/how-to-learn-ui-design-real-life-examples-robin-smith.png\" alt=\"how to learn UI design, real-life examples, Robin Smith\" class=\"wp-image-48808\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/how-to-learn-ui-design-real-life-examples-robin-smith.png 726w, https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/how-to-learn-ui-design-real-life-examples-robin-smith-400x176.png 400w, https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/how-to-learn-ui-design-real-life-examples-robin-smith-380x167.png 380w, https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/how-to-learn-ui-design-real-life-examples-robin-smith-700x309.png 700w, https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/how-to-learn-ui-design-real-life-examples-robin-smith-380x167.png 420w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 726px) 100vw, 726px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/medium.com\/@Robinns719\/how-i-became-a-ui-ux-designer-with-no-experience-in-30-days-2ae2f2fed690\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Robin Smith<\/a> learned the basics of design to help create graphics for her company as a medical sales rep. Her dive into design tutorials ignited her interest in UI. But with a degree in health administration and no background in design, she wasn\u2019t sure how to transition to design as a full-time job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Robin spent a few months reviewing articles, webinars, blogs, and anything she could find on UI design. She then began experimenting with design software, such as Sketch, Adobe XD, and Figma, and testing prototype tools. Her observation is that everyone should find one tool that they are the most comfortable with and run with it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Robin built a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/design\/ui-portfolio\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">UI design portfolio<\/a> with projects highlighting her thought process, workflow, the business impact of her solutions, and the project&#8217;s goals. To crack the interview, she recommends knowing how to explain (in layperson terms) the concepts of user research, usability, information architecture, interaction design, and experience strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQs About Learning UI Design<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ve got the answers to your most frequently asked questions:<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1691110581364\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">How Long Does It Take To Learn UI Design?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>It can take about six months to a year to learn the core concepts and land an entry-level job in UI design. Building a solid skillset in UI design principles and tools can take nearly two years.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1691110602000\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Can I Learn UI Design for Free?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes! You can learn UI design for free through a collation of YouTube channels, books, and courses, but you\u2019ll have to stay accountable to yourself.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1691110617773\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Does a UI Designer Need To Code?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>UI designers do not require coding, but having some programming knowledge can help you contribute more to projects. They can assess what\u2019s possible while building a product and communicate more deeply with developers.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1691110637800\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Should I Learn UI or UX First?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>That depends on where your interests lie. There are a few <a href=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/design\/ux-vs-ui\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">differences between user interface and user experience design<\/a>, and they require slightly varied skill sets. Experiment with the basics of both, and go for what appeals to you more.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1691110662971\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What\u2019s the Best Method for Beginners To Learn UI Design?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The hybrid learning approach is ideal. Read books, enroll in a bootcamp, leverage free resources, play around with the tools, and intern or work on real-world projects.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"rm has-background\" style=\"background-color:#efeff6\"><strong>Since you&#8217;re here&#8230;<br><\/strong>Not sure where you\u2019ll find the time to learn UX and UI skills? We\u2019re here to help. Our fully flexible <a href=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/courses\/ui-ux-design-career-track\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">UI\/UX Design Bootcamp <\/a>takes just 12-15 hours a week over 6 months and is proven to increase student salaries by $25,033 on average per annum. We\u2019ve helped <a href=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/success\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">over 10,000 students<\/a> make the switch without quitting their day jobs \u2013 shouldn\u2019t you be next? Jump in today with our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/resources\/guides\/ux-design-fundamentals\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">free design fundamentals course<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In 2014, renowned multimedia designer Martin LeBlanc tweeted, &#8220;A user interface is like a joke. If you have to explain it, it\u2019s not that good.\u201d In other words, UI design shouldn\u2019t need to be decoded\u2014if you\u2019re having trouble navigating around a website or app, then it\u2019s probably in need of an update.&nbsp; UI design brings [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":124,"featured_media":48804,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_eb_attr":"","_eb_data_table":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[123],"tags":[],"marketing_tags":[1464],"class_list":{"0":"post-48792","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-design"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48792"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/124"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=48792"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48792\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":56469,"href":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48792\/revisions\/56469"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/48804"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=48792"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=48792"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=48792"},{"taxonomy":"marketing_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/marketing_tags?post=48792"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}