3 answers
Jianna
Student
Dothan, Alabama
1
Question
Asked
411 views
What would be the best path to becoming a User-Interface (UI) Designer?
I want to become a UI designer and I am trying to find the best path to do that at the college I plan on going to. I want to go to UAH and I was wondering what the best major/minor pairing would be at that school? My current plan is to major in Information Systems and double minor in UX-design and Graphic Design.
Login to comment
3 answers
Eric Saunders
Software Dev, Artist, Scrum Master, Project Manager
9
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Eric’s Answer
Hi Jianna!
Unfortunately there is no single "best path" to any career. Our lives and journeys to success are much more messy, varied and interesting than that. Your most important life attribute (especially in the coming workforce) will be "flexibility!" Forget that old "Jack of all trades, master of none" mentality. People with a wide variety of skills will be much more valuable and resilient in the long-run.
That said, you’ll need the skills you gain from UX-Design and Graphic Design. Learning basic HTML/CSS and accessibility standards will help you design interfaces that are both practical and inclusive. Beyond technical skills, understanding how users think is critical. Taking courses in psychology or cognitive science can give you insight into decision-making, perception, and behavior—key factors in designing interfaces that feel natural and engaging. Pair this with you knowledge of UX principles to ensure your designs align with user needs.
Finally, build a portfolio by redesigning apps or making sample websites and sharing your work online. A strong portfolio is key when you don't have much experience. Network through design communities, seek internships or freelance projects, and stay current with trends by following design blogs and influencers. With consistent practice and a user-focused mindset, you’ll be well on your way to a career in UI design.
I also noticed you're majoring in Information Systems. I started out in UX/UI design (without formal education), and later found that coding with UI offered a lot more creativity than I imagined, and a lot more pay! I even went into careers I thought impossible. If you're considering something more technical, see how you can find a way to use all of your skills to your advantage! Who knows where youre particular variety of skills may take you!
Good luck, Jianna!
Unfortunately there is no single "best path" to any career. Our lives and journeys to success are much more messy, varied and interesting than that. Your most important life attribute (especially in the coming workforce) will be "flexibility!" Forget that old "Jack of all trades, master of none" mentality. People with a wide variety of skills will be much more valuable and resilient in the long-run.
That said, you’ll need the skills you gain from UX-Design and Graphic Design. Learning basic HTML/CSS and accessibility standards will help you design interfaces that are both practical and inclusive. Beyond technical skills, understanding how users think is critical. Taking courses in psychology or cognitive science can give you insight into decision-making, perception, and behavior—key factors in designing interfaces that feel natural and engaging. Pair this with you knowledge of UX principles to ensure your designs align with user needs.
Finally, build a portfolio by redesigning apps or making sample websites and sharing your work online. A strong portfolio is key when you don't have much experience. Network through design communities, seek internships or freelance projects, and stay current with trends by following design blogs and influencers. With consistent practice and a user-focused mindset, you’ll be well on your way to a career in UI design.
I also noticed you're majoring in Information Systems. I started out in UX/UI design (without formal education), and later found that coding with UI offered a lot more creativity than I imagined, and a lot more pay! I even went into careers I thought impossible. If you're considering something more technical, see how you can find a way to use all of your skills to your advantage! Who knows where youre particular variety of skills may take you!
Good luck, Jianna!
victoria Conley
Design Ops
5
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
victoria’s Answer
This is a solid plan. Focus on gaining hands-on experience. Start with personal projects to secure internships, which will lead to job opportunities. I work in Design Ops, and our team is starting to use AI. Get comfortable with AI tools to stay up-to-date in UX/UI.
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1185
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Jianna,
Your plan already seems well-thought-out; majoring in information systems and minoring in graphic design and UX design will provide you with a strong combination of technical and artistic abilities. The mix UI design thrives on just that.
If you want to fine-tune your path at UAH, here’s how you could build on it:
- Keep your Information Systems major. It provides you with a solid foundation in databases, user processes, and system operation, all essential for creating interfaces that truly work.
- Your UX Design minor is gold. UI and UX are closely related. UI influences the visual design, while UX concentrates on user experience and research. This combination will strengthen your portfolio and give your design choices a stronger foundation.
- The Graphic Design minor adds polish. You will learn layout, color theory, and typography, the visual arts that make interfaces come to life.
- Beyond coursework, build and test. Start tiny projects, remodel websites or apps that already exist, and create a portfolio on sites like Dribbble or Behance. You can put what you learn to use through internships, freelancing work, or even school projects.
- Optional extras: Learn about fundamental front-end concepts (HTML/CSS) and design tools (Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch). Although you don't have to be an expert programmer, knowing how designs are created improves your ability to work with others.
You merely need to add practical tasks and actual user testing to your already solid plan. This is the point at which classroom information turns into practical skills. Continue trying new things; innovation and curiosity are equally rewarded in UI design.
Best wishes!
Your plan already seems well-thought-out; majoring in information systems and minoring in graphic design and UX design will provide you with a strong combination of technical and artistic abilities. The mix UI design thrives on just that.
If you want to fine-tune your path at UAH, here’s how you could build on it:
- Keep your Information Systems major. It provides you with a solid foundation in databases, user processes, and system operation, all essential for creating interfaces that truly work.
- Your UX Design minor is gold. UI and UX are closely related. UI influences the visual design, while UX concentrates on user experience and research. This combination will strengthen your portfolio and give your design choices a stronger foundation.
- The Graphic Design minor adds polish. You will learn layout, color theory, and typography, the visual arts that make interfaces come to life.
- Beyond coursework, build and test. Start tiny projects, remodel websites or apps that already exist, and create a portfolio on sites like Dribbble or Behance. You can put what you learn to use through internships, freelancing work, or even school projects.
- Optional extras: Learn about fundamental front-end concepts (HTML/CSS) and design tools (Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch). Although you don't have to be an expert programmer, knowing how designs are created improves your ability to work with others.
You merely need to add practical tasks and actual user testing to your already solid plan. This is the point at which classroom information turns into practical skills. Continue trying new things; innovation and curiosity are equally rewarded in UI design.
Best wishes!