2 answers
1
Question
Asked
273 views
Where to start and what is helpful to become a UX designer?
I am a HCI master student, and trying to become a designer after graduate. Are there any advice in terms of activities outside of school course or any helpful resources to start with? I think I just need to know where to start.
Login to comment
2 answers
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
You're in a great spot already! Having a master's in HCI is like the foundation of UX. Now, it's time to turn that into hands-on design skills and real examples of your work.
To get started, focus on three things: tools, portfolio, and practice. Learn popular tools like Figma and get comfortable with wireframing, prototyping, and basic design systems. Then, create 2 to 3 strong case studies. These don't need to be from internships. You can redesign an existing app, solve a real-life problem, or work with a small startup or nonprofit. What's important is showing your thought process, not just nice-looking screens. Employers want to see how you think.
Beyond your courses, join design communities, take on design challenges, or do small freelance projects. Even helping friends with usability testing counts. Check out real UX case studies on sites like Nielsen Norman Group and follow designers who share their process. The big step from being a student to a designer is moving from just learning to actually creating something, even if it's not perfect, and learning from the feedback you get.
To get started, focus on three things: tools, portfolio, and practice. Learn popular tools like Figma and get comfortable with wireframing, prototyping, and basic design systems. Then, create 2 to 3 strong case studies. These don't need to be from internships. You can redesign an existing app, solve a real-life problem, or work with a small startup or nonprofit. What's important is showing your thought process, not just nice-looking screens. Employers want to see how you think.
Beyond your courses, join design communities, take on design challenges, or do small freelance projects. Even helping friends with usability testing counts. Check out real UX case studies on sites like Nielsen Norman Group and follow designers who share their process. The big step from being a student to a designer is moving from just learning to actually creating something, even if it's not perfect, and learning from the feedback you get.
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Theory is Great, but Proof is Better
In HCI, you’ll learn a lot about cognitive load, heuristics, and user research methodologies. However, hiring managers hire based on portfolios.
Document everything: Don’t just show the final screens. Save your messy sketches, your affinity diagrams, and your failed prototypes.
The "Why" Matters: In your case studies, emphasize the rationale behind your decisions. "I chose this layout because user testing showed X," carries more weight than "I thought it looked modern."
Master the "T-Shaped" Skillset
HCI programs are often heavy on research. To be a competitive UX Designer, you need to balance that out with visual design and technical literacy:
Visual Craft: Practice UI design (typography, spacing, color theory). Tools like Figma are the industry standard; be fluent in them.
Prototyping: Go beyond static screens. Learn to build high-fidelity interactive prototypes that simulate real app behavior.
In HCI, you’ll learn a lot about cognitive load, heuristics, and user research methodologies. However, hiring managers hire based on portfolios.
Document everything: Don’t just show the final screens. Save your messy sketches, your affinity diagrams, and your failed prototypes.
The "Why" Matters: In your case studies, emphasize the rationale behind your decisions. "I chose this layout because user testing showed X," carries more weight than "I thought it looked modern."
Master the "T-Shaped" Skillset
HCI programs are often heavy on research. To be a competitive UX Designer, you need to balance that out with visual design and technical literacy:
Visual Craft: Practice UI design (typography, spacing, color theory). Tools like Figma are the industry standard; be fluent in them.
Prototyping: Go beyond static screens. Learn to build high-fidelity interactive prototypes that simulate real app behavior.