LEARNING UI, UX FROM ZERO - AND 2 CRUCIAL TIPS FOR SUCCESS

When starting to explore and learn about UI and UX, many young people might feel overwhelmed and unsure about where to begin to achieve the best results. Below, Jung Talents will point out the two most important tips to embark on and reap success in this increasingly sought-after design career.

1. Determine the correct UI, UX learning path from the start

A common characteristic of digital design professions is their broad and intricate knowledge base. The journey of learning UX, UI is no exception. Based on experience in this field, Arena Multimedia's advice for those young individuals looking to dive into UX, UI is to define a learning pathway early on, from basics to advanced:

Step 1: Begin with basic UI, UX knowledge.

Basic graphic design knowledge: Typography (colors, strokes, fonts), digital illustrations, image processing, layout for books, newspapers, etc.
Basic web design knowledge: Covering subjects like basic web interface design, interactive web page development, using animated images for web with Animate CC, and a basic understanding of digital marketing to grasp user psychology.
Fundamental UI, UX knowledge: Including key topics like UX design and interaction, metrics in design techniques...
Design rules for different platforms: iOS, Android, WP, Windows, and Mac OS each have unique design rules and options. When developing applications for these platforms, consider resolutions, status bar height, navigation bars, icon sizes, fonts, color values, etc.
Understand the user interface design process: There are 3 main processes: if "Structure Design" is the skeleton, "Interaction Design" aids user accessibility, while "Visual Design" brings satisfaction.

Step 2: Familiarize with design tools.

Sketch: This software tool allows designers to quickly draft or implement changes, saving time. Furthermore, Sketch is integrated with numerous third-party plugins.
InVision Studio: Featuring a complete app suite, InVision provides designers with all necessary tools.
Axure: Features allow drafting and layout of web page elements, from wireframes and mockups to especially prototypes. Axure allows for code insertion and conditions, enabling designs to simulate real products.
Craft: A powerful plugin used by virtually every UI/UX designer for specialized design software like Photoshop and Sketch. It enhances speed, content, and accuracy in the interface design process.
Proto.io: Specially designed for smartphones, Proto.io can simulate everything in an app, including screen transitions and interactive touches. Currently, it's perhaps the only mobile prototyping tool allowing for realistic prototypes.
Adobe XD: A specialized tool for web and app interface design based on vector graphics for creating prototypes and models. Additionally, Adobe XD supports real-time collaboration.
Figma: Enables designers to build dynamic prototypes and models, test usability, and synchronize processes. This tool creates a collaborative environment where multiple people can work on a project simultaneously.
Framer X: Features include user interface toolkit, integrating social media channels like Snapchat, Twitter, a player for embedding multimedia, grid, etc.
Origami Studio: Specifically for Facebook designers, this tool is more complex than InVision or Sketch – software usually for beginners.
FlowMapp: When developing a user experience strategy, FlowMapp is a tool that aids in constructing user flows and visual site maps.

Step 3: Building a Personal

Portfolio In the design industry, especially UX/UI, building a personal portfolio is familiar to many designers. The portfolio encapsulates all the projects you've been involved in, showcasing your skills, abilities, and experience. When applying for a job, the portfolio provides employers with a comprehensive view of an applicant's capabilities and potential. You can start by downloading some user interface templates (either free or paid). Referring to these resources will inspire your own website or mobile app designs. If you're a beginner, approach it this way. Also, post your work in community groups to receive feedback for improvement.

Step 4: Real-life UI UX Design Practice

Once you've grown confident in your skills, engage in real-life projects to gain experience. To get hired as a UX/UI designer, use the portfolio you've built up. If you don't find a job right away, don't be discouraged. The job-hunting and application process is a great opportunity to develop soft skills. Additionally, consider participating in design contests, accepting freelance jobs, or even independently enhancing some interfaces.

2. Continuously Update UI UX

Knowledge UX and UI require continuous learning. Keeping up with the market involves acquiring new skills and techniques. Learning resources can come from books, community groups, courses, etc.

Knowledge from Books

"Don't Make Me Think" by Steve Krug: This book is a staple for almost all UX/UI designers. It discusses improving a website's usability through design, integrating knowledge about user psychology.
"Designing with the Mind in Mind" by Jeff Johnson: Delving deep into cognitive psychology, this book offers a set of design rules grounded in science.
"Evil by Design" by Chris Nodder: Through witty and intelligent writing, the author highlights how psychology is used in interface design to persuade users to click or even purchase a product.
"UI is Communication" by Everett N McKay: Instead of focusing on theory, this book provides practical tools to solve real-world user interface design problems.

Knowledge from Community Websites

You'll learn a lot from user interface design websites and find inspiration. Here are five recommended websites:

Behance: A top inspiration source for UX/UI designers, showcasing works from designers worldwide.
Flickr: A high-quality image and video storage service, allowing you to search, store, and manage your design portfolio.
UI Movement: As the name suggests, it aggregates impressive works from Dribbble.
Dribbble: A UX/UI design community platform where people share experiences and their work.
AWWWARDS: Unlike Behance or Dribbble, AWWWARDS promotes the best web designs.

Knowledge from Online Learning Platforms Nowadays, many beginner courses are available online for interface design. Here are some recommendations:

Hackdesign: Provide your email, and a lesson will be sent to your inbox weekly, linking to articles and tutorials to improve your UX/UI perspective.
Coursera: This platform offers the world's best online courses, and after completing, you receive a professional certificate to share on Linkedin.
My.path: Features thousands of in-depth UX/UI courses, videos, and articles, organized for efficient learning.
GYMNASIUM: For free online courses, this is a quality resource designed by professionals.

Knowledge from the Young Talent Community at Jung Talents

Jung Talents is not only a hub for talented UX/UI designers but also a center for the broader IT community. Catering to passionate young individuals eager to learn, Jung Talents meets all needs, from knowledge sharing to direct learning from top global experts.

Diverse Knowledge: This community extends beyond UX/UI to software development, AI, and more.
Global Connections: A Jung Talents hallmark is connecting members with the best experts worldwide.
Events and Workshops: Regular events help members keep up with trends, develop skills, and network.
Community Growth: Beyond knowledge sharing, this community encourages collaboration and mutual growth.

Jung Talents is more than just a place to learn; it's where you find empathy, support, and collective growth. For anyone wishing to join and grow in the IT sector, this is an unmissable community.