Summary of "If I started UX in 2025, I’d do this."
Video Summary
In the video titled "If I started UX in 2025, I’d do this," Aliena, a former designer at eBay ads and current design instructor at Fast Track UX, outlines a comprehensive guide for aspiring UX designers to maximize their chances of success in the competitive field of UX design. Here are the key points and recommendations provided:
Learning Phase
- Foundational Knowledge: Begin with UI design as it is essential for creating effective user experiences. Understand that titles like UX Designer and Product Designer vary by company.
- Figma Skills: Start with wireframing using basic tools in Figma (rectangles and text) and progress to high-fidelity mockups, focusing on pixel-perfect designs.
- Prototyping: Learn to create prototypes in Figma, connecting screens and interactions to visualize feature flows.
- UX Design Concepts: Study the double diamond process and familiarize yourself with various research methods, while understanding that real-world applications may differ from theoretical courses.
- Product Design: Broaden your knowledge to include product design, emphasizing business sense and the importance of choosing projects that meet market needs.
- Accountability: Engage with accountability partners or enroll in structured courses to maintain motivation and focus.
Common Mistakes
- Neglecting UI and product design knowledge.
- Taking on overly ambitious personal projects.
- Misunderstanding the flexibility of the UX design process.
- Lacking an accountability structure.
Transitioning to Client Projects
- Networking: Building a professional network is crucial for securing client projects; personal connections often lead to opportunities more than traditional applications.
- Personal Branding: Share your experiences, both successes and failures, to build a personal brand that resonates with others.
- Sales Skills: Understand that sales is about helping others; focus on how your design services can benefit potential clients.
Professional Packaging
- Resume and Portfolio: Create a data-driven resume and a compelling portfolio that showcases your skills rather than just listing past projects.
- Referrals: Utilize referrals as they can significantly enhance your chances of getting hired.
- Job Applications: Apply broadly across various platforms, not just LinkedIn, to maximize opportunities.
Final Insight
Aliena emphasizes the importance of finding a deeper passion behind pursuing a career in UX design. She shares a personal story about her motivation stemming from the joy of connecting with her grandmother through technology, underscoring that a genuine passion can sustain one through the challenges of the field.
Key Resources Mentioned
- Books: "Million Dollar Weekend," "Never Eat Alone," "Ninja Selling," "The Unfair Advantage," "The Art and Business of Online Writing."
- Courses and Tutorials: Fast Track UX and various free resources linked in the video description.
Main Speaker
- Aliena, a designer and educator in UX design.
Category
Technology
