How to Become an Ui\Ux Designer?

Determine your focus.

Dive into design.

Thinking like a designer doesn't happen instantaneously. Instead, you need to research the industry and find what it is you like and dislike. Scour websites and find inspiration. Take stock of what stands out to you, and keep notes. Take it one step further and determine why you gravitate toward certain designs versus others. Odds are, you already have an instinct toward a particular aesthetic, but until you sit down and think about it, you're probably not aware of why you think the way you do.

Speak with other designers.

Speaking with other designers is an invaluable resource. Find people in your desired field or reach out to those at a company you wish to work at, and try to pick their brains. Ask them what designs they like or dislike, and understand why they answered the way they do. Understanding their thinking can build your vocabulary and help you articulate better why certain designs work better than others.

Take classes and add to your portfolio.

Even if you can speak with others in the industry, attaining hands-on training in design is invaluable. Depending on your focus, you might consider attaining a degree in that particular field such as graphic or interior design. Enrolling in a degree program can introduce you to other courses to specialize your designs. The coursework you complete can be added to your portfolio, which you can show to prospective employers.

Secure internships and work experience.

Beginning a career as a designer often begins with an internship or as an entry-level assistant. You might be able to secure an internship through your degree program, and you might gain course credit as well as networking opportunities and work experience. Another option is to garner freelancing jobs to improve your portfolio and give you an advantage over the competition. Even if you don't have a degree, try to gain work experience in any way possible.

Develop an attainable skill set.

After you secure some experience, hone your skills on your desired skill set such as visual styling, photo editing, and typography. Many employers want individuals who have strong visualization abilities, can work well on a team, and pay attention to detail. Depending on your field, you might also seek certification in that particular skill set including those offered by Adobe and Autodesk or through professional organizations such as the American Society of Interior Designers and the International Web Association.