{"id":10006,"date":"2019-11-07T15:16:47","date_gmt":"2019-11-07T20:16:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.brainstation.io\/?p=10006"},"modified":"2020-11-12T14:24:04","modified_gmt":"2020-11-12T19:24:04","slug":"how-to-become-a-ux-designer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/brainstation.io\/blog\/how-to-become-a-ux-designer","title":{"rendered":"How to Become a UX Designer"},"content":{"rendered":"

The term \u201cUser Experience (UX) Design\u201d was <\/span>coined<\/span><\/a> less than 25 years ago, but in that time, it has quickly become a popular discipline for design professionals and creatives looking to break into tech. <\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve been looking to enhance your skills as a Designer, adapt to a more digital role, or perhaps transform your career completely, UX design could be the path that you\u2019re looking for. So, how do you get started? Here are some of the steps you can take to jump-start your career in UX. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Become a UX Designer in just 12 weeks!<\/p>\n

BrainStation’s User Experience Diploma Program<\/a> is a full-time, 12-week program that equips professionals with the skills and experience to start a new career in design.<\/p>\n

Speak to a Learning Advisor<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Develop the Right Background<\/span><\/h2>\n

To begin a career in UX design, an education in design or <\/span>related experience<\/span><\/a> is always helpful. Our Digital Skills Survey found that 65 percent of Designers began their careers within that same field. For Designers, in particular, gaining skills in UX design can really <\/span>provide a competitive edge<\/span><\/a> in the job market. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA lot of Graphic Designers are attracted to user experience design,\u201d says Adriana Baiz, the Admissions Specialist at BrainStation. \u201cFirst, because it\u2019s pretty much the future of design, and second, it leans more towards strategy. For example, UX Designers consider factors like accessibility within a digital product. It takes design to the next level.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

While practical, traditional education in design is not required to start your career in UX. In fact, it\u2019s common to have a background in psychology or the social sciences. Some have come from completely different industries like <\/span>tech consulting<\/span><\/a>. Above all, spend time understanding the tactics used to conduct user research and implement experience design.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are also <\/span>transferable skills<\/span><\/a> that make someone well suited to the role. For example, empathy is critical to understanding how the users of your product or service think and act in a given situation. Collaboration is key in many roles, but especially for UX Designers. This job requires interaction with various teams, actively listening, accepting feedback, brainstorming and more. All require a successful team dynamic. If you have these skills, you\u2019ll be ready to take the next step and get some skills training. <\/span><\/p>\n

Get Training<\/span><\/h2>\n

We\u2019ve written about how to prepare for a <\/span>UX Diploma Program<\/span><\/a>, which is a great way to jump-start your career into UX. In general, there are five essential responsibilities you\u2019ll have as a UX Designer: <\/span><\/p>\n