HOW TO BECOME A UI DESIGNER?

If you’ve done any kind of research about software design, you’ve probably heard of the term “UI”. So, what is UI design?

User interface (UI) design is about building interfaces with a focus on styling and interactivity. The UI designer’s goal is to create an interface the user finds easy to use and aesthetically pleasing.

The word “interface” refers to the access point where a user interacts with a software application (e.g., Figma, Sketch), a browser-based website, or a hardware device (e.g., a smartphone touchscreen). A UI designer explores all the interactions and behaviors a user takes with a product to create an interface that best adapts to the user’s needs.

When we talk about UI design, we talk about the stylistic choices a designer makes when creating a product, e.g., an image, button, menu bar, or footer. All of these elements will affect the user’s interaction, and so, must be planned accordingly.

UI designers are tasked with creating everything that makes up the digital user interface of a website or app and contribute to seamless interactions between customers and technology.

UI DESIGNER RESPONSIBILITIES
• Oversee user interface design and layout of digital products.
• Ensure designs are responsive to different formats.
• Create and maintain a visual style guide.
• Design buttons, icons, sliders and scrollbars.
• Establish typography.
• Create animations.
• Collaborate with product managers and UX designers to create storyboards and sitemaps.

There are many pathways to becoming a User Interface (UI) Designer, including qualifications in web and graphic design. It is essential to have an understanding of human behaviour and an eye for design. Consider completing a short course in graphic design, web design or UX. Alternatively, you can complete a Graduate Certificate in User Experience Design.

1. Develop an eye for design, and understanding of design principles and how to identify strengths and weaknesses in user experiences and interfaces.
2. Seek out online resources and communities to share your work, network and learn from other designers.
3. Keep up to date with design and UX developments by reading blogs, online publications, and articles.
4. Develop a portfolio of work to show prospective employers. This can include work you’ve done on mock UI Design projects and should demonstrate your design thinking. Set up a blog or a website to showcase this work. A strong portfolio may be critical to gaining employment in the field.

UI designers typically work within the product or design department and often collaborate with product managers to develop timelines and plan projects. UI designers work especially close with UX designers and UX researchers to bring the findings of researchers to life and ensure UX insights are put into the design of a product.

Similar to many UX and UI roles, UI designers come from a variety of backgrounds and don’t require one specific degree to get started in the field. Many UI designers have educational backgrounds in graphic design and web design but can also have degrees in the humanities as well. UI designers should have a solid understanding of UI design principles and be able to present a portfolio of their past UI design work.

UI designers often begin their careers as design interns and can work in many different industries. Before becoming a UI designer some of the common titles a person may hold include graphic designer and web designer. UI designers can easily move into a more senior design role or roles such as UX designer and project manager.

Are you ready to jump into the exciting, dynamic world of UI design? There are numerous options for learning the craft — with IGK UI/UX Career Program offering rapid, immersive exposure to modern UI design theory, methods, and tools. Armed with your in-demand skills and professional portfolio, you’ll be ready to begin your UI design career with confidence.