How to Learn UX Design: 5 Effective Learning Methods You Need to Know

There are several possible ways you could go about learning UX design. These include in-person classes, live online courses, on-demand study materials, and free design tutorials.

Which of these options is best for you will depend on a number of factors specific to your situation. You may also decide that you ultimately want to pursue a certificate or even a certification in UX design.

Enroll in In-Person UX Design Classes

One option is to study UX design in-person, assuming your location makes it possible to do so. Some students find the social aspect of in-person classes helps motivate them because connecting with an instructor and classmates makes their studies more engaging. It can also be easier to focus in a classroom, without the distractions that can come about when you are attending classes in your own space. Another advantage is access to equipment provided by the school.

Attend Live Online UX Design Classes

On the other hand, some students find social interaction more distracting or tiring than motivating. If so, attending class online may be a better fit for them. This option also allows students to avoid a commute while still getting the benefit of real-time instruction. However, there is the possibility that technical difficulties will interrupt the students’ access to that instruction–though most live online courses do provide video recordings of their classes after the fact.

Sign up for On-Demand Online UX Design Classes

If you have an especially busy schedule, limited funds, or both, studying from on-demand materials may be a better fit for you. On-demand study is self-paced, and the materials are typically available for a subscription fee, which is typically much more affordable than the tuition for live forms of instruction. However, studying exclusively from on-demand materials deprives students of the clarification, feedback, and guidance that an expert instructor can provide.

Watch Free UX Design Tutorials 

You can begin exploring the world of UX through free tutorials. If you’re still trying to decide whether to study UX, this is a good way to explore the field and learn what it’s all about. However, the progress you can make with free materials is limited, as they usually do not go very in-depth. Also, the programs that you need for UX typically require a subscription after a free trial period, and they are regularly updated, which periodically makes many of the existing free materials obsolete. 

Explore UX Design Certificates & Certification

There are many entities that offer certificates in UX design, but few that offer certification. The difference between a certificate and a certification is that a certificate represents completion of a program of study, while a certification reflects evaluation by a third party, typically by means of an exam. If you want a certification in UX, you’ll likely want to complete a certificate program such as Noble Desktop’s UX/UI certificate, first. That way, you will be ready to pass the exam that earns your certification. One well-known certification comes from the Nielsen Norman Group, which was founded by Don Norman, the creator of UX design.