Do not index
Do not index
Becoming a product designer isn’t rocket science anymore. This step-by-step guide will show you the exact steps I followed to teach myself how to get there.
And if you prefer watching, here’s the full video guide to becoming a product designer:
6 steps to becoming a product designer
Step 1: Get Excited 🤩
- Learn the basics of UX design (what it is, what UX designers do).
- Watch YouTube videos and listen to design podcasts to get familiar with the field.
- Ask experienced designers about their day-to-day roles and how UX works in their companies.
Step 2: Get Educated 👩🎓
- Choose your learning style (reading, listening, doing) and stick to it.
- Start with free UX courses to see if it’s right for you (i.e. Melissa Hui, Udacity,…).
- Consider paid courses for hands-on projects and career support if you're committed.
- Get familiar with UX books and online resources (e.g., ‘The Design of Everyday Things’ by Don Norman, Nielsen Norman Group,…).
Step 3: Get the Right Tools 👷♀️
- Master key design tools like Figma, Sketch, and other prototyping tools.
- Use tools for design processes, user research, prototyping, testing, and collaboration.
- Experiment with new tools as they emerge to supercharge your workflow.
Step 4: Get Some Experience 👩💻
- Gain practical experience by offering free UX work for friends, non-profits, or small businesses.
- Participate in design challenges to practice rapid execution.
- Create unsolicited redesigns for fun and to build your portfolio.
- Build a strong UX portfolio showcasing process, rough sketches, and finished designs.
Step 5: Get Social 🤝
- Network with fellow designers to get inspiration, advice, and new opportunities.
- Join online UX communities and attend design events and conferences.
- Follow thought leaders in the UX space to stay updated.
Step 6: Get Hired 👩💼
- Apply for UX jobs to gain experience and grow your skills.
- Focus on growth and opportunities, not just salary or title.
- Prepare for portfolio reviews, phone interviews, and design challenges.
- Consider joining startups for more hands-on experience and collaboration.
I wrote a comprehensive guide on how to get started:
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