How to become a Product Designer?

Published on:

Do not index
Do not index
Becoming a product designer isn’t rocket science anymore. This step-by-step guide will show you the 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:
Video preview
How to get started in UX

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 πŸ‘©β€πŸŽ“

  • 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.

Step 3: Get the Right Tools πŸ‘·β€β™€οΈ

  • 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 πŸ‘©β€πŸ’»

  • 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.

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 πŸ‘©β€πŸ’Ό

  • 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.
Β 

I wrote a comprehensive guide on how to get started:

Β 

Get free UX resources

Get portfolio templates, list of job boards, UX step-by-step guides, and more.