UI/UX Design for Newbies

Being a newbie in UX design is something I would describe as totally non-existent to any individual; why? Because it’s closely related to one’s creativity. Creativity has always been a part of man’s nature, so evidently that every invention alive today was because of one man’s ability to make use of his creativity skills.

The good thing is, we have all been blessed by God with the ability to be creative which means that starting a career in UI/UX design shouldn’t be an issue at all. In short, regardless of your lack of experience or background in the field, you can still succeed in making it a career choice for yourself.

You know, a lot of individuals have at some point in time, wanted to build a career in UI/UX but as a result of their lack of confidence in their abilities, they gave up on it. However, I wouldn’t want the same for you. But before we proceed to taking actions, how about we take out a bit of time to understand what UI/UX design is really all about?

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WHAT IS UI (User Interface)?

Before learning about UI, I am sure you never knew that all the applications you made use of (e.g., WhatsApp, Twitter, Facebook) and the websites you visited were all products of a UI designer. Well, if you were never aware of that fact, then it’s a good thing that you are reading this right now.

In simple terms, UI refers to the layout of an application, which the users interact with directly. It is the interface of a software, website or computerized device, and can also be describes as the visual element of an application, or a computer operating system. it consists of the buttons, texts, theme of the app, colours, the text entry fields and so much more

The UI enables users to make use of software easily, and so whenever you make use of applications with no issues, do ensure to give the UI designer some accolades.

Who is a UI designer?

A UI designer is tasked with designing and creating the look you see on websites, applications, etc. They focus majorly on the visual experience of the users and they try to determine how their users interact with the interface of a product.

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WHAT IS UX (User Experience)?

You might have heard the term UX more than UI; that is because this terminology is usually used more by designers. UX simply refers to the overall experience of a user during and after interaction with a certain digital product, application or website.

The main essence of the UX is to determine the possible challenges (through research: interviews, surveys, etc.) faced by users as well as fix those challenges to give users a better experience while they interact with a particular digital product, website etc.

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Who is a UX designer?

This individual is usually in charge of ensuring a product is enjoyable and accessible to clients. These people are tasked with coming up with features or modifying digital products to ensure the users have wonderful experiences.

Sounds simple and interesting right? Then let’s carry on.

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Difference between the UI and UX

Most times, people make the mistake of assuming that UI and UX designers carry out the same functions, but they don’t. Although, the pair is inseparable; because you can’t have one without the other, however they still have different functions and responsibilities that they carry out.

• From all we have discussed above; one can easily pinpoint that UI designers are majorly focused on the interface and looks of the product while the UX designers are all about the experiences of the users after they must have interacted with the products.
• UI is focused majorly on the products look and how it appeals to the users while UX is focused on the functionality of the product and how satisfied the users are with the products.
• Another important fact is that UX aims at providing a solution (pleasant experience) to users, while UI aims at making the solutions provided, much more presentable and delightful to use.
• Also, UX is always done before the UI is carried out because UX provides information on what the users want exactly. Then it is the duty of UI designers to work towards bringing the user’s needs to life.
• Lastly, UX is known to be vaster because it encompasses; the products, the services rendered, the interface, the functionality etc. while UI has its major grounding in the interface of the product.

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AVERAGE EARNINGS

The growth of the digital and technological world over the years has expanded greatly and this has in turn caused an increase in the demand of individuals with tech skills on a global level.

With such a high demand and limited individuals available for the job, the average earnings of individuals in this field are very much encouraging.

Provided below, is the annual average salary currently (2022) in various countries:

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1. Australia:  

   Entry level: AU$59, 500

   Professional level: AU$115, 600  

2. USA:‍

   Entry level: $69, 600

   Professional level: $114, 300  

3. United Kingdom:

     Entry level: £30, 600

    Professional level: £65, 700

4. Germany:

    Entry level: £34, 500

    Professional level: £70, 000  

5. Canada:‍

    Entry level: $74, 456

    Professional level: $107, 250

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HOW DO I GET STARTED?

I am sure the next question on your minds right now is how you can start your career as an UI or UX designer. Not to worry, as stated earlier, UI/UX design can be done by anyone and everyone. So, anyone who is interested in UI/UX can start up their career regardless the lack of experience or knowledge.

All you have to do is follow the process I would be providing below.

1. Have a direction - you should make up your mind on which you would love to engage yourself with, either UI or UX design.
2. Get trainings - after you must have made up your mind then the next is TRAININGS. If you happen to have no background knowledge on UX design, then the first step for you to take is registering for an online course. Here, you get to learn the basics of UI/UX design.
3. Use Design tools: After learning the basics you can proceed to learning how to make use of UI/UX design tools (Such as Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch, etc.). Get yourself acquainted with the various design tools applicable to the various platforms we have; Android, IOS, Windows etc.
4. Practice makes perfect - start practicing gradually, you can start by designing a personal idea, re-designing a product you’re unhappy about or making use of the UX tools to work.
5. Volunteer/Become an intern - the next thing you would want to do is to identify with the industry and one of the easiest ways is to volunteer. This would help you gain real-life experience and build your confidence. Build your career - you can become a freelancer or a full-time employee or both.

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TIME FRAME FOR LEARNING

The period needed to learn UI/ UX design varies, and it depends on how much time you are willing to dedicate to your learning process.

• The basic level: you can learn UI/UX design in about 3- 6 months
• On a midlevel basis: It takes about 6 months to a year to learn
• On a professional level: 1- 3 years.

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Common terms to familiarize yourself with

1. API (Application programming interface): this is used to help various applications communicate with one another
2. Artificial intelligence: these are machines that have been simulated with human intelligence.
3. Flowchart: this helps in illustrating steps a user can take in completing a task.
4. Wireframes: this is a rough and unfinished version of the screen design, and it allows the designer to explore various options while designing.
5. Prototypes: this is a sample of the final product; it is usually used as a test run before the launch of the main product.
6. Fidelity: this is a concept used in both prototypes and wireframes. There are 3 types of wireframes: Low-fidelity, mid-fidelity, and high-fidelity wireframes. The Low fidelity wireframes and prototype is used to cover up basic layout, while the high-fidelity wireframes and prototypes are used to close the final visuals and the functionality of the product.
7. Information architecture: this refers to how the content is being structured and organized on the website or app
8. Design systems: this can be referred to as a library filled with UI elements, guidelines and components, which can be used for any new or updated features in a product.
9. Interactive design: this involves designing of digital products that are interactive in other to determine the user’s interaction to it.
10. KPI (Key performance indicators): this helps in measuring values that tracks the progress of a product.
11. Mock-up: this is a representation or a picture of what a product is going to look like.
12. Taxonomy: this is quite similar to the information architecture as it also refers to how information is sorted, classified, and organized through structural methods.

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So that’s it, starting a career in UI/ UX design is an interesting process and I am sure you will agree with me on that. All you have to do is put in the work; that involves signing up for the relevant trainings and gradually improving yourself. Most importantly, you need to constantly believe in yourself, trust that you can accomplish whatever it is that you set out your heart to do. Your journey to success begins now… go take the first step!

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