Learn UX design
User experience (UX) design involves creating a positive product experience for the user, whether this experience includes a product or a service. Learning UX design can start you on a pathway to an interesting and in-demand career. earn what UX design is, find out what factors to consider when choosing a UX design program, and discover what careers are open to those skilled in this field.
What is UX design?
UX design is the process of creating products or services that are easy and enjoyable to use. It involves the overall experience, from start to finish, always advocating for users through design, replication, and testing.
Why learn UX design?
Perhaps the main benefit of learning UX design is that having this skill set can qualify you for many career opportunities.
Learning UX design can be accomplished in various ways, from taking online courses, which may take a few hours to a few weeks to complete, to getting a bachelor's degree, which can be accomplished in four years of full-time study. UX design is also a customizable field with opportunities for specialization.
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Choosing the right UX design program for you
There is not just one pathway to learning UX design. Depending on your situation, time constraints, and career aspirations, you may opt to take online courses in UX design, complete a professional certificate, enroll in executive education programs, take UX design boot camps, or sign up for an online bachelor's degree program.
Here are some of the paths you can take to learn UX design:
Courses
Online UX design courses include topics in design fundamentals, user research, user behavior, information architecture, game design, and prototyping. These courses are a great way to explore the field of UX design and determine if it is right for you.
Certificates
Certificate programs are another way to boost your skills in UX design, as well as a great way to boost your résumé. Some require experience in the field to enroll, and others do not. Unlike courses, which can sometimes be free to take, most programs charge a fee to get the certificate after you pass all the required courses.
Certificate programs are recommended for those trying to break into or already working in the UX design field.
Executive education programs
Another great option to think about is executive education programs that study how humans and computers interact in UX design. These cutting-edge programs teach leaders and aspiring leaders the latest advancements and trends in technology. They are designed for leaders in the field who want to enhance their knowledge of user experience.
Degrees
If you're particularly interested in the field and want to get a more robust education, then pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in the computer and data sciences may be the best path for you. These degrees are ideal for those exploring career possibilities in various fields of computer science, including UX design.
Jobs in UX design
A degree in UX design is suited to many jobs, as graduates work in a variety of industries, including computer systems design, financial and insurance industries, and information.
Here are some common careers for UX designers, with the required education level and salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
| Job title | Job description | Required education | Median annual salary (May 2023) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web developers | Web developers build and maintain websites. They must continually test and improve technical aspects of a website, such as its capacity and performance. Common industries employing web developers include computer systems design and related services, self-employed workers, and educational services. | High school diploma to bachelor's degree | $92,750 |
| Computer programmers | Computer programmers write code for new computer programs and update the code for existing programs. They test programs to look for errors in code, so they can fix them ideally before release. They often work in computer systems design, manufacturing, software publishing, or finance and insurance. Many of them are also self-employed. | Bachelor's degree | $99,700 |
| Graphic designers | Graphic designers use computer software to convey a brand message through media, such as advertisements, brochures, magazines, and reports. They use digital illustration, layout, and photo editing software to create their designs. They meet with clients to determine the project needs and accept feedback on their designs. Most graphic designers are self-employed, but they can also work in specialized design services, advertising, public relations, printing, and information. | Bachelor's degree | $58,910 |
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