10 things that helped me improve as a UI designer

• helped, Things

11 min. (2240 words)

10-things-that-helped-me-improve-as-a-ui-designer

Everything I did and still do to grow as a designer.

Side projects are what lead me to discover my interest in product design in the first place.

When I was 18 years old, I had the idea to build a tool that allowed people to create their own Snapchat geofilters, which had just been released by Snapchat, at the time.

I had some graphic design experience — knowledge on how to use photoshop and illustrator, but zero exposure to product design.

Yep, this is the first UI design I ever made. (circa July 6, 2015)

After attempting to design my first side project, I realized that I enjoy the process but was clueless about how to properly design a real product.

I ended up hiring a designer to finish what I started, and they did a slightly better job…

This project led me to continue designing side projects for any and every idea that I had. Whether I had plans for my project to be developed or not, I would still design it as though it would be.

Working on side projects helped me develop the skills that other designers who aren’t focusing on the entire product experience, are skipping. I would have to take into account all of the states to make my product complete.

I’ve always pushed myself to come up with ideas for products and design them out as much as possible. I’ve created a bunch of products for fun that have never left a Sketch file on my computer.

My side project Rocket

Having a side project not only shows that you have initiative and can create a product on your own accord — but it also allows me to display my authentic design style.

It showcases a creation that came out of my creative exploration, with no one else’s fingers in it.

By Iconicebestiary

Anytime I download an app, sign up for a website, do online shopping, change my password, or literally do anything — I pay attention.

It’s easy to mindlessly sign up for apps or go through digital experiences without giving much thought to them. But it’s when I pay attention that I notice all the attentiveness to detail that went into constructing such a seamless flow.

By paying attention to what design decisions other, often much more established companies have made, it allows me to draw inspiration.

When I was starting, I knew little about product design, but the best place to learn was from the experiences that I was already having on a day to day basis. If every app I use has a “Sign Up with Facebook” button, then maybe there’s a reason for that.

I would often and still do, screenshot mobile app interfaces that I like and use them as a point of reference later.

By Iconicebestiary

Interviewing, in my opinion, keeps me sharp. It is a confidence boost when I get an offer and an opportunity for evaluation if I don’t.

I’ve interviewed for design roles at several companies; this does a few things to help me improve:

  • I can learn what skills employers are seeking
  • I have to be able to articulate what I am capable of and what I know — so I need to know what I’m talking about
  • I’m often asked challenging questions about product design which can reveal what I don’t know
  • Companies frequently have design challenges which require out of the box thinking
  • Companies often require a design presentation which improves my presentation skills

In one interview process, I had to complete a design challenge and then present my work explaining how I landed on particular design choices step by step.

In the interview, I was fielding dozens of questions challenging why I used specific colors, what kind of grid I used, why I established the hierarchy the way I did, etc.

Having my work challenged and critiqued is uncomfortable, but it helps me develop the soft skills to defend my design decisions and accept feedback if I agree with it.

At one point in the interview, a lead designer asked me why I didn’t do something that was, in my head, a lousy suggestion — so I explained and gave my reasoning. Later on, in the interview process, he admitted that he had given that suggestion to see if I would roll over and accept it or defend the decision that I made.

It’s crucial as a designer to be able to stand on your own and reject feedback if you have a better solution.

Similar to what you’re doing right now — I spent time scouring the web to gain a further understanding of how product design works. When I read, it allows me to think and acquire other people’s thoughts, opinions, and knowledge.

I read the standard design books like Lean UX and The Design of Everyday Things. Although I learned a lot from those books, I would say I learned more about UI design, specifically from articles.

I gained a better foundational understanding of UI design through design system documentation. Reading the rationale behind different components and how to use them had a significant impact on how I approach product design in my work.

By reading through the rationale behind particular design decisions for companies like Google, it can allow regular designers like me to utilize their findings and practices in my day to day work.

Some of my favorite design system documentation that I recommend checking out:

I will also frequently browse resources at DesignSystemsRepo.

By Iconicebestiary

When I started as a UI designer, I’d come from a graphic design-ish background working on Fiverr, mainly doing simple illustrations.

Fiverr wasn’t the ideal platform for UI design, so I quickly started applying for jobs on Upwork. I showcased my work on Behance, which was primarily side project designs.

In addition to Upwork, I reached out to people in my network to see if anyone needed help with product work. After a while of beating the seemingly dead horse of freelancing, I slowly started to gain some traction, and it had somewhat of a snowball effect.

The more clients I worked with, the more exposure I had to a diverse set of problems and industries, which helped me evolve as a UI designer. It also allowed me to get paid to learn and grow as a designer.

The more I learned, the more I earned. Which helped motivate me to learn more about product design and acquire new skills that I could offer to my clients to get that sweet, sweet money.

By Iconicebestiary

Anytime you ask someone how they got good at something; they’ll inevitably say the cliché “practice, practice, practice.”

Well, there’s a lot of truth to that. There aren’t any secrets; besides that, the more you do it, the better you’ll get — guaranteed.

I knew at the onset that it would be an uphill battle, but product design was a skill I wanted to acquire. I was determined to understand this evolving and ever-changing profession.

To do that, I had to become immersed in the world of product design. I had to hang out where designers hung out and spend a good chunk of my time designing, studying, watching tutorials, reading, etc.

By having a side project, it forced me to remain focused on the flow. I would never complete a design and be finished with it — I was constantly thinking of how I could do it better or improve what I already have.

If I were doing the daily UI challenge, it would be easy to slack off and skip days or do a quick UI and then call it quits for the day, never returning to it again. I wrote an article not too long ago expressing my frustration with daily UI challenges and why they are falling short for beginners.

With a side project, I was continually designing new screens and experiences and would become obsessed with the evolution of my product.

By doing UI work regularly on side projects or with freelance clients, I was forcing myself to remain consistent and learn something new every single day.

By staying consistent, I slowly started to see the progression, which motivated me to keep on keeping on.

By Iconicebestiary

This is something I wish I’d done earlier, to be honest.

At first, I was ignorant and thought my designs were great. As I got better and gained more exposure to the field, I realized how incredibly incompetent I was and how awful my designs were.

When I realized how far behind I was and how much I had yet to learn, it made me hesitant to share my design work with others. But it’s possibly one of the essential steps in progressing as a designer.

When I can get a fresh set of eyes on my designs and have someone with more seniority than I to evaluate my designs, they can bring them into a whole new light.

Suddenly I’m second-guessing every decision I made — in a good way. They can make suggestions or ask why I made the choices that I did.

Receiving feedback also helped me develop some of the soft skills of being a designer — like explaining my design choices and having a backbone if I don’t agree with someone’s feedback.

If I didn’t have anyone to share my work with in person, I frequently turned to Reddit. Reddit has a few subreddits that will provide design feedback for UI designs. Reddit.com/r/uidesign has been very helpful.

By Iconicebestiary

There are hundreds of great UI courses and tutorials available, but I only want to call out two.

On YouTube, DesignCourse has tons of great content that’s always relevant and useful, which makes it super easy to get a grasp on a new concept quickly.

When starting or learning a new tool, I would subscribe to LearnUX for $15/mo. LearnUX has a very comprehensive list of courses that not only teach how to use design tools but also the fundamentals of design.

Watching tutorials or just watching someone else work allows me to see how other people work and learn how I can improve my designs or workflow.

Even if I only learn a new keyboard shortcut, it’s worth watching a three minute Youtube video.

By Iconicebestiary

I personally always struggled in product design with being easily distr…Woah, that’s a shiny mailbox!

The predicament is, I’m already learning Framer, but UI animation looks cool, so maybe I’ll dabble with that and try Principle, but as I start getting into that Adobe XD releases an update for auto-animate, so I must give that a try and then…

There are always new trends, tools, design libraries, startups, product updates, and all the other things that I’m sure will make me a better designer.

I had to force myself to stop running around like a chicken with its head cut off. I had to force myself to pick what I wanted to focus on and reach proficiency before I moved on to the next shiny tool or UI trend.

This is important to my development because having minimal knowledge in an array of areas wasn’t helping me become a better designer.

When I shifted my focus to one thing at a time, I allowed myself to gain a more in-depth knowledge as opposed to a surface level understanding.

By Iconicebestiary

I was lucky enough to have two pivotal opportunities in my design career.

The first was working directly with a team of developers to create IOS apps.

This opportunity exposed me first hand to the scrutiny that designs on bootstrapped projects are restrained by. We had to be lean, and we had to work fast to surpass competing apps on the apps store.

This was my first time having daily stand-ups and working with a strategist, a stakeholder, and developers. I learned how to work with a team and make sure my ideas were in-line with their objectives. As opposed to being a freelancer where I would often be given a task and told to do it — with this, I was more or less a part of their team.

The second opportunity was when I interned as a product designer at Skookum, the company that I now work for full time.

This was my first time being on a design team, and the collaboration and team environment helped me progress more than anything else.

Being surrounded by people who were strides ahead of me not only motivated me to get better, but I was encouraged to ask questions and learn from them.

I did my best not to prove that I was good enough but instead to remain humble and ask as many questions as I could to soak up the knowledge in the room.

We would also have design critiques, where I would present my designs, and other team members would ask questions about my design choices. They would provide feedback and force me to rethink UX or UI decisions.

Being a part of a team and being involved in conversations about design or being engaged in creative brainstorming helped me think more deeply about design and how I approached it.

? Let’s be friends! Follow me on Dribbble and connect with me on LinkedIn. Follow me here on Medium as well for more design-related content.

134 comments

  1. Wow, superb blog layout! How long have you been blogging for?
    you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your site is wonderful, let alone the content!

  2. I blog quite often and I genuinely appreciate your information. Your article has
    truly peaked my interest. I am going to take a note of
    your website and keep checking for new information about once per week.
    I opted in for your RSS feed as well.

  3. Hiya, I am really glad I have found this info.
    Nowadays bloggers publish just about gossips and web and
    this is really annoying. A good blog with exciting
    content, that is what I need. Thanks for keeping this website, I’ll be visiting it.

    Do you do newsletters? Can’t find it.

    my web page … http://pansionat.com.ru/modules.php?name=Your_Account&op=userinfo&username=CaseErnestine

  14. Great beat ! I would like to apprentice at the same time as
    you amend your web site, how can i subscribe for a weblog website?

    The account helped me a appropriate deal. I have been a little
    bit familiar of this your broadcast provided vivid transparent idea

    my web page – http://www.aniene.net

  15. Good day! This is kind of off topic but I need some help from an established blog.
    Is it very hard to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I
    can figure things out pretty fast. I’m thinking about setting up my own but I’m not sure
    where to begin. Do you have any points or suggestions?
    Thank you

    my page – duna-anapa.net.ru

  16. Its like you read my mind! You seem to know a lot about this, like you wrote the book in it or something.
    I think that you can do with some pics to drive the message home a bit,
    but other than that, this is magnificent blog.
    An excellent read. I’ll certainly be back.

  17. Saya akan segera ambil rss feed Anda karena saya tidak bisa

    Ahaa, ini bagus dialog tentang artikel di tempat ini di situs ini, saya
    sudah membaca semua itu, jadi saat ini saya juga berkomentar di sini .

    Also visit my website … Joker http www joker123 (gameaco.com)

  18. Saya akan segera pegang rss feed Anda karena saya tidak bisa
    Ini adalah waktu tepat untuk membuat beberapa rencana untuk masa depan dan sekarang waktu
    untuk berbahagia. Saya telah membaca posting ini dan jika saya bisa, saya ingin menyarankan Anda beberapa hal menarik atau tips.
    Mungkin Anda bisa menulis artikel berikutnya yang mengacu pada artikel ini.
    Saya ingin membaca lebih hal tentang itu!

    My homepage … Joker88 apk

  20. What’s up Dear, are you really visiting this website on a regular basis, if so afterward you will
    definitely obtain pleasant experience.

  22. Good site! I really love how it is easy on my eyes and the data are well written. I am
    wondering how I might be notified whenever a new post has been made.
    I have subscribed to your feed which must do the trick!
    Have a nice day!

    My website: 79.96.178.225

  23. Thank you for your own work on this web page. Kim enjoys making
    time for internet research and it’s simple to grasp why.
    I learn all of the dynamic way you create both interesting and useful items on the web blog and in addition encourage participation from
    other ones on that subject so our simple princess is truly
    understanding a lot. Take pleasure in the rest of the new year.
    You are performing a really good job.

    My web blog … http://frun-test.sakura.ne.jp

  25. Hi! Do you know if they make any plugins to assist with
    Search Engine Optimization? I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very
    good success. If you know of any please share.
    Kudos!

    Also visit my web blog – Walker

  27. I enjoy you because of your whole efforts on this web page.
    Gloria really likes carrying out internet research and it is easy
    to see why. A number of us know all regarding the dynamic means you offer informative
    thoughts on this website and in addition encourage response
    from website visitors on that concern plus our child has been understanding a great deal.
    Have fun with the remaining portion of the new year.
    You’re performing a terrific job.

    My page https://forum.etitanium.net/

  29. My husband and i ended up being absolutely fortunate Raymond managed
    to conclude his research from the ideas he grabbed from
    your very own blog. It is now and again perplexing to just always
    be giving out thoughts which often many others may have been making
    money from. And now we keep in mind we need the writer
    to thank for this. The entire illustrations you have made, the straightforward site navigation, the relationships you make it possible to create – it’s got mostly incredible, and it’s leading our son in addition to
    our family do think this topic is thrilling, and that’s very serious.
    Many thanks for all the pieces!

    Feel free to visit my web blog – kebe.top

  36. hello!,I love your writing so a lot! percentage we be in contact extra approximately your article
    on AOL? I need an expert in this area to unravel my problem.
    May be that is you! Having a look forward to see you.

    Also visit my web page … mpc-install.com

  38. Hi there! I could have sworn I?ve visited this site before but after
    browsing through a few of the articles I realized it?s new to me.
    Anyways, I?m definitely pleased I found it and I?ll be book-marking it
    and checking back often!

    Here is my homepage kebe.top

  42. Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally,
    it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point.
    You clearly know what youre talking about, why throw away your intelligence on just posting videos to your weblog when you could be giving us something enlightening to read?

    Feel free to visit my webpage kebe.top

  47. Some truly nice and useful info on this web site, also I conceive the design and style holds superb features.

    Here is my blog – Teri

  48. I’m really enjoying the theme/design of your web site.
    Do you ever run into any web browser compatibility problems?
    A handful of my blog readers have complained about
    my blog not operating correctly in Explorer but looks great in Firefox.

    Do you have any tips to help fix this problem?

    My homepage :: https://mpc-install.com/

  49. After I originally commented I seem to have clicked on the -Notify me
    when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on each
    time a comment is added I recieve four emails with the exact same comment.
    There has to be a way you can remove me from that service?
    Thank you!

    Feel free to surf to my web blog – mpc-install.com

  50. I’m not sure exactly why but this site is loading very slow for me.
    Is anyone else having this issue or is it a problem on my end?
    I’ll check back later and see if the problem still exists.

    Also visit my web page Blanca

  53. I have been browsing on-line greater than 3 hours lately, yet I by no means discovered any attention-grabbing article like yours.
    It is lovely worth sufficient for me. In my opinion, if all webmasters and bloggers made just right content
    as you probably did, the net shall be a lot more helpful than ever before.

    Here is my webpage … portaldocloud.com

  56. Thank you, I’ve just been searching for information about this
    subject for a long time and yours is the best I have discovered so
    far. But, what concerning the conclusion? Are you
    sure about the source?

    Also visit my web page http://www.dzzksd.com

  60. Thank you so much with regard to giving me an update on this issue
    on your site. Please realise that if a fresh post appears or in the event that any changes occur with the current publication,
    I would want to consider reading more and understanding how to make
    good usage of those tactics you talk about. Thanks for your efforts and consideration of other individuals
    by making this web site available.

    Also visit my web page: kebe.top

  61. I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here.

    The sketch is tasteful, your authored subject matter stylish.
    nonetheless, you command get bought an shakiness over that you wish be delivering the following.
    unwell unquestionably come more formerly again as exactly the same
    nearly a lot often inside case you shield this hike.

  62. Great post. I used to be checking continuously this blog and I’m
    impressed! Very useful information specially the last phase 🙂
    I maintain such info a lot. I was seeking this certain information for
    a long time. Thanks and best of luck.

    My homepage :: Peggy

  64. I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself or did you hire
    someone to do it for you? Plz reply as I’m looking
    to construct my own blog and would like to find out where u got this from.
    thanks

    my homepage Doris

  68. Everything published was very reasonable. However, consider this, suppose you added a little content?
    I mean, I don’t wish to tell you how to run your blog, however suppose you added
    a title that grabbed a person’s attention? I mean 10
    things that helped me improve as a UI designer
    – Pavvy Designs is a little plain.
    You might look at Yahoo’s front page and note how they write news titles to grab viewers interested.
    You might add a related video or a related picture or two to get people excited about everything’ve got to
    say. Just my opinion, it would bring your website a little livelier.

    Also visit my webpage … Santos

  70. After I initially left a comment I appear to have clicked
    on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and
    from now on whenever a comment is added I get four emails with the
    same comment. There has to be a means you can remove me from
    that service? Thanks a lot!

    Here is my blog … bbs.yunweishidai.com

  71. Excellent article. Keep writing such kind of information on your site.
    Im really impressed by your site.[X-N-E-W-L-I-N-S-P-I-N-X]Hi there, You have done a great job.
    I’ll definitely digg it and in my opinion recommend to my friends.
    I am sure they’ll be benefited from this web site.

    Also visit my web site … http://163.30.42.16

  72. I’ve recently started a web site, the info you provide on this site has helped me greatly.
    Thanks for all of your time & work.

    Visit my homepage … kebe.top

  73. Hi there, I found your site by the use of Google while looking for a comparable
    topic, your website got here up, it seems to be great.
    I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.[X-N-E-W-L-I-N-S-P-I-N-X]Hello there, simply changed into
    aware of your weblog thru Google, and located that it is truly informative.
    I am going to be careful for brussels. I’ll be grateful in the event you continue this in future.
    A lot of other folks might be benefited out of your writing.
    Cheers!

    Check out my site; lovegamematch.com

  75. Its like you read my mind! You appear to know so much about this, like you wrote
    the book in it or something. I think that you
    could do with some pics to drive the message home
    a bit, but other than that, this is wonderful blog.
    An excellent read. I’ll certainly be back.

    Review my page – bbs.yunweishidai.com

  79. I was recommended this web site via my cousin. I’m not certain whether or not this post is written by means
    of him as no one else realize such precise about my problem.
    You are amazing! Thanks!

    Review my blog mpc-install.com

  80. wonderful post, very informative. I wonder why the opposite specialists of this sector don’t
    understand this. You should proceed your writing.
    I am sure, you have a great readers’ base already!

    Review my blog; chengdian.cc

  81. Everyone loves what you guys tend to be up too.
    This sort of clever work and coverage! Keep up the awesome works guys I’ve incorporated
    you guys to my own blogroll.

    My web blog :: kebe.top

  83. Excellent post. I used to be checking continuously this weblog and I’m impressed!
    Extremely useful information specially the final phase 🙂
    I care for such info much. I used to be seeking
    this particular info for a very lengthy time. Thanks and good luck.

    Review my webpage; Alfred

  88. Have you ever considered publishing an ebook or guest authoring on other websites?
    I have a blog based upon on the same subjects you discuss and would really like to have you share some stories/information. I know my readers
    would value your work. If you’re even remotely interested,
    feel free to send me an e-mail.

    Visit my webpage http://www.canmaking.info

  93. What i don’t understood is in reality how you are now not really much more well-preferred than you may be
    now. You are very intelligent. You recognize thus significantly
    when it comes to this topic, produced me in my view
    consider it from numerous various angles. Its like women and men are
    not involved except it’s one thing to accomplish with Girl gaga!

    Your individual stuffs excellent. At all times take care of it
    up!

    Take a look at my website http://www.waterpointmapper.org

  94. Hey there, I think your site might be having browser compatibility issues.
    When I look at your blog in Chrome, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer,
    it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick
    heads up! Other then that, very good blog!

    My blog post https://mpc-install.com/

  95. Hi there! I could have sworn I’ve been to your blog before but after going through some of the posts I realized it’s new to me.
    Anyhow, I’m definitely happy I discovered it and I’ll be book-marking
    it and checking back regularly!

    Also visit my web page … bbs.yunweishidai.com

  97. I’m not positive the place you are getting your information, however great topic.

    I must spend some time finding out more or understanding more.

    Thanks for fantastic information I was on the lookout for this info for my mission.

    Feel free to visit my web blog – ebmelectronics.com

  101. I used to be suggested this website through my cousin. I’m now not sure whether or not this submit is written by way of him as no one
    else recognise such precise about my trouble. You are incredible!

    Thank you!

    Feel free to surf to my website … astravo.net.ru

  112. What’s Happening i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve found It absolutely helpful and it has aided me out loads.
    I’m hoping to contribute & aid other users like its
    aided me. Great job.

    Look into my website :: kebe.top

  114. I am curious to find out what blog platform you have been utilizing?
    I’m having some small security issues with my latest blog and
    I’d like to find something more risk-free. Do you have any recommendations?

    Here is my blog – lovegamematch.com

  115. What’s up every one, here every person is sharing these experience,
    thus it’s nice to read this website, and I used to pay a visit this
    web site all the time.

    Here is my homepage :: kebe.top

  117. I just could not leave your website prior to suggesting that
    I actually enjoyed the standard information an individual supply on your
    visitors? Is going to be again ceaselessly to
    investigate cross-check new posts

    Also visit my blog Tri-Bol Testo

  119. I must thank you for the efforts you’ve put in penning this site.
    I’m hoping to see the same high-grade content by you in the future as well.
    In fact, your creative writing abilities has motivated me to get my own blog now 😉

    Also visit my page Nuubu Detox Patches

  127. I’d been honored to obtain a call from a friend immediately he found the important tips shared in your site.
    Reading through your blog write-up is a real excellent experience.
    Thanks again for considering readers like me, and I would like for you the best of achievements as
    being a professional in this field.

    Look into my page: s5592305.hkg.novas.top

  130. My spouse and I stumbled over here coming
    from a different page and thought I might as well
    check things out. I like what I see so now i’m following you.
    Look forward to looking over your web page repeatedly.

    Feel free to visit my website :: clubriders.men

  132. I would like to thank you for the efforts you’ve put in writing this web site.
    I’m hoping the same high-grade web site post from you in the upcoming also.

    In fact your creative writing skills has inspired me to
    get my own blog now. Actually the blogging is spreading its wings fast.

    Your write up is a good example of it.

    Also visit my page … Air Cooler Pro Reviews

  134. Aw, this was an incredibly good post. Spending some time and actual effort to generate
    a great article? but what can I say? I put things off
    a whole lot and don’t seem to get anything done.

    Have a look at my blog post; Herbivore CBD

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.