We have all heard thousand times that people’s experience is at the heart of every thriving design. But how does this work in practice? How can a designer be sure to develop a design that will catch users’ attention and convert them into customers?
Mitch Loewenherz, Martina Mitz, and Mihai Delapeta, prominent UX design experts, gave us the answer in our recent online panel discussion on Let’s Talk About UX: User-Centered Design.
We are bringing you the top 10 highlights from this event:
- Research and never assume
The design principles vary when you design for different outputs. Every time you develop a new product for a device you don’t use, do a more profound research and constantly ask your teammates for feedback. Never assume! Don’t let the new territory intimidate you. Take the new opportunities with an open mind and get the best of them!
- Develop straightforward designs
As a UX/UI designer, you always need to think about the user. Imagine your computer, phone as a portal to the product itself. When you approach design, always make it as easy to be used and understood as possible.
- Mistakes are not always costly
The digital design makes it easier to undo mistakes. As for the industrial design, once the product is public, there is no turning back. You have to be really careful and double-check everything before it reaches the public eye. If not, it can be a very costly mistake.
- Understand human nature
The psychological background is always a good advantage. UX/UI Design is all about how people function and interact. Understanding human needs, motives, and values is an excellent start to developing a product that users will love.
- Be curious and ask questions
Learn how people interact with products. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Instead, ask really good questions to understand your customers deeply. Curiosity will lead you to better design.
- Find a design buddy
Design is a collaborative process. Sometimes you need to be a lonely guy on an isolated island and focus on getting things done. Another time, you can get stuck, so you go grab your best design buddy or someone who can guide you. Talk about what you feel and ask for an objective approach. This will definitely clear your mind.
- Hobbies can help your design
Hobbies can help you become a better designer. For example, skateboarding can teach you about patience, practice, and perseverance. The same goes for designers – keep pushing yourself, and you will eventually get better. And when you look back at your portfolio, the progress will be more evident than expected.
- Find your unique style
Developing your personal design style will happen if you only follow your guts and not just copy someone else. So be yourself no matter what!
- You don’t need a formal degree
Having a formal degree in design is always a plus, but if you don’t have one, it doesn’t mean you can’t succeed in this career. There are always UX design Bootcamps that can help you change your career path in no time. As long as you follow your passion and put a lot of effort into it, you can succeed in everything you do. Excellent communication skills can also lend you a hand.
- Be obsessed with designing
You have to truly and deeply love doing design. Because you will be devastated and frustrated to sit 10 hours per day in front of the display and do something you don’t want, ensure that design is your true passion, and then pursue it!
The enrollment for the next group at Brainster’s UX/UI Design Bootcamp is in progress! The interest is too high and the number of places limited, so make sure you save your slot on time!
Make an appointment with our student success manager for more details about the program!
