
{"id":4368,"date":"2019-10-17T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2019-10-16T22:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/blog\/uncategorized\/how-to-improve-ui-design-skills\/"},"modified":"2023-05-17T15:06:53","modified_gmt":"2023-05-17T13:06:53","slug":"how-to-improve-ui-design-skills","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/blog\/ui-design\/how-to-improve-ui-design-skills\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Ways To Improve Your Skills as a UI Designer"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>UI designers have the challenging but exciting task of making sure an application\u2019s interface is attractive, visually stimulating, and in line with business goals. But even once you\u2019ve become a fully-fledged UI designer in your own right, the pressure for continual improvement can prove frustrating. Against the backdrop of a fast-evolving technological landscape, even the world\u2019s most respected designers recognize the value of continuous learning.<\/p>\n<p>In order to make sure we\u2019re delivering the best possible results for the end-user, it\u2019s essential to keep challenging your habitual and formulaic practices. But what steps can you actually take to step up your game as a <a href=\"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/blog\/ui-design\/what-does-a-ui-designer-actually-do\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">UI designer<\/a>?<\/p>\n<p>More of a visual learner? Check out the video below, where four UI design students tackle the topic of stepping up your UI design game.<\/p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\">.embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; }<\/style>\n<div class=\"embed-container\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/IL-oicVqJ6Q\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p>In this blog post, we\u2019ll look at seven simple ways that you can step out of your comfort zone, refine your skills, and become a confident and more experienced UI designer. Here\u2019s what we\u2019ll look at:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"#get-to-grips-with-ui-design-patterns\">Get to grips with UI design patterns<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#train-your-eye\">Train your eye<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#get-networking\">Get networking<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#copy-top-designers\">Copy top designers<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#take-on-imaginary-projects\">Take on imaginary projects<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#share-your-work-and-ask-for-feedback\">Share your work (and ask for feedback)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#find-a-mentor\">Find a mentor<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Ready to improve? Let\u2019s go!<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"get-to-grips-with-ui-design-patterns\">1. Get to grips with UI design patterns<\/h2>\n<p>User interface design patterns are general, reusable solutions to commonly occurring problems in UI design. They function as reference points or guides for UI designers, allowing for debate over solutions by simply mentioning the name of a specific pattern. Getting familiar with UI design patterns won\u2019t just improve your efficiency as a designer<em>\u2014<\/em>it will also supercharge your design vocabulary. Sites like <a href=\"https:\/\/pttrns.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">pttrns.com<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/uigarage.net\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">uigarage.net<\/a> feature useful UI design pattern glossaries to get you started.<\/p>\n<p>For further reading, discover <a href=\"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/blog\/ui-design\/user-interface-patterns\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">everything you need to know about user interface design patterns in this handy guide!<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" title=\"UI designer getting to know UI design patterns\" src=\"\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/old-blog-uploads\/improved-ui-designer-3-compressed.jpg\" alt=\"A UI designer sitting in front of laptop\" width=\"1200\" height=\"600\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"train-your-eye\">2. Train your eye<\/h2>\n<p>Surrounding yourself with a variety of design inspiration will motivate you to improve and diversify your own design practices. Start by making sites like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pinterest<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.behance.net\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Behance<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/dribbble.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dribbble<\/a> part of your daily routine. Get to know designers that intrigue you: how do they use white space, color, and <a href=\"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/blog\/ui-design\/beginners-guide-to-typography\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">typography<\/a>? How do they make their designs unique and instantly recognizable? What can you learn from them? Most UI designers can recognize good design<em>\u2014<\/em>but experienced designers have trained their eyes to recognize even the most detailed design decisions!<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"UI designer studying the work of inspiring designers\" src=\"\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/old-blog-uploads\/imrpoved-ui-designer-7-compressed.jpg\" alt=\"UI designer looking at an app on an iPhone\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"get-networking\">3. Get networking<\/h2>\n<p>If you\u2019re a freelance UI designer (or the only UI designer on your team), working up the courage to regularly attend local networking events can be transformative for your career. Networking with other designers will allow you to discuss solutions to common issues, expand your support network, and exchange tips and tricks for becoming a better designer. Above all, you\u2019ll realize that so many UI designers are facing the same challenges and roadblocks that you are!<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"A UI design networking event\" src=\"\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/old-blog-uploads\/improved-ui-designer-8-compressed.jpg\" alt=\"UI designers networking together in a meeting\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"copy-top-designers\">4. Copy top designers<\/h2>\n<p>\u201cCopying people\u2019s work?\u201d you say, \u201cthat\u2019s every designer\u2019s worst nightmare!\u201d Copying people\u2019s work has some pretty negative connotations<em>\u2014<\/em>but when you drill down into it, copying is simply about reverse-engineering. Attempting to recreate the work of highly skilled UI designers will help you to step outside of your comfort zone and practice different approaches to your work. Just remember, copying people\u2019s work is not to be confused with plagiarism! As long as you\u2019re not selling the copied designs or showcasing them on your portfolio, you\u2019ll only reap the benefits.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"UI designer studying the work of a top designer\" src=\"\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/old-blog-uploads\/improved-ui-designer-9-compressed.jpg\" alt=\"UI designer recreating an app on an iPhone\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"take-on-imaginary-projects\">5. Take on imaginary projects<\/h2>\n<p>If you\u2019re in the early stages of your career as a UI designer, you might find yourself somewhat bereft of real-world client work hitting your inbox. While you wait for the projects to start piling up, why not take the initiative to make up your own projects? Without a strict style guide or brief to adhere to, there\u2019s nothing holding you back from showcasing your creativity. Maybe there\u2019s an app you\u2019ve always wanted to design, or a pre-existing website that you feel could be executed better. Not only will it give you a chance to refine your design skills, but it will also make for a more diverse portfolio. Win-win.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"UI designer working on recreating a website\" src=\"\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/old-blog-uploads\/imrpoved-ui-designer-2-compressed.jpg\" alt=\"A UI designer taking on an imaginary project\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"share-your-work-and-ask-for-feedback\">6. Share your work (and ask for feedback!)<\/h2>\n<p>For many UI designers, the prospect of sharing unfinished designs can bring on a pretty strong bout of anxiety. Design perfectionism can be a crippling characteristic that drives many designers insane, and in extreme cases, ensures that projects never see the light of day. To overcome the trappings of pixel-perfect perfectionism, sharing your work with your community and asking for open and honest feedback is vital. Not only will it allow you to gain a fresh perspective on your project, but it will also allow you to iterate and improve on your designs. Asking for feedback can make you feel vulnerable, but remember<em>\u2014<\/em>all the most respected designers got to where they are today by taking criticism on board.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"UI designers collaborating\" src=\"\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/old-blog-uploads\/imrpoved-ui-designers-6-compressed.jpg\" alt=\"UI designers giving each other feedback\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"find-a-mentor\">7. Find a mentor<\/h2>\n<p>A mentor is a senior UI designer with years of experience in the field who can guide, support, and encourage you to be the best designer you can be. Mentors can provide a fresh pair of eyes to your projects, a sounding board for new ideas, and some much-needed encouragement during periods of self-doubt. Having walked the path themselves, they\u2019ll be able to provide a clear, tailored roadmap towards improving your craft. To find a mentor, start by reaching out in your local design community on LinkedIn<em>\u2014<\/em>or you may even find one at a networking event! Propose a schedule that works for both of you, such as monthly or bi-monthly check-ins, and be honest about your concerns, fears, and personal challenges. That\u2019s what they\u2019re there for.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"UI design mentor and UI design mentee\" src=\"\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/old-blog-uploads\/imrpoved-ui-designer-4.jpg\" alt=\"A UI designer meeting with a UI design mentor\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Head to this blog post to find out more about <a href=\"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/blog\/career-change\/the-importance-of-having-a-mentor-and-how-to-make-the-most-of-yours\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">the value of having a mentor (and how you can make the most out of yours!)<\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"final-thoughts\">Final thoughts<\/h2>\n<p>As a UI designer, you should never stop striving for self-improvement. With new software continuously being introduced, there are always opportunities to upgrade your skillset in order to make sure you\u2019re designing the best possible interface for the user.<\/p>\n<p>Want to learn more about UI design? Check out these topics!<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/blog\/ui-design\/common-ui-design-mistakes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">10 common UI design mistakes and how to avoid them<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/blog\/ui-design\/are-ui-designers-in-demand\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Are UI designers in demand? Here\u2019s the current industry outlook\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/blog\/ui-design\/ui-element-glossary\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">32 user interface elements for UI designers<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/blog\/ui-design\/color-glossary-for-ui-designers\/\">The ultimate color glossary for UI designers<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How do I improve as a UI designer, and continue to refine my UI design skills? We outline 7 ways to up your game as a UI designer in this handy guide.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":646,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"yes","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4368","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ui-design"],"acf":{"homepage_category_featured":false,"cards_inner_programs_lists_left":"","cards_inner_programs_lists_right":"","related_plan_cards":""},"modified_by":"Rash SEO","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4368","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/19"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4368"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4368\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":31949,"href":"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4368\/revisions\/31949"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/646"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4368"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4368"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4368"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}