How to teach yourself UX Design (no bootcamps, no courses)

Dan is a beginner UX designer who wants to learn UX design on his own through self-teaching. He has no formal education in the field, no portfolio, and doesn't know where to start. The video aims to guide viewers like Dan in becoming self-taught UX designers.

Self-taught learning involves taking initiatives to learn without formal instruction, deciding what, when, and how to learn. It can be challenging and may involve watching various online resources like YouTube videos to gain knowledge efficiently.

Being self-taught allows individuals to engage in informal conversations with experienced professionals, build a strong network, gain practical skills, and imagine potential job opportunities. It emphasizes the importance of gaining knowledge and experience through personal initiatives.

Strategies for networking in UX design include reaching out to industry professionals through platforms like LinkedIn, connecting with individuals of interest, and seeking mentorship opportunities. Building meaningful relationships and seeking advice is crucial for career growth and development.

To understand good UX design, reverse-engineer the work of designers at top companies, analyze their portfolios, and learn from their approaches. Creating a comprehensive portfolio demonstrating problem-solving skills, clear explanations, limitations, and project outcomes is essential.

Engaging in personal UX design projects, such as identifying user frustrations with existing software, redesigning apps to address user needs, and sharing case studies with potential stakeholders, is a valuable way to apply theoretical knowledge and gain practical experience.

Establishing specific learning goals, dedicating a set timeline for skill development, and seeking user feedback are essential steps in the self-taught UX design journey. Setting achievable milestones and continuously improving skills is critical for progress.

Choosing suitable UX design tools like Adobe XD or Figma, building a library of design resources, and exploring industry-standard guidelines such as Apple's Human Interface Guidelines and Google's Material Design are crucial for enhancing design workflows and staying updated on industry trends.

Publishing design work online, seeking inspiration from other designers, and gradually gaining recognition by showcasing skills and creativity are important aspects of establishing a professional presence in the UX design community. Overcoming fear and self-doubt is key to success in the field.