Develop UX design expertise through hands-on projects in research, wireframing, and usability testing. Learn to create intuitive interfaces that prioritize user experience.
Start learning Figma for UI/UX design. Gain a solid understanding of its capabilities, from creating files, to designing on a grid, working with text/photos/colors, creating components, building prototypes, exporting assets, sharing files, creating animations, and more.
Take your Figma skills to the next level with this advanced prototyping course. Learn to use variables, modes, and conditionals to add more realistic interactivity to your prototypes.
Learn Figma for UI/UX design. Gain a thorough understanding of Figma’s design and prototyping capabilities, from creating designs, turning the into interactive prototypes, sharing them with clients for feedback, and getting user feedback.
Discover the essence of UX Design. From UX vs. UI to usability testing and prototyping, delve into the intricacies of user experience design. Gain practical skills in research, wireframing, and more. Elevate your design game with this comprehensive course.
Learn the skills needed to launch a career in UI design in this advanced course. Gain expertise in UI fundamentals, wireframing, visual design concepts, and more. Build your portfolio through hands-on projects and personalized feedback.
Learn the skills to become a UX/UI Designer. This course covers design concepts, industry tools like Figma, and research methodologies. Get career-focused training, build a portfolio, and receive one-on-one mentoring and prepare for a career in UX/UI design.
Gain essential skills in UI design for websites and mobile apps, including composition, typography, color, and attention to interactivity. Develop a portfolio showcasing your design projects and earn a NY State-approved certificate in UI Design.
User experience (UX) design is the process of creating digital products (such as websites, applications, and software) that are easy and enjoyable for the consumer to use. The idea behind UX design is completely consumer-driven, thus leading to a product that offers a smooth experience, aligns with the company’s goals, and meets the consumer's needs. This can include anything from a website to the built-in navigation device in your car. Through research, testing, prototyping, and strategizing, UX designers turn ideas into reality by providing functionality.
Although UX design is a growing field that shows no signs of stopping, that wasn’t always the case. In fact, the field is still considered relatively new. It wasn’t until the early 1990s that companies began considering how products work for the consumer and finding new ways to improve the experience. Still, UX design today is most commonly connected to a technical experience such as a consumer purchasing a product on a brand’s website or someone accessing their financial information through a banking application. Since UX design is continually shifting, who knows what the field will be like in the future?
Any company within any industry needs UX design in some way, whether it’s needed for the products they sell or the way they sell those products online. Tech may be the first industry that comes to mind when you think about UX design, but it’s not the only one. Because tech is intertwined with so many other industries, you can find UX designers employed just about anywhere. From retail and education to healthcare and finance, UX design is useful for businesses that want to maintain a healthy consumer base.
And because UX design can apply to so many industries, there are ample project opportunities as well. Some weeks your efforts may turn to a new company website and ecommerce platform. The next week, you may work on wireframing and prototyping new designs. Sometimes, you may be tasked with research and testing to help provide more insight into the consumer’s perception of the product, company, or service. It all depends on several factors, like the specialty you choose or the company where you work.
You could also use your UX design skills outside of the workplace as well. If web design is a side hustle, you will want to know basic UX design concepts as they can help you significantly. In addition, you could create a blog with your UX design skills and share your insights, hobbies, and interests with like-minded people. There are many ways to practice UX design outside of the workplace, perhaps even making a little extra cash along the way.
UX design is a varied subject that involves many specific tasks and purposes. From user research and usability testing to wireframing and prototyping, you’ll explore numerous ways to apply your UX design skills to the real-world so you leave feeling equipped with the tools and ready to take on more professional tasks.
Good UX design is centered around findings from user research. This step is essential in the UX design process because it allows design professionals to solve problems and not just focus on the aesthetics of a product. In class, you’ll likely practice gathering information through interviews, surveys, and observations to understand how a user interacts with a product and what they need for it to be improved. It’s about ensuring the design works as intended so it fulfills the user’s needs.
Before you get to the final design, you’ll need a wireframe and prototype first. The wireframe is a basic outline of the design, whereas the prototype is a working, interactive draft of the product or service. These are major steps in the UX design process that most beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes discuss to some degree. You’ll likely practice wireframing and prototyping to get a better sense of how it is done in a professional setting.
Great UX design often comes down to organization. This may otherwise be known as information architecture, which is the process of structuring a website or application so that it’s easy for users to navigate. This means the layout looks nice and is intuitive, navigation is clear and stress-free, and the interface is as visually appealing as it is functional. Without this, consumers are less likely to enjoy the product or service that’s being provided.
Once your design is complete, you’ll be one step closer to launching it into the world. However, first, you’ll want to conduct some usability tests. You’ll examine the design in several ways to ensure you catch any errors or mistakes before finalization. All in all, usability testing helps you end up with a better design that suits everyone.
While UX design does not focus entirely on the visual aspects of a product, visual design is still important. You will learn essential principles such as contrast, alignment, and hierarchy as well as ways to keep up with the information architecture. Moreover, the design will look clean and easy to navigate by following basic design principles. These ensure the user not only understands how to use the product but also enjoys using it.
Learning UX design is adequately challenging, depending on how you approach learning the subject. If you choose to learn through an interactive training method, it’ll likely feel less difficult. Similarly, your previous experience may factor into difficulty. If you have relevant experience or base-level knowledge, it would probably be easier for you to pick up on the material. If you want to become a professional, however, keep in mind that you’ll face some learning curves from time to time. But with patience and practice, you’ll master it.
Difficulty is a subjective concept—what’s challenging for you may be easy for someone else in the class and vice versa. However, a few key areas stand out as more difficult than the others according to many UX design students and professionals. For instance, the hardest part about UX design is learning how to achieve a perfect balance between user needs and business objectives. You may find user research challenging as well, particularly if you don’t have a knack for interpreting data or analyzing consumer behavior. With the right mindset, however, you’ll pick up on these challenging aspects in no time.
Based on your goals, it may take some time to learn UX design. In general, you can learn the basics in a few weeks or a couple of months, depending on how widespread you’d like your training to get. However, if you want to become a professional, expect to spend far more time learning. Specifically, this may last a few months to a year. In truth, you may spend the rest of your career learning as the field is always evolving.
Whether you want to learn UX design in-person or online depends on your goals and your situation. If you prefer a neutral learning environment and direct interaction between the instructor and your peers, consider in-person classes. They’re the most immersive method and give you less chance of distraction. However, the schedule is set in stone and requires a commute, which may be challenging depending on your location or schedule. Still, this is a great option if possible.
However, live online classes offer hands-on experience with the material and interaction between peers and the instructor, with the added flexibility of learning from home. You can study and practice UX design in real-time with the help of a virtual instructor and complete hands-on projects to facilitate the learning process. If you have a quiet space and a strong internet connection, this delivery method is a fantastic option.
However, if you require even more flexibility, an asynchronous class may be the best option. This is a self-paced method that allows you to learn on a schedule and at a pace that suits you. You’re tasked with teaching yourself the material, which means this isn’t the most interactive method of learning. However, this method is not suitable for those who want to become professionals. A current professional refreshing their skills may benefit from this style, but not a total beginner.
You can access many free online resources to learn more about UX design concepts, terms, and technologies. From forums and blogs to videos and social media, you can explore a wealth of knowledge from both experts and fellow learners. You can also explore training center resources such as Noble Desktop’s Free Seminar page where you can explore pre-recorded lectures and learn more about a subject or tool. Likewise, Noble Desktop’s YouTube channel is a great resource for tutorials and guides. However, if you’re serious about starting a UX design career, you’ll want to explore more official, hands-on training methods.
For a well-rounded education, you may want to explore fields and tools beyond UX design that serve as complements to the field. For instance, many study UX and user interface (UI) design together. While UX design serves as the functionality and the user’s experience, UI design focuses on the visual part of the design. Moreover, you may want to study front-end development, which covers how websites are built.
Data analytics may be something you look into as well. Understanding how to gain insights from user data can be immeasurably valuable in a UX design profession. Likewise, you could hone your project management skills to help make juggling several projects easier. When you know how to manage your time, follow a budget, and stay organized, the job becomes much less challenging.
San Antonio has several key industries that heavily support the local and state economy. From healthcare and education to aerospace and information technology, there are plentiful job opportunities for those in the UX design field. If you’re curious about a UX design career but aren’t sure which industry seems right, consider some of these top industries in San Antonio.
San Antonio is slowly becoming a healthcare haven in Texas, with top medical institutions such as Methodist Hospital, Baptist Medical Center, and the South Texas Medical Center calling the region home. The city is becoming a well-known place for state-of-the-art medical care. Plus, the connection to the education industry means there’s a constant flow of research and job opportunities available.
Healthcare providers hire UX design professionals to make platforms that make it easy for patients to access their health data or easy for administrators to navigate while working on payroll or scheduling. They’re the driving force behind health applications that allow people to manage their health such as when tracking exercise or monitoring chronic illnesses. It’s all about making healthcare tools much easier to use and navigate.
The aerospace industry has a strong presence in this area, especially since top companies like Lockheed Martin, Airbus, and Boeing all conduct business here. The city is known for its aircraft manufacturing, maintenance, and repair companies that make commercial and military flight possible. Likewise, the San Antonio Air Force Base means there is a strong connection between the aerospace and defense industries in this city.
UX designers help aerospace professionals in numerous ways, from simple maintenance needs to more complex safety systems. For instance, they focus on maintenance software that allows technicians to quickly and efficiently find and fix issues. Likewise, they can design the interface of a cockpit, where the dashboard would need to be easy for the pilot to navigate and use when placed under pressure. The goal is to streamline workflow and keep things running safely.
When it comes to information technology (IT) and cybersecurity, San Antonio is the place to be. It’s a city with an emerging tech space, particularly for companies in this area of tech. For instance, CyberCore Technologies, SandTech Solutions, and NSA’s Texas Cryptologic Center are all situated in San Antonio and have become essential in collecting and securing data. Cyber threats are constantly evolving and becoming more and more common—as such, it’s reassuring to know the IT and cybersecurity sector in San Antonio is thriving.
IT and cybersecurity companies hire UX designers to help make security tools more user-friendly as well as effective. They develop security dashboards that allow IT specialists to quickly identify threats. Likewise, a UX Designer may help with user authentication systems such as login processes. In this scenario, UX designers make sure these systems are secure and simple.
San Antonio’s education system is incredibly diverse and powerful, with numerous public and private schools, tutoring centers, universities, and EdTech companies. For instance, the University of Texas San Antonio, Trinity University, and St. Mary’s University are all within the area and help support the local economy by providing the area with a new workforce each year. As such, there are also many research opportunities and chances to develop new innovative methods and tools so collaboration with other industries such as tech, is common in the education industry.
UX design consists of making learning tools easy to use and engaging for both the instructors and the students. A UX Designer may work on ensuring the interface of an e-learning platform is well-organized, has easy-to-access features, and provides an overall smooth experience. Whether the student is submitting an assignment, or the instructor is grading an assignment, the platform should provide both users a pleasant experience with the user-friendly software.
With proper UX design training, you can find jobs ranging in specialty and salary that suit your needs and preferences. Whether you want to focus on the research side of UX design or branch out into more visual design careers, there is a place for you at nearly any company where digital products are being used. Read ahead to learn about just some of the many career paths a UX design expert can take.
A UX Designer is tasked with providing the user with a pleasant experience while using websites, applications, and software. They ensure the needs of the people are met and perform various tasks like user research, usability testing, and prototyping to end up with a finished product that provides a smooth experience and aligns with the company’s needs. According to Indeed, the average base salary for a UX Designer in San Antonio is roughly $108,000. This can vary, of course, as senior-level positions average out closer to $137,000.
You could also consider the UX researcher, for example, specializes in the research aspect of the field. They conduct surveys, interviews, and observation sessions where they learn more about user behavior. They take their insights back to the design team and allow them to improve products and, therefore, the user experience. Glassdoor indicates that a San Antonio-based UX Designer can expect an average salary between $63,000 and $97,000, with a yearly average of $78,000.
If the product looks visually appealing, that’s the work of a UI Designer. They focus on designing the visual aspects of a product, including everything from buttons, icons, tables, menus, and graphics. The product is both easy to use and aesthetically pleasing so the design is both intuitive and consistent. In essence, they simplify and amplify the visual aspects of the product and ensure the consumer and company are both happy. Per data compiled on Glassdoor, most San Antonio UX designers can expect to earn $78,000 per year, but the range can be anywhere from $58,000 to $109,000.
A Product Designer takes the lead on a variety of projects, including both UX and UI design tasks. This means they are the go-to person in the department when assistance is needed with wireframing or visual design. They make sure the product meets the user's needs as much as possible to be functional, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Indeed estimates that the average base salary for a UX Designer in San Antonio is close to $98,000. However, entry-level Product Designer positions are around $74,000, whereas senior-level positions are closer to $188,000.
For an all-encompassing education, consider the UX and UI Design Certificate from Noble Desktop. In this course, you’ll learn how to design websites and applications through various hands-on projects where you’ll conduct research, practice data analytics, and create prototypes. In addition, you’ll learn from real-world case studies and have access to personalized job search support. Upon completion, you’ll earn a certificate of completion, have a well-developed UX/UI design portfolio, and will feel ready to enter the field.
However, you may want specialized instruction on certain tools. For example, the Figma Bootcamp from Noble Desktop offers an in-depth overview of this useful prototyping software. You’ll learn how to design user interfaces and practice designs including everything from animations to graphics. You’ll learn to use Figma to build prototypes for mobile and desktop and learn more about each tool and technique for optimal use.
On the other hand, the UX Design Foundations is Noble Desktop’s beginner-level UX design course that covers the essentials of working in the field. You will gain experience with user research such as interviewing and making observations to learn more about the user’s perception. In addition, you’ll learn key terms and practice documenting and presenting your work as well. This gives you a solid foundation that can be built upon in future courses and boot camps.
The University of Texas San Antonio offers continuing education through their UTSA Bootcamps courses. For instance, they offer a UX/UI Bootcamp that spans 24 weeks and teaches students the essentials of information architecture, persona creation, and qualitative and quantitative research practices. In addition, you’ll become familiar with JavaScript, Adobe XD, InVision, and Google Slides through various activities and projects.
Another option comes from Thinkful, which offers a UX/UI Design Flex course that also spans roughly six months. You’ll learn how to conduct research interviews, develop wireframes, and create prototypes with various tools by completing different projects.
Likewise, General Assembly has a 12-week UX Design Bootcamp where you’ll learn how to complete various UX design projects suitable for a professional portfolio. You’ll learn UI design concepts and Agile methodologies and contemplate the user-driven concepts behind ensuring consumer loyalty.
To offer your team the training they deserve, consider the UX design corporate training from Noble Desktop. The options range from onsite to live online as well as varying in depth, length, and subject matter. Whether your team wants to focus on a particular tool such as Adobe XD, or gain a more generalized education in UX design, Noble Desktop’s instructors can cater to your needs. Plus, this customized learning translates better in the workplace once the training ends.
If your team wants to continue learning post-training, consider purchasing bulk vouchers for regular classes. They come at a discounted rate and give your employees the opportunity to expand their knowledge even further, adopting new and useful skills and techniques. If you’re ready to chat about pricing, delivery method, and schedule, contact Noble Desktop at corporate@nobledesktop.com to have all your questions answered.