A Beginner's Guide to User Interface and User Experience Design

An introduction to the core concepts, principles, and career path in UI/UX design for aspiring designers.

The digital world is shaped by how individuals interact with technology, and at the heart of these interactions lie User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) design. Effective UI/UX design is not merely about aesthetics; it is the foundation for creating seamless, intuitive, and enjoyable digital experiences that are increasingly integral to daily life. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to the field of UI/UX for beginners, demystifying its core concepts and offering a pathway to understanding how to embark on a career in this dynamic and rewarding domain. From grasping the fundamental definitions of UI and UX to understanding the process of building a compelling portfolio and navigating the job market, this guide will progressively build a foundational understanding of what it takes to succeed in UI/UX design.

Decoding the Basics: Understanding UI and UX

User Interface (UI) design is the process through which designers construct the visual and interactive elements of software or computerized devices, with a primary focus on their appearance and style.1It involves crafting the layouts, buttons, menus, typography, and icons that users see and interact with.1The overarching goal of UI design is to create interfaces that are not only visually appealing but also intuitive, functional, easy to use, and ultimately pleasurable for the user.1There are three main types of UI: Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs), which allow interaction through graphical icons; Voice User Interfaces (VUIs), where interaction occurs through speech recognition; and Menu-driven Interfaces, which provide command options via lists or menus.1Regardless of the type, a user interface typically comprises four key components: Navigational elements that help users move around, Input controls that allow users to enter information, Informational components that share data with users, and Containers that hold related content together.2

User Experience (UX) design, on the other hand, encompasses the entire end-to-end experience a user has when interacting with a product, service, or even a company.3It considers all aspects of the user's interaction, including the product's usability, usefulness, desirability, brand perception, and overall performance.6Unlike UI design, UX design is not limited to digital products; it can also be applied to physical products and services.3The primary objective of UX design is to create products that are not only functional but also easy to use and delightful to interact with, ultimately providing value and meeting the user's needs.6A fundamental methodology within UX is User-Centered Design (UCD), which prioritizes the needs and preferences of users throughout the entire design process.7

While UI and UX are often used interchangeably, they represent distinct yet interconnected disciplines. UI design focuses on the visual and interactive elements, the "how" a product looks and functions on the surface. UX design delves deeper into the user's journey, the "why" behind their interactions, aiming to solve their problems and ensure a positive overall experience.3UI design can be considered a crucial component of the broader UX.3To illustrate, a banking app might boast an aesthetically pleasing and intuitive interface (good UI), but if it suffers from slow loading times or requires numerous steps to complete a simple task like transferring money, the overall user experience will be negative (bad UX).12Conversely, a website might offer well-organized and helpful content (good UI), but if its navigation is confusing or it looks outdated, users are likely to leave (bad UX).12The analogy of a house effectively distinguishes these roles: UX design is akin to the foundation, providing the essential structure and functionality, while UI design is like the paint and furniture, adding to the aesthetic appeal and interactive elements.16

Effective UI/UX design is crucial for the success of digital products and businesses.3Investing in good UI/UX yields numerous benefits, including increased user engagement, as visually appealing and easy-to-navigate interfaces encourage visitors to stay longer and explore further.17It also leads to improved customer satisfaction by providing users with enjoyable and efficient experiences, fostering positive perceptions of the product and brand.17A well-crafted UI/UX can significantly enhance a brand's image, making it appear more professional and trustworthy.17Furthermore, effective UI/UX design can directly impact conversion rates by making it easier for users to complete desired actions, such as making a purchase or signing up for a service.17By addressing potential usability issues early in the design process, businesses can also save time and money by reducing the need for costly redesigns and updates later on.17Additionally, good UX design can even contribute to better Search Engine Optimization (SEO) rankings by improving factors like page load speed and mobile responsiveness, which are favored by search engines.17

The Pillars of Good Design: Core UI Principles

Creating effective user interfaces relies on several core principles, with visual hierarchy being a fundamental aspect. Visual hierarchy refers to the arrangement of design elements in a way that signals their importance and guides the user's eye through the content in a specific order.22By strategically structuring visual characteristics, designers can influence users' perceptions and direct them towards desired actions.22Several key elements contribute to establishing a clear visual hierarchy. Size and scale play a crucial role, as larger elements naturally attract more attention than smaller ones.23This is why headlines or important call-to-action buttons are typically larger than body text on websites or less significant buttons on app interfaces.23Color and contrast are also powerful tools; bright colors tend to stand out more than muted ones, and high contrast between elements, such as a vibrant button against a neutral background, can effectively draw the viewer's eye.24For instance, using a bright color for a primary call-to-action button makes it more noticeable.24Typography is another essential element, with variations in font size, weight, and style indicating the level of importance and improving readability.25Larger and bolder fonts are often used for headings, while smaller, regular fonts are used for body text.25Alignment helps to provide visual structure and unity within a design; elements aligned along the same path are perceived as being related and are easier to scan.24Whether it's aligning text to the left for better readability or centering a call-to-action, alignment contributes to a cleaner and more organized layout.24Repetition, the reusing of the same or similar design elements, creates a sense of familiarity and can suggest that content is related.24For example, consistently using the same color for primary buttons throughout an app helps users recognize interactive elements.24Proximity, the principle that elements placed close together are perceived as being related, also plays a vital role.24Using whitespace to group related information into scannable blocks helps users understand the content's structure.24Finally, whitespace, the empty space around elements, draws the eye towards them, making them stand out more.22

Consistency is another cornerstone of effective UI design, ensuring that elements within a user interface are uniform in their look and behavior.26This principle is crucial for enhancing usability, as it allows users to apply their existing knowledge and expectations when interacting with different parts of the interface.27Consistency reduces cognitive load, making it easier for users to navigate and use an app or website without having to learn new interaction patterns for similar elements.27There are several types of consistency in UI design. Visual consistency refers to the uniform use of colors, typography, spacing, and layout throughout the design.26For example, using the same font family and color palette across all pages of a website creates a cohesive brand feel.29Functional consistency ensures that similar actions yield similar outcomes across the application.28If a user knows how to use a certain feature in one section of an app, they should be able to expect a similar interaction in other sections where the functionality is comparable.30Internal consistency refers to maintaining a consistent look and behavior within a single product or system, even across different platforms.30For instance, a mobile app and its corresponding web application should ideally share similar design patterns and interactions.27External consistency involves aligning design elements and interactions with other products in the same ecosystem or brand family, as well as adhering to established conventions and standards prevalent across similar products and platforms.27For example, placing the logo in the upper left corner and the search button in the upper right corner of a website are consistent with user expectations based on common web layouts.29

Feedback in UI design is the way a product responds to user interactions, making the results of those interactions visible and understandable.31Providing timely feedback is essential because it informs users about the status of their actions, giving them a sense of control and security.31Feedback can take various forms. Visual feedback includes changes in button states when hovered or clicked, loading animations that indicate a process is underway, and progress bars that show the advancement of a task.31Auditory feedback uses sounds to signal events, such as a chime when a file download is complete.32Haptic feedback, common on touch devices, provides vibrations to confirm actions.33Contextual guidance includes tooltips that offer brief explanations, notifications that alert users to important information, and in-app messages that provide real-time assistance.32Effective feedback mechanisms are crucial for a positive user experience. For example, displaying a confirmation message after a user successfully completes a purchase or showing a clear error message when they enter incorrect information helps them understand what happened and what to do next.28

Simplicity in UI design emphasizes the importance of focusing on essential elements and avoiding unnecessary complexity or clutter.36A simple user interface is intuitive, easy to understand, and allows users to accomplish their goals efficiently without feeling overwhelmed.5Achieving simplicity involves minimizing the number of actions required to complete a task and prioritizing key functions over non-essential features.5A clean and uncluttered design reduces cognitive load and makes it easier for users to find what they need.37

Beyond these core principles, several other important considerations contribute to good UI design. Clarity ensures that the design communicates its message effectively, with all elements arranged in their proper place according to established standards.15Visibility dictates that important elements should be easily noticeable, guiding users to key functionalities.5Control refers to the user's ability to feel in charge of their interactions with the interface.5Predictability means the UI should behave as users expect based on their prior experiences with similar interfaces.2Tolerance in design allows for user errors, providing mechanisms for undoing actions and recovering from mistakes.5Accessibility is a critical principle that ensures the design is usable by people with diverse abilities and needs.2Finally, flexibility ensures that the user interface can function effectively and look appealing across various platforms and devices.38

The User at the Center: Fundamental UX Methodologies

User-Centered Design (UCD) is a fundamental UX methodology that emphasizes focusing on the users and their needs throughout the entire design process.39It is an iterative process where design teams actively involve users through various research and feedback techniques to create highly usable and accessible products.39The core principles of UCD include the early and active involvement of users in the design process, ensuring that design decisions are based on their needs and wants.43It also involves a clear understanding of both user and task requirements, aligning business goals with clearly defined user needs.42User feedback is continuously incorporated throughout the product's lifecycle, with design teams collecting and analyzing user input and conducting regular usability testing.43UCD follows an iterative design process, where designers and developers make changes gradually as they test features and gain a deeper understanding of their target audience.40A key focus is on usability, ensuring the product is easy to use, effective, and satisfying.39Accessibility is also paramount, aiming to design products that can be used by people with diverse abilities.39Finally, empathy plays a crucial role, requiring designers to step into the shoes of their users to understand their feelings, motivations, and challenges.44The UCD process generally involves four phases: understanding the context of use, specifying user requirements, creating design solutions, and evaluating the product through user feedback.40Adopting a user-centered approach offers significant benefits, including increased usability, improved user satisfaction, and greater user engagement, as products are tailored to meet the specific needs and preferences of their intended users.40

Design Thinking is another fundamental UX methodology, characterized as a non-linear, iterative process that teams use to understand users, challenge assumptions, redefine problems, and create innovative solutions.49It is a human-centered and solution-based approach to problem-solving, focusing on understanding people's needs and coming up with effective solutions to meet those needs.51Key characteristics of Design Thinking include being empathy-driven, emphasizing a deep understanding of the people for whom the solutions are being designed.53It is also collaborative, recognizing that diverse perspectives lead to better outcomes, and optimistic, fostering a belief in the ability to create change.53Design Thinking embraces ambiguity and encourages risk-taking, is inherently curious, and involves reframing problems to break through preconceived notions.53It values diversity, promotes tangible creation through prototyping, and is action-oriented, encouraging experimentation.53The process is iterative, with teams often revisiting different stages based on new insights.41Finally, it is human-centered, placing a strong emphasis on the end user throughout the entire process.53The Design Thinking process typically involves five stages: Empathize, where designers research their users' needs and try to understand their perspectives54; Define, where users' needs and problems are stated in a human-centered way54; Ideate, where assumptions are challenged and a wide range of potential solutions are created54; Prototype, where early versions of solutions are created to test ideas54; and Test, where prototypes are tried out with users to gather feedback and refine the solutions.54Design Thinking differs from other problem-solving approaches by its strong focus on the customer's perspective and its iterative and agile nature, allowing for continuous adaptation and improvement based on user feedback.51

Essential Building Blocks: Common UI Elements and Patterns

User interfaces are constructed using various interactive components known as UI elements.60These elements serve as the building blocks that enable users to interact with a digital product. They can be broadly categorized into input controls, navigational components, informational components, and containers. Input controls allow users to enter information or trigger actions. Common examples include buttons, which initiate an action when clicked or tapped; text fields, where users can type in text for forms or searches; checkboxes, which allow users to select one or more options from a list; radio buttons, which enable users to select only one option from a set; dropdown lists, which present a list of selectable options; toggles, which act as on/off switches; and date pickers, which help users select dates or times.2

Navigational components help users move around within a product or website. These include navigation bars, typically located at the top or bottom of the screen, providing links to different sections; menus, such as hamburger menus (three horizontal lines that expand to reveal options) and dropdown menus, which offer a list of links when activated; tabs, which allow users to switch between different views or sections; breadcrumbs, which show the user's path within the site hierarchy; search fields, which enable users to look for specific content; pagination, which divides content into multiple pages; sliders, which allow users to select a value or range; and icons, which visually represent actions or content.2Informational components are used to convey information to the user. Examples include tooltips, small pop-up boxes with explanatory text; icons, which can also convey information visually; progress bars, which indicate the status of a process; notifications, which alert users to updates or events; message boxes, which display important information or warnings; modal windows, which require user interaction; badges, which show status or counts; and alerts, which draw attention to critical information.2Containers are UI elements that hold and organize related content. Common containers include accordions, which display expandable sections; carousels, which show a rotating set of content; sidebars, which provide supplementary information or navigation; lists, which present items in a linear format; cards, which display related information in a modular way; and widgets, which are small applications or components that provide specific functionality.2It is crucial to use these UI elements consistently and according to established design standards to ensure a predictable and user-friendly experience.29

UI design patterns are recurring solutions to common problems in user interface design.68Utilizing these established patterns can lead to more efficient design processes and interfaces that feel familiar and intuitive to users.27Several common web and mobile UI patterns are frequently employed. Navigation patterns include breadcrumbs, which help users understand their location within a website's hierarchy; tab bars, common in mobile apps for switching between primary sections; navigation drawers, which slide out to reveal navigation options; and fat footers, which provide extensive links and information at the bottom of a page.68Input patterns streamline data entry and include forgiving formats that accommodate various input styles; autocomplete features that suggest options as users type; input feedback mechanisms that provide real-time validation; and password strength meters that guide users in creating secure passwords.68Content display patterns help present information effectively and include cards, which display concise chunks of information; carousels, for showcasing multiple items in a limited space; lists, for presenting sequential data; pagination, for dividing large sets of content; and infinite scrolling, for continuously loading content as the user scrolls.71Interaction patterns enhance the user's ability to engage with the interface, such as drag and drop for moving elements and hover controls that reveal additional information or options.69Onboarding patterns are crucial for guiding new users and include walkthroughs that provide step-by-step instructions; coachmarks that highlight specific UI elements; blank states that offer guidance when there is no data to display; and lazy registration, which allows users to explore an app or website before requiring them to sign up.68

Adhering to best practices when using UI elements and patterns is essential for creating effective and user-friendly interfaces. Clarity is paramount; all elements should be clearly labeled and easily recognizable to avoid user confusion.77Consistency in design patterns and styles throughout the interface helps users learn and navigate more easily.30Simplicity should be a guiding principle, keeping interfaces clean and uncluttered by focusing on essential elements.78Designing with accessibility in mind ensures that the interface can be used by everyone, including individuals with disabilities.77Responsiveness is crucial in today's multi-device world, ensuring that UI elements adapt seamlessly to different screen sizes.16Providing clear feedback for user interactions helps them understand the results of their actions and feel in control.79For forms, best practices include keeping them concise and providing clear instructions to improve completion rates.79Finally, with the prevalence of mobile usage, prioritizing mobile-first design ensures a seamless experience for the majority of users.79When implementing UI patterns, it is important to select patterns that are appropriate for the specific context and user needs, customize them to align with the brand and product, ensure they are accessible and responsive, and test them with users to validate their effectiveness.

Crafting the Experience: The UX Design Process Explained

The UX design process is a systematic approach to creating user-centered products and services. It is typically iterative, meaning that designers often revisit earlier stages based on feedback and new insights.2While the specific steps and methods can vary depending on the project and team, a general framework includes several key stages.

The process often begins with User Research, which is crucial for understanding the needs, goals, and behaviors of the target audience.3Common research methods for beginners include conducting user interviews to gather qualitative data directly from users, creating surveys to collect quantitative data from a larger group, performing competitive analysis to understand existing solutions and identify opportunities, and conducting usability testing to observe how users interact with a product or prototype.7

Following research, the Ideation stage involves generating ideas and potential solutions based on the insights gathered.3Brainstorming is a key technique used during ideation, encouraging the team to generate a wide range of ideas without judgment.40

Once ideas have been generated, the Prototyping stage involves creating early versions or mockups of the design to test the feasibility and usability of those ideas.2Prototypes can range from low-fidelity wireframes, which are basic outlines of the interface focusing on structure and content, to high-fidelity mockups, which are more detailed and visually represent the final product.3

The Testing stage is crucial for evaluating the prototypes with real users to gather feedback and identify any usability issues.2Different types of testing can be employed, such as usability testing, where users perform specific tasks while being observed, and A/B testing, where different versions of a design are compared to see which performs better.7

The feedback gathered during testing is then used in the Analysis and Iteration stage. Designers analyze the feedback to understand what works well and what needs improvement, and then iterate on the design to make necessary changes.7The iterative nature of the process means that designers often cycle back to earlier stages, such as research or ideation, based on the results of testing.40

Finally, the Implementation stage involves the handoff of the final, refined designs to developers who will build the actual product.2It is important to remember that this is a general framework, and the specific steps and the order in which they are performed can vary depending on the specific project, the team's methodologies, and the constraints involved.

Showcasing Your Potential: Building a Beginner's UI/UX Portfolio

For beginners looking to enter the field of UI/UX design, a strong portfolio is absolutely crucial, especially when professional experience is limited.88The portfolio serves as tangible evidence of your skills and design thinking abilities. A beginner's portfolio should ideally include one to two well-documented case studies of personal projects or redesigns that clearly demonstrate your understanding of the UX process.89Each case study should showcase your design thinking, walking the viewer through the problem you aimed to solve, the research you conducted, the different ideas you explored, the prototypes you created, and the testing you performed, ultimately leading to your final solution and any iterations you made.88It is beneficial to include diverse projects that highlight a range of your skills, such as user research, wireframing, prototyping, and visual UI design.88Be sure to document your process thoroughly, including sketches, wireframes, user flows, and any notes you took during your research phase.88For each case study, clearly state the problem you were trying to address, the key insights you gained from your user research, the design solutions you developed, and the outcomes or potential impact of your design.89In addition to case studies, you can also include visual design samples that demonstrate your understanding of UI principles, such as mockups of app screens or website pages.89If you have any personal passion projects or explorations that showcase your initiative and creativity, those can also be valuable additions to your portfolio.88Don't forget to include an "About" page that provides information about yourself, your skills, your passion for UI/UX, and your contact information to make it easy for recruiters to get in touch.91

When creating your beginner portfolio, focus on quality over quantity; a few well-executed projects will make a much stronger impression than numerous mediocre ones.89Remember to tell a story with each project, explaining your design decisions and the rationale behind them.89Emphasize your UX process, showcasing how you approached the problem and arrived at your solution, rather than just presenting the final visual design.88It is highly recommended to seek feedback on your portfolio from mentors, peers, or online design communities and use that feedback to iterate and improve your work.94Present your work clearly and logically, ensuring your portfolio has easy navigation so that viewers can easily understand your projects.89Tailor your portfolio to the specific types of roles you are applying for, highlighting the skills and projects that are most relevant to each job description.91Consider creating an online portfolio using platforms like Behance, Dribbble, or even a personal website, as these make it easy to share your work with potential employers.88Finally, while your portfolio is the main focus, don't overlook the importance of having a concise and clean resume that complements your portfolio and provides a summary of your skills and experience.90

Breaking into the Industry: Finding Your First UI/UX Job

For beginners eager to enter the UI/UX field, several entry-level job titles are common, including Junior UI Designer, Junior UX Designer, UI/UX Intern, and Associate Product Designer.13While the specific requirements may vary, there are typical skills and qualifications that employers often look for in candidates for these roles. A foundational understanding of basic design principles, such as typography, color theory, and visual hierarchy, is generally expected.2Familiarity with industry-standard UI/UX design tools like Figma, Sketch, and Adobe XD is also crucial.2A basic knowledge of UX research methodologies, including user interviews and usability testing, is often beneficial.7Employers will also typically look for an understanding of wireframing and prototyping techniques, as these are essential for translating ideas into tangible designs.2Of course, a strong portfolio showcasing beginner-level projects that demonstrate your skills and design process is paramount.88Beyond technical skills, good communication and collaboration skills are highly valued, as UI/UX designers often work in teams.88Finally, a genuine passion for user-centered design and a strong aptitude for problem-solving are essential qualities for success in this field.7

Finding UI/UX job openings requires a strategic approach. Numerous online job boards are specifically dedicated to UI/UX and design roles, such as Uxcel, Dribbble, Behance, LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and UI UX Jobs Board.97General job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor can also be valuable resources when using specific UI/UX keywords in your search.102Networking plays a significant role in discovering job opportunities. Connect with other designers and industry professionals online through platforms like LinkedIn and design communities on Slack or Discord, as well as through platforms like ADPList that facilitate mentorship and connections.88Attending online and offline meetups and conferences can also provide valuable networking opportunities.94Don't forget to check the career pages of companies you are interested in working for directly, as they often list open positions on their websites.102Gaining initial experience through freelance or contract work on platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Toptal can also be a great way to build your portfolio and network.98Once you identify potential job openings, the next crucial step is to prepare thoroughly for the interviews, which will be discussed in the following section. Remember to always tailor your applications, including your resume and cover letter, to each specific job you are applying for, highlighting the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the role.88

Navigating the Next Steps: Preparing for UI/UX Interviews

Preparing for UI/UX design interviews requires a multifaceted approach. Thoroughly research the company you are interviewing with to understand their products, target audience, and overall company culture.96Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with their specific needs. A critical part of the interview process will involve reviewing your portfolio. Practice walking through your case studies, clearly explaining your design process, the decisions you made at each stage, and the impact your solutions had or were intended to have.91It is beneficial to even time yourself during your practice to ensure you can present your work concisely.91Expect questions that test your understanding of fundamental UI/UX concepts, principles, and methodologies, such as the difference between UI and UX or the importance of user research.86Be prepared for behavioral questions that explore your problem-solving skills, your ability to work in a team, and how you handle challenges.86Using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) can be helpful in structuring your responses to these types of questions.87You should also be ready to discuss the specific UI/UX design tools you are proficient in and explain why you prefer using them.87Demonstrating your interest in the company and the role by preparing thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer is highly recommended.115Practice answering common interview questions, such as "Tell me about yourself," "Why are you interested in UI/UX design?" and "What are your strengths and weaknesses?".86Even for remote interviews, dressing professionally is important.113Finally, ensure you are in a quiet and professional environment during the interview to minimize any potential distractions.120

There are several common mistakes to avoid during UI/UX interviews. Failing to thoroughly research the company beforehand can indicate a lack of genuine interest.119When presenting your portfolio, don't just showcase the final visuals; make sure to clearly explain your design process.119Avoid taking too long to answer questions, as this can make you seem unprepared or unsure.119Being unprepared to effectively walk through your portfolio is a significant misstep, as it is a primary way for interviewers to assess your skills.119While professionalism is key, don't be afraid to let your personality shine through, as employers are also looking for a good team fit.119Forgetting to ask questions at the end of the interview can make you seem uninterested.119Avoid pretending to know everything; it's better to be honest about your skill level and express a willingness to learn.119Finally, remember that UI/UX design encompasses both visual aesthetics and the overall user experience; focusing solely on the visual aspects in your responses and portfolio can give an incomplete picture of your capabilities.89

Conclusion: Embarking on Your UI/UX Journey

This guide has provided a foundational understanding of the world of UI/UX design, from defining its core concepts and principles to outlining the essential steps for building a portfolio and navigating the job market. As you embark on your journey into this exciting field, remember that continuous practice and a commitment to learning are key. The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and staying curious and keeping abreast of new trends and technologies will be crucial for your growth as a UI/UX designer. The opportunities within this domain are vast and rewarding for those who are passionate about creating meaningful and effective digital experiences. By applying the knowledge and strategies outlined in this guide, beginners can confidently take their first steps towards a fulfilling career in UI/UX design.

Works cited

  1. www.interaction-design.org, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/topics/ui-design#:~:text=User%20interface%20(UI)%20design%20is,e.g.%2C%20voice%2Dcontrolled%20interfaces.
  2. What is UI design? A complete guide for 2025 - UX Design Institute, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.uxdesigninstitute.com/blog/what-is-ui-design/
  3. User Interface (UI) Design: Principles, Tools & Best Practices for ..., accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.fullstory.com/blog/ui-design/
  4. What Is UI Design? Definition, Tips, Best Practices | Coursera, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.coursera.org/articles/ui-design
  5. What is User Interface (UI) Design? | IxDF, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/topics/ui-design
  6. www.interaction-design.org, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/topics/ux-design#:~:text=User%20experience%20(UX)%20design%20is,%2C%20design%2C%20usability%20and%20function.
  7. What Is UX Design? A Definition & Guide - CareerFoundry, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://careerfoundry.com/en/blog/ux-design/what-is-user-experience-ux-design-everything-you-need-to-know-to-get-started/
  8. What is UX design? 15 user experience design experts weigh in - UserTesting, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.usertesting.com/blog/what-is-ux-design-15-user-experience-experts-weigh-in
  9. User experience design - Wikipedia, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User_experience_design
  10. What is User Experience (UX) Design? — updated 2025 | IxDF, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/topics/ux-design
  11. What is UX design? Skills, tools, and advice - Maze, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://maze.co/collections/ux-ui-design/what-is-ux/
  12. UI vs. UX Design: What's the Difference? | Coursera, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.coursera.org/articles/ui-vs-ux-design
  13. UX vs. UI Design: What's the Difference? [2025 Guide] - CareerFoundry, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://careerfoundry.com/en/blog/ux-design/the-difference-between-ux-and-ui-design-a-laymans-guide/
  14. UX vs UI: What's the Difference? | IxDF - The Interaction Design Foundation, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/article/ux-vs-ui-what-s-the-difference
  15. User interface design - Wikipedia, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User_interface_design
  16. UX vs UI Design: What's the Difference? - Maze, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://maze.co/blog/ui-vs-ux/
  17. The Importance of UI UX in Web Design – UMass Bootcamp, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://bootcamp.umass.edu/blog/ui-ux/importance-of-ui-ux-in-web-design
  18. Why UI/UX Design Matters for Your Business Growth – SkillNet ..., accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.skillnetinc.com/resources/blogs/why-ui-ux-design-matters-for-your-business-growth/
  19. The Role of A UI/UX Designer in the Product Development Process - KITRUM, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://kitrum.com/blog/the-role-of-a-ui-ux-designer-in-the-product-development-process/
  20. Importance of UI/UX Design in Building a Great Product - Studio 14, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.studio14online.co.uk/importance-of-ui-ux-design-in-building-a-great-product-2/
  21. The Importance of UI/UX Design – iGex Solutions, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.igexsolutions.com/blog/the-importance-of-ui-ux-design/
  22. What is Visual Hierarchy? — updated 2025 | IxDF - The Interaction Design Foundation, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/topics/visual-hierarchy
  23. 7 Important Visual Hierarchy Design Principles, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.designstudiouiux.com/blog/visual-hierarchy-design-principles/
  24. Principles of visual hierarchy in UI Design | by Bryson M. | UX Planet, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://uxplanet.org/principles-of-visual-hierarchy-in-ui-design-fbcd31f88088
  25. Principles of Visual Hierarchy in UX - Octet Design Studio, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://octet.design/journal/principles-of-visual-hierarchy/
  26. Principle of Consistency and Standards in User Interface Design | IxDF, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/article/principle-of-consistency-and-standards-in-user-interface-design
  27. Why Consistency Is So Incredibly Important In UI Design, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://careerfoundry.com/en/blog/ui-design/the-importance-of-consistency-in-ui-design/
  28. The 6 Key Principles of UI Design | Maze, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://maze.co/collections/ux-ui-design/ui-design-principles/
  29. Consistency in UI Design: 6 Basic Principles | by Flowmapp | Medium, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://medium.com/@FlowMapp/consistency-in-ui-design-6-basic-principles-abbd96b5cff8
  30. Design Consistency Guide UI and UX Best Practices - UXPin, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.uxpin.com/studio/blog/guide-design-consistency-best-practices-ui-ux-designers/
  31. Feedback: 5 Principles of Interaction Design To Supercharge Your ..., accessed on April 3, 2025,https://givegoodux.com/feedback-5-principles-interaction-design-supercharge-ui-5-5/
  32. Feedback UI: How to Humanize the SaaS User Interface? (+Examples), accessed on April 3, 2025,https://userpilot.com/blog/feedback-ui/
  33. What is feedback in Norman's design principles?, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://how.dev/answers/what-is-feedback-in-normans-design-principles
  34. Interaction Design Principle: Feedback- UX Knowledge Piece Sketch #10, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://uxknowledgebase.com/interaction-design-principle-feedback-dff72f819c29
  35. Shneiderman's Eight Golden Rules Will Help You Design Better Interfaces | IxDF, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/article/shneiderman-s-eight-golden-rules-will-help-you-design-better-interfaces
  36. 6 Major UI Design Principles In 2024 - PW Skills, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://pwskills.com/blog/6-major-ui-design-principles-in-2024/
  37. 10 Fundamental UI Design Principles You Need to Know | by Niamh O'shea, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://niamh-oshea.medium.com/10-fundamental-ui-design-principles-you-need-to-know-4071528fa3ea
  38. The Basic Principles of User Interface Design | UXPin, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.uxpin.com/studio/blog/ui-design-principles/
  39. www.interaction-design.org, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/topics/user-centered-design#:~:text=User%2Dcentered%20design%20(UCD),and%20accessible%20products%20for%20them.
  40. What is User Centered Design (UCD)? — updated 2025 | IxDF, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/topics/user-centered-design
  41. A Guide to User-Centered Design: Principles, Methods, and Processes - NEXT AI, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.nextapp.co/glossary/guides/user-centered-design
  42. User-centered design – Wikipedia, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User-centered_design
  43. User-Centered Design: Principles and Examples of UCD – Baymard, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://baymard.com/learn/user-centered-design
  44. User-Centered Design: Key Phases and Principles | Maze, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://maze.co/blog/user-centered-design/
  45. Complete user-centered design (UCD) guide - Justinmind, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.justinmind.com/blog/user-centered-design/
  46. The Key Principles of User-Centered Design (UCD) | Upwork, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.upwork.com/resources/user-centered-design-principles
  47. User-Centered Design and Interactive Health Technologies for Patients - PubMed Central, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2818536/
  48. Ecommerce User-Centered Design: Core Principles That Drive Better Results - The Good, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://thegood.com/insights/user-centered-design/
  49. www.interaction-design.org, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/topics/design-thinking#:~:text=00%3A00%3A33-,Design%20thinking%20is%20a%20non%2Dlinear%2C%20iterative%20process%20that%20teams,are%20ill%20defined%20or%20unknown.
  50. Design thinking – Wikipedia, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Design_thinking
  51. What Is Design Thinking & Why Is It Important? - HBS Online - Harvard Business School, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/what-is-design-thinking
  52. What Exactly Is Design Thinking? [Updated Guide for 2025], accessed on April 3, 2025,https://careerfoundry.com/en/blog/ux-design/what-is-design-thinking-everything-you-need-to-know-to-get-started/
  53. What is Design Thinking? — updated 2025 | IxDF, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/topics/design-thinking
  54. The Design Thinking Process: 5 Steps Complete Guide, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://careerfoundry.com/en/blog/ux-design/design-thinking-process/
  55. The 5 Stages in the Design Thinking Process | IxDF, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/article/5-stages-in-the-design-thinking-process
  56. 5 Steps of the Design Thinking Process: A Step-by-Step Guide, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://voltagecontrol.com/blog/5-steps-of-the-design-thinking-process-a-step-by-step-guide/
  57. The 5 Stages of the Design Thinking Process [ELI5 Guide], accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.springboard.com/blog/design/design-thinking-process/
  58. The Design Thinking Process (6 Helpful Steps) – IDEO U, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.ideou.com/blogs/inspiration/design-thinking-process
  59. What is design thinking? | McKinsey, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/mckinsey-explainers/what-is-design-thinking
  60. User Interface Elements Every Designer Should Know - UXPin, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.uxpin.com/studio/blog/user-interface-elements-every-designer-should-know/
  61. Components — Material Design 3, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://m3.material.io/components
  62. 22 UI Elements Every Designer Should Master - Pixcap, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://pixcap.com/blog/ui-elements
  63. A Complete Beginner's Guide to UI Elements - Mockplus, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.mockplus.com/blog/post/ui-elements
  64. 40 User Interface Elements: Must to Learn For Every Designer, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.designmonks.co/blog/user-interface-elements
  65. Common UI Component Definitions I Lesson - Uxcel, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://app.uxcel.com/courses/ui-components-n-patterns/common-ui-components-847
  66. 32 UI Elements Designers Need To Know: 2025 Guide - CareerFoundry, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://careerfoundry.com/en/blog/ui-design/ui-element-glossary/
  67. Common UI Components Lesson - Uxcel, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://app.uxcel.com/courses/design-lingo/components-616
  68. What are User Interface (UI) Design Patterns? | IxDF, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/topics/ui-design-patterns
  69. Design patterns - UI-Patterns.com, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://ui-patterns.com/patterns
  70. Design Patterns - Uxcel, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://app.uxcel.com/glossary/design-patterns
  71. UI-Patterns.com, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://ui-patterns.com/
  72. 13 UI Design Patterns You Need to Know for Modern Interfaces - Designership, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.thedesignership.com/blog/13-ui-design-patterns-you-need-to-know-for-modern-interfaces
  73. 8 Effective Mobile Apps Design Patterns - DesignRush, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.designrush.com/best-designs/apps/trends/mobile-design-patterns
  74. UI Patterns: What Are User Interface Design Patterns? - DesignRush, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.designrush.com/agency/ui-ux-design/trends/ui-patterns
  75. UIPatterns.io | Curated list of interactive mobile design patterns, accessed on April 3, 2025,http://uipatterns.io/
  76. User interface patterns | web.dev, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://web.dev/learn/design/ui-patterns
  77. Mastering UI Design: A Comprehensive Guide to User Interface Elements | Clay, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://clay.global/blog/ux-guide/ui-elements
  78. UI design guide: best practices for user-centric design - Justinmind, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.justinmind.com/ui-design
  79. UI Design Best Practices for 2025 - Webstacks, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.webstacks.com/blog/ui-design-best-practices
  80. Top 10 UI Web Design Best Practices - Netguru, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.netguru.com/blog/best-practices-ui-web-design
  81. The ultimate guide to mobile app design: Follow these UI principles & best practices, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.uxdesigninstitute.com/blog/ultimate-guide-to-mobile-app-design/
  82. Best Practices for Designing User-Friendly Interfaces for UI/UX Designers - Medium, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://medium.com/@uidesign0005/best-practices-for-designing-user-friendly-interfaces-for-ui-ux-designers-0b761c85ce48
  83. 10 Best Practices for App UI/UX Design : r/goodtechstuff - Reddit, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.reddit.com/r/goodtechstuff/comments/1e35hbb/10_best_practices_for_app_uiux_design/
  84. The Ultimate Guide to Mobile UX/UI Design: Elevating User Experience in the Digital Age, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://pg-p.ctme.caltech.edu/blog/ui-ux/guide-to-mobile-ui-ux-design
  85. UI vs. UX: Fundamentals of User Design – Baymard, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://baymard.com/learn/ui-vs-ux
  86. 30 UX Interview Questions (With Answers + Insights) - Springboard, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.springboard.com/blog/design/ux-design-interview-questions/
  87. UI UX Interview Questions and Asnwers | 2025 - Simplilearn.com, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.simplilearn.com/ui-ux-interview-questions-article
  88. How Entry-Level UX Designers Can Land UX Jobs with No Experience - UX Playbook, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://uxplaybook.org/articles/how-to-land-ux-job-with-no-experience
  89. How to Make Your Own Awesome UX Design Portfolio - CareerFoundry, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://careerfoundry.com/en/blog/ux-design/ux-design-portfolio-tips/
  90. The Ultimate Guide to Remote Job Hunting for UI/UX Designers in 2023 – UX Planet, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://uxplanet.org/ultimate-guide-for-remote-job-hunting-in-2023-for-ui-ux-designers-937c4031876d
  91. How To Prepare for (and Ace) a UX Portfolio Presentation - UX Design Institute, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.uxdesigninstitute.com/blog/ux-portfolio-presentation-guide/
  92. How to Present a UX Portfolio During a Job Interview - Designlab, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://designlab.com/blog/ux-portfolio-presentation
  93. Recommendations for Presenting Your Portfolio : r/userexperience - Reddit, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.reddit.com/r/userexperience/comments/tbi12y/recommendations_for_presenting_your_portfolio/
  94. How to Network When You're Breaking Into UI/UX Design – Skillcrush, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://skillcrush.com/blog/how-to-network-ui-ux-design/
  95. UX interview prep [HELP] : r/UXDesign - Reddit, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.reddit.com/r/UXDesign/comments/1altf89/ux_interview_prep_help/
  96. Stop Applying for Jobs and Read: A Guide to Finding the Right UI/UX Job - Medium, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://medium.com/design-bootcamp/stop-applying-for-jobs-and-read-a-guide-to-finding-the-right-ui-ux-job-c4bcc52a3f18
  97. 11 Best Job Boards for UX Designers in 2024 - Uxcel, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://uxcel.com/blog/11-best-job-boards-for-ux-designers
  98. 20 Best Freelance Websites for UI/UX Designers to Find Work - Mockplus, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.mockplus.com/blog/post/freelance-websites-for-designers
  99. UI UX Jobs Board, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://uiuxjobsboard.com/
  100. How I landed a UX/UI Design job with no prior experience or related degree - UX Collective, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://uxdesign.cc/how-i-landed-a-ux-ui-design-job-with-no-prior-experience-or-degree-2e7a3327979a
  101. 11 Best Platforms to Find UX Designers for Hire in 2024 | Uxcel, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://uxcel.com/blog/best-platforms-ux-designers-for-hire
  102. The UX Job Search: 5 Ways to Find Your Next Design Role - Designlab, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://designlab.com/blog/where-to-find-ux-jobs
  103. UX/UI Design Jobs - Upwork, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.upwork.com/freelance-jobs/ux-ui-design/
  104. UI UX Designer Jobs, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://uiuxdesignerjobs.com/
  105. The best UX job boards to find a job in User Experience Design | by Fabricio Teixeira, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://uxdesign.cc/ux-job-boards-24-places-to-find-a-job-in-user-experience-design-a886c2279982
  106. 12 Outstanding UX Job Boards for Your Job Hunt - CareerFoundry, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://careerfoundry.com/blog/ux-design/ux-job-boards/
  107. 12 Best UX Design Job Boards in 2025 | UXtweak, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://blog.uxtweak.com/ux-job-board/
  108. How to network as a UX Designer - UX Collective, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://uxdesign.cc/how-to-network-as-a-ux-designer-be65713ae477
  109. The ultimate guide to UX networking (and 5 tips for success) - UX Design Institute, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.uxdesigninstitute.com/blog/guide-to-ux-networking/
  110. The UX Designer's Guide to Networking - Designlab, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://designlab.com/blog/guide-to-networking
  111. The UX Networking Game Plan - How to Network as a UX Designer - The Designer's Toolbox, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.thedesignerstoolbox.com/ux-jobs/how-to-network-as-a-ux-designer/
  112. accessed on January 1, 1970,https://www.ideou.com/blogs/inspiration/how-to-network-your-way-to-a-design-job
  113. How to prepare for your first-ever UX/UI interview? | by Marija Stojkovska - Medium, accessed on April 3, 2025,http://medium.com/design-bootcamp/how-to-prepare-for-your-first-ever-ux-ui-interview-4ec63aa95747
  114. mockuuups.studio, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://mockuuups.studio/blog/post/ui-ux-design-interview-questions/#:~:text=To%20prepare%20for%20your%20UX,introduce%20myself%20as%20a%20designer%3F
  115. How to smash your next UI UX design interview (2025 Guide) - Mockuuups Studio, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://mockuuups.studio/blog/post/ui-ux-design-interview-questions/
  116. 12 UX Designer Interview Questions and Answers - Coursera, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.coursera.org/articles/ux-designer-interview-questions-and-answers
  117. Answering Common Interview Questions As a Junior UI/UX Designer. | by Pamela Chemutai, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://selimchemutai.medium.com/answering-common-interview-questions-as-a-junior-ui-ux-designer-eb48fc1f8fb6
  118. Good questions to ask a UI/UX designer in interview : r/Frontend - Reddit, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.reddit.com/r/Frontend/comments/11gs3jn/good_questions_to_ask_a_uiux_designer_in_interview/
  119. Top UX Interview Mistakes to Avoid – UX Beginner, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://www.uxbeginner.com/top-ux-interview-mistakes-to-avoid/
  120. UX Interview Tips: How to Prepare for a UX Design Interview | Designlab, accessed on April 3, 2025,https://designlab.com/blog/ux-interview-tips