7 practical methods to get better at visual /UI Design
UI designing is a difficult but exciting task of ensuring that an application’s interface is attractive, visually stimulating and in line with business objectives. But even after becoming a complete user interface designer, the pressure for continuous improvement can be frustrating. In the context of a rapidly evolving technological landscape, even the most respected designers in the world recognize the value of lifelong learning.
To ensure that we provide the best possible results for the end-user, it is essential to continue questioning their usual and formulated practices. But what steps can you take to improve your game as a user interface designer?
- Familiarize yourself with the user interface design patterns: –
User interface design templates are general and reusable solutions to common user interface design problems. They function as benchmarks or guides for user interface designers, allowing a debate on solutions by simply mentioning the name of a specific model. Getting familiar with the user interface design patterns will not only improve your efficiency as a designer but also increase your design vocabulary. Sites like pttrns.com and uigarage.net offer glossaries of useful user interface design templates to get you started.
- Train your eye: –
Surrounding yourself with a variety of design inspiration will motivate you to improve and diversify your own design practices. Start incorporating sites like Pinterest, Behance, and Dribbble into your daily routine. Meet the designers who intrigue you: how do you use white space, color, and typography? How do they make their creations unique and instantly recognizable? What can you learn from them? Most UI designers can recognize good design, but experienced designers have trained their eyes to recognize even the most detailed design decisions!
- Get networks: –
If you are an independent UI designer (or the only UI designer on your team), finding the courage to regularly attend local networking events can transform your career. Networking with other designers will allow you to analyze solutions to common problems, expand your support network and share tips and suggestions to become a better designer. Above all, you will realize that so many interface designers face the same challenges and obstacles as you!
- Copy the best designers: –
“Copy people’s work?” You say, “This is the worst nightmare of any creator! Trying to recreate the work of highly qualified UI designers will help you get out of your comfort zone and practice different approaches to your work. Remember that copying people’s work should not be confused with plagiarism! As long as you don’t sell the copied designs or show them in your wallet, you will only get the benefits.
- Identify imaginary projects: –
If you are in the early stages of your career as a user interface designer, you may lack a bit of real customer work in your inbox. While you wait for projects to begin to accumulate, why not take the initiative to establish your own projects? Without a strict style guide or a summary to follow, nothing prevents you from showing your creativity. There may be an application that you have always wanted to design or a pre-existing website that you think might work better. Not only will this give you the opportunity to hone your design skills, but it will also create a more diverse portfolio.
- Share your work (and ask for comments!): –
For many UI designers, the possibility of sharing unfinished designs can cause a lot of anxiety. The perfectionism of the design can be a paralyzing feature that drives many designers crazy and, in extreme cases, guarantees that projects never see the light of day. To overcome the pitfalls of perfect pixel perfectionism, share your work with your community and request likes.
- Find a mentor: –
A mentor is a senior user interface designer with years of experience in the field who can guide, support and encourage you to be the best possible designer. Mentors can provide a new perspective on their projects, a soundboard for new ideas and the much-needed stimulus in times of doubt. After traveling the path themselves, they will be able to provide a clear and personalized roadmap to improve their business. To find a mentor, start by communicating with your local design community on LinkedIn, or you can even find one at a networking event! Suggest a schedule that works for both, such as monthly or bi-monthly recordings, and be honest with your concerns, fears and personal challenges. That’s why they are here.
