How to Be a Good UI/UX Designer Without a Design Degree

As digital experiences are in high demand, the UX market is set to reach $30.2 billion by 2030 based on KBV Research. Given its attractive opportunities, entering this industry sounds worthwhile. But how to be a good UI/UX designer even when you don’t have a degree? Read the article thoroughly to find the answer!

Key Takeaways

• Understanding design principles and essential tools is crucial for creating effective UI/UX designs.
• Build a strong portfolio through freelancing, volunteering, or personal projects to showcase your skills.
• Explore structured training programs and equip yourself with a high-performance PC to succeed in this industry.

Also Read: 10 Free UI Design Tools in 2025 for Beginner and Pro

How to Be a Good UI/UX Designer Without a Degree in 7 Steps

To help you master UI/UX design, we’ve outlined seven steps to guide you on this path. With dedication, the right resources, and strategic planning, you can become a highly sought-after designer. Keep going!

1. Master Design Fundamentals

Begin by understanding core design principles such as color theory, typography, layout, and user-centered design. These fundamentals are crucial for creating intuitive and aesthetically pleasing user interfaces. To gain knowledge, check out numerous online platforms that offer courses tailored to these topics, as listed below!

• Coursera: offers a variety of UX design courses, including the Google UX Design Professional Certificate, which covers the design process from empathizing with users to testing and iterating on designs.
• Designlab: provides an array of courses, from beginner-friendly introductions to advanced topics like data-driven design and prototyping in Figma.

Also Read: Biometric-Driven Design Future Web Design: Improving Experiences

2. Develop Proficiency with Design Tools

Next, familiarize yourself with the industry-standard design tools presented below, as proficiency in these is often expected.

• Figma: a collaborative interface design tool widely used for creating prototypes and design systems.
• Sketch: a macOS-based design tool known for its user-friendly interface and powerful plugins.

Mastering these tools is a crucial step in how to be a good UI/UX designer, as it highlights your technical skills to enhance workflow efficiency.

3. Engage in Practical Projects

You need to underscore that applying theoretical knowledge through hands-on projects is also vital. Therefore, consider the following approaches.

• Freelancing: offer design services on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr to gain real-world experience.
• Volunteering: collaborate with non-profits or startups that may benefit from design assistance.
• Personal Projects: redesign existing applications or websites to showcase your skills and creativity.

Don’t hesitate to document these projects meticulously to build a compelling portfolio.

4. Build a Professional Portfolio

A well-curated portfolio is another important aspect of learning how to become a better UI/UX designer. Its purpose is to showcase your skills to potential employers. 

At this stage, you can include case studies that detail your design process, the challenges you faced, and the solutions you implemented. Additionally, ensure your portfolio is accessible online through platforms like Behance or a personal website.

5. Network within the Design Community

The subsequent phase involves connecting with professionals to seek new opportunities and mentorship. You can try the following approaches.

• Attend Workshops and Webinars: many organizations offer events that provide valuable insights into the industry.
• Join Design Communities: participate in forums and groups on platforms like LinkedIn or Reddit to engage in discussions and seek feedback.

6. Consider Structured Training Programs

While UI/UX self-study courses are valuable, structured programs can offer a more comprehensive education and networking opportunities. Here are the recommended programs to help you succeed on your journey in how to be a good UI/UX designer.

• Springboard: provides a UI/UX Design Career Track with a job guarantee, combining flexible learning with mentor support. 
• Designlab’s UX Academy: an intensive program that pairs students with mentors for a personalized learning experience. 

Also Read: How to Install Font in PC and Mac

7. Invest in Appropriate Equipment

Lastly, besides skills, having the right hardware ensures efficiency and effectiveness in your design work. Thus, make sure you have a PC with the following specs to successfully take a UI/UX design course.

• Computer: a machine with at least a quad-core processor (Intel i5 or higher), 16GB of RAM, and a solid-state drive (SSD) with at least 256GB of storage.
• Operating System: Windows 10 (64-bit version).
• Monitor: a high-resolution monitor (preferably 27 inches or larger with 4K resolution) that provides ample space and clarity for design tasks.
• Input Devices: a reliable mouse and keyboard are essential. Some designers also invest in graphic tablets for more precise control.

Also Read: 10 Best AI Image Generator for Graphic Design in 2025

Start Your UI/UX Journey Today!

Mastering how to be a good UI/UX designer without a degree is achievable with the right mindset and tools. Strong design fundamentals, user behavior insights, and technical skills are essential. Moreover, hands-on projects and real-world applications help you stand out.

However, besides those things, typography is a crucial element in UI/UX design to enhance readability and user experience. The right fonts enhance clarity, aesthetics, and seamless interaction. Thus, for grabbing premium fonts for UI/UX projects, explore Lettersiro today and discover high-quality typefaces.

Here, you’ll find readable fonts that ensure a polished and professional look. With a desktop license, you can use it on Adobe InDesign and Adobe Photoshop to start designing UI/UX effectively. Plus, if you’re on a tight budget, we even offer free fonts at $0. Don’t hesitate; make every project distinctive with the perfect font choice!

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