How can you gain UX experience when transitioning from another field?

1 Identify your UX goals

Before you dive into UX projects, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and what kind of UX roles you are interested in. UX is a broad field that encompasses different aspects of design, such as user research, interaction design, visual design, information architecture, usability testing, and more. Depending on your strengths, interests, and career aspirations, you might want to focus on one or more of these areas, or become a generalist who can do a bit of everything. You also need to consider the type of industry, product, or service you want to work on, and the size and culture of the organization you want to join.

2 Learn the UX fundamentals

To gain UX experience, you need to learn the basic principles and methods of UX design, such as user-centered design, design thinking, prototyping, and evaluation. There are many online courses, books, podcasts, blogs, and communities that can help you acquire the theoretical and practical knowledge of UX. You can also attend workshops, webinars, meetups, and conferences to network with other UX professionals and learn from their experiences. However, learning UX is not only about consuming information, but also about applying it to real-world problems and scenarios.

3 Work on UX projects

One of the best ways to gain UX experience is to work on UX projects that showcase your skills and abilities. You can start by finding a problem or opportunity that you are passionate about, and use the UX process to define, ideate, prototype, and test a solution. You can also look for existing products or services that you use or encounter regularly, and identify how you can improve their UX. You can work on these projects individually or with a team, depending on your preference and availability. The key is to document your process and outcomes, and create a portfolio that demonstrates your UX thinking and deliverables.

4 Seek feedback and mentorship

Another way to gain UX experience is to seek feedback and mentorship from other UX practitioners who can offer you valuable insights and advice. You can ask for feedback on your UX projects, portfolio, resume, or interview skills, and learn from their constructive criticism and suggestions. You can also find a mentor who can guide you through your UX journey, and help you with your career development and goals. You can reach out to potential mentors through online platforms, social media, or local events, and establish a mutually beneficial relationship.

5 Volunteer or freelance

Finally, you can gain UX experience by volunteering or freelancing for real clients who need UX help. You can find opportunities to work on UX projects for non-profit organizations, social causes, small businesses, or startups, and use your skills to make a positive impact. You can also look for freelance gigs or contracts that match your UX profile and interests, and work on them remotely or on-site. Volunteering or freelancing can help you build your portfolio, network, reputation, and confidence, and prepare you for your UX career transition.