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How Do I Learn UI Design?

Feb 21, 2024

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3 min read

UI (User Interface) design is one of the most exciting and creative fields in today's digital world. But if you're just starting out, you might be asking: How do I learn UI design? The good news is that you don't need a design degree. With dedication, the right resources, and plenty of practice, you can become a confident UI designer on your own.

1. Understand what UI design is

Before diving into tutorials and courses, understand what UI design actually involves. UI design focuses on how a product looks and feels. It's about designing interfaces that are not only beautiful but also easy to use. This includes choosing typography, colors, spacing, layout, and creating interactive components like buttons, sliders, and navigation menus.

While UX focuses on how something works, UI focuses on how it looks.

2. Learn the core principles

Learning UI design starts with mastering the foundations. This includes:

  • Typography: Learn about typefaces, font hierarchy, and spacing. Clear, consistent text improves both readability and the overall experience.

  • Color theory: Understanding how to use primary, secondary, and semantic colors effectively will help you guide user behavior and improve visual hierarchy.

  • Layout and spacing: A clean structure creates clarity. Learn about grids, margins, padding, and alignment.

  • Consistency and hierarchy: Users love consistency. Master how to guide attention through hierarchy—using font sizes, weight, and colors.

3. Start using design tools (like Figma)

Figma is one of the most beginner-friendly and powerful tools for UI design. It has a free plan, is browser-based, and is excellent for collaboration. Start by recreating simple UI components—buttons, cards, modals—then move on to full layouts like landing pages or app screens.

Did you know you can learn Figma, even if you've never used a design tool before? With our Beginner Figma Video Course, you'll understand how to use Figma's core tools and features, how to structure your files and frames, what buttons, shapes, grids, and components do, how to collaborate on designs with teammates, and how to stop second-guessing everything you click.

You can also explore our Advanced Figma Video Course and become an advanced Figma user who designs with clarity, speed, and confidence, earning more and delivering unmatched results. Learn Figma with practical, expert-guided video lessons, and you'll transform into the UI/UX professional who sets the standard. It's time to level up your Figma skills and elevate your career.

4. Analyze and recreate real UI work

One of the best ways to improve is by reverse-engineering good design. Pick a well-designed app or website and try to recreate its UI in Figma. Pay attention to how they use space, color, and typography.

5. Build a practice habit

Learning design isn't just about watching videos or reading articles—it's about creating. Set small daily or weekly goals, like designing a login screen or improving a mobile menu. Keep a visual journal of your progress. Iteration is everything.

6. Get feedback and stay inspired

Join online communities like design Twitter, Reddit's r/UXDesign, or Figma's own forum. Post your work and ask for constructive feedback. You'll grow faster when others challenge your design choices. Also, follow skilled designers on Instagram for a regular dose of inspiration.

7. Create a UI-focused portfolio

Once you've built a few solid projects, showcase them in a clean, accessible portfolio. Don't worry if they're not client projects—case studies that solve real design problems matter more than flashy mockups. Focus on your thought process, layout decisions, and iterations.

Final thoughts

Learning UI design takes time but doesn't have to be confusing. Follow a structured path, build real projects, get feedback, and grow your confidence one screen at a time. And when you're ready to level up, explore structured resources to take your skills to the next level.

If you aren't following us on Instagram already, you're seriously missing out! Become a part of our ever-growing community and learn something new from the field of product design every. single. day.

Happy designing! 🥳

andrija & supercharge design team