Resources for starting out in UX design from AKQA
From scrolling on social media to navigating a city using your phone, we all constantly benefit from the work of user experience (UX) designers. AKQA is a design and innovation company known for its ingenious solutions for companies like Nike, Netflix, Google, Sky, and even Tinder. After almost a decade of helping produce internationally renowned work at AKQA, here, their associate user experience director, Robin Greene, recommends an essential list of resources to get you started in UX design.
🧑💻 Online Articles and Magazines
Nielsen Norman Group (Articles)
The articles page from the Nielsen Norman Group is a treasure trove for budding UX designers, filled with expert advice, research, and best practices on all things user experience. Whether you're learning the basics or honing your skills, you’ll find valuable insights to help you design better, more user-friendly products. The articles cover a wide range of topics, making it a must-visit resource for anyone passionate about UX design.
Check out Nielsen Norman Group articles here
UX Magazine
UX Magazine offers a wide range of articles, interviews, and case studies on user experience design. It’s a great place to stay updated on industry trends, learn from real-world examples, and gain insights that will help you grow as a UX professional. Their podcast is also worth a listen.
UX Mastery (Articles and training)
A supportive community and learning hub for UX designers at all stages, UX Mastery offers tutorials, articles, and resources to help you build your UX skills, land your first job, and grow your career. It’s an ideal starting point for anyone new to the field.
Smashing Magazine
Smashing Magazine’s UX Design section is packed with articles, tutorials, and tips from industry experts. It’s an invaluable resource for budding UX designers, helping you learn best practices, stay informed on the latest trends, and refine your design skills.
🗞️ Newsletters
UX Collective
Also known as UX Design on Medium, UX Collective is a popular blog offering thought-provoking articles, case studies, and insights on user experience design. It’s a go-to resource for new UX designers who want to learn from real-world experiences and stay updated on the latest industry trends.
Subscribe to UX Collective here
UX Design Weekly
UX Design Weekly is a curated newsletter that delivers the best UX design articles, tools, and resources straight to your inbox every week. It’s perfect for budding UX designers who want to stay updated on the latest trends, learn new techniques, and discover valuable insights from the world of user experience design.
📚 Books
Interaction Design Foundation’s Library
The Interaction Design Foundation’s Literature section offers a rich collection of articles and educational content on UX design. An open-source library, it’s perfect for new designers who want to dive deep into the theory and practice of UX, with a focus on building a strong foundation in design principles.
Find out more about the library here
Laws of UX by Jon Yablonski
This book is a handy guide for budding UX designers, presenting key psychological principles that influence how users interact with digital products. Each “law” is explained with practical examples, helping you design more intuitive and user-friendly experiences. It’s a must-read resource for anyone looking to create designs that resonate with users on a deeper level. Some of the articles are also available online.
💬 Slack Community
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Written by Robin Greene
