🎨 UI/UX Designer Path

UI/UX Designer Path

Portfolio-ready in weeks. The tools and process that hiring managers actually want to see.

Your Path

1
Design tool
Figma

Figma

Free

Non-negotiable. Every UX job requires Figma. Learn components, auto-layout, and prototyping. This is where you'll spend 80% of your working day.

2
Research & inspiration
Dribbble

Mobbin + Dribbble

Free

Study real apps on Mobbin. Dribbble for visual inspiration. Train your eye daily, the best designers study more than they create.

3
User research
Google Forms

Maze + Google Forms

Free tier

Run usability tests remotely with Maze. Validate designs with real users via Google Forms. Research skills separate designers from decorators.

4
Interactive prototyping
Figma

Figma + ProtoPie

Free tier

Interactive prototypes that feel like real apps. This separates junior from mid-level. Figma for flows, ProtoPie for micro-interactions.

5
Portfolio site
Framer

Framer

Free tier

Designers use Framer. Fast, visual, professional. Not WordPress, not Squarespace. Your portfolio IS your first design project, make it count.

6
Case studies
Notion

Notion

Free

3 detailed case studies: problem → research → iterations → solution → metrics. Draft them in Notion, then design them beautifully for your portfolio.

7
Design system
Figma

Sample Design System in Figma

Free

Shows you think systematically, tokens, components, patterns, documentation. Huge green flag for hiring managers. Include it in your portfolio.

Your Complete Stack

Figma

Figma

Design & prototyping. Free

Dribbble

Mobbin + Dribbble

Inspiration. Free

Google Forms

Maze + Google Forms

User research. Free tier

Framer

Framer

Portfolio. Free tier

Notion

Notion

Case study drafting. Free

Figma

ProtoPie

Micro-interactions. Free tier

What Hiring Managers Actually Look For

📖

3 strong case studies > 10 pretty screens

Hiring managers want to see how you think, not just what you make. Three deep, well-written case studies will always beat a gallery of polished mockups.

🔄

Show your PROCESS

Include research findings, wireframes, iterations, and failed experiments. The messy middle is where hiring managers see your real skills.

📊

Include metrics and outcomes

Did your redesign increase signups by 20%? Did usability test scores improve? Numbers make your work tangible and prove you think beyond pixels.

💻

Learn basic HTML/CSS

It makes you 10x more hireable. You don't need to be a developer, but understanding constraints and being able to prototype in code is a massive advantage.

💰

Average Salary Range

£35-60K UK  /  $75-130K US

Mid-level UI/UX designer. Product design roles at top tech companies can pay significantly more. UX research specialists often command higher salaries.

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Find the exact tool stack for your target role, step by step, no fluff.

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