One of the common questions aspiring UX designers ask in UX communities is the best place to learn UX design. There are several options when it comes to learning UX.
Some may opt for self-learning, others for a degree program, and some may consider learning in a UX Bootcamp.
Meanwhile, all these platforms have pros and cons, but we will focus on UX bootcamps in this article.
Questions have been about whether UX bootcamps are worth the time and effort. A look at UX communities on social media like Reddit reveals that apart from the quality of learning, many are concerned if being trained in a UX Bootcamp can land them a UX job or help them build a robust UX portfolio.
The truth is, you stand a lot to gain when industry professionals train you. It is better than trying to figure out things by yourself. UX design is a broad field; you can get lost trying to find your way without a guide. The question is often not "what should I learn to become a UX designer?" instead, it should be about where and how to learn UX design.
What is a UX Design Bootcamp?
A UX Bootcamp is an intensive training that equips you with practical skills in UX design. They train you from a newbie to a skilled UX designer within a short period.
UX bootcamps offer a step-by-step approach to learning UX. Unlike self-learning, where you have to figure out things yourself, professional UX designers prepare the courses in a UX Bootcamp.
Also, an accountability system keeps you in check to make your learning effective, and you also have access to mentorship from industry professionals.
UX design has become one of the most in-demand skills in the tech industry. A report from Adobe XD revealed that about 87% of hiring managers prioritize hiring UX designers in their organization.
Moreso, Coursereport stated that many Bootcamp graduates got their UX design job based on the technical skills they learned at Bootcamp. A good boot camp will train you to become a good UX designer and teach you how to get excellent UX design jobs.
Types of UX Design Bootcamps
There are two types of UX design bootcamps: online UX bootcamps and in-person UX bootcamps. Online bootcamps have different methods of learning. Some are flexible and allow you to choose your study hours, while others adopt a strict routine. Unlike an online Bootcamp, in-person bootcamps are physical. They take place in an actual location with fixed dates and times for classes.
Now, understand that there is a vast difference between online bootcamps and online courses. Online courses are not live; they are pre-recorded or pre-written. For online courses, you don't have direct access to the person who designed the course if you need a better understanding of some concepts. Meanwhile, the beauty of UX design bootcamps is that the sessions are live. You get to ask questions and receive prompt answers.
What will you learn in a UX design Bootcamp?
A good UX Bootcamp will teach you the practical skills you need to become a successful UX designer. Quality UX design bootcamps such as the GoCreate USA Bootcamp have detailed syllabuses that will cover all the skills you need to be a sought-after UX designer and equip you to be ready for any UX design job.
Generally, a UX Bootcamp should teach you design theory, design process, design thinking, how to conduct user research, user testing techniques, wireframing, prototyping, user personas, user flows, etc. Most bootcamps will give you access to vital learning resources and teach you how to create a UX portfolio. The assignments you work on in a UX Bootcamp serve as case studies that you can include in your UX portfolio. Thus, you are fully ready and available for UX jobs after training.
On the other hand, you cannot depend on a UX Bootcamp to do everything for you. You have to perfect the skills you have learned independently.
Do I need experience before attending a UX Bootcamp?
The simple answer is no. You don't need any experience before attending a UX design Bootcamp. All you need is that desire and passion for becoming a UX designer. Bootcamp will provide the skills and practical experience.
Some might feel that they have a very different career and that the thought of becoming a UX designer seems laughable, let alone achieving that through a UX design Bootcamp that is just 3 - 4 months. Several stories about UX designers who transitioned to UX design from very different careers. As earlier said, a UX design Bootcamp is structured to train you from a newbie to a skillful UX designer.
UX design is customer-centric, and if you have worked in a place where you render service to people, you already have transferable skills that will help you become a better UX designer. You can get insights from what some professional UX designers said about switching to pursue a UX career here.
So, you don't need any experience to start learning UX in a Bootcamp. However, you need to know the pros and cons of a UX Bootcamp before making your choice.
The Pros of a UX Design Bootcamp
There are several advantages of learning in a UX Bootcamp. Some of them are:
Well-structured, robust, and in-depth learning
A significant advantage of UX bootcamps is the learning structure it provides. Industry experts mainly organize Bootcamps; this implies they know what it takes to move you from point zero to the hero level in your career path.
Thus, most UX bootcamps will provide you with the current skill set you need to thrive in the industry. Although, it is possible to be self-taught by combining different free resources online. However, it will be too much to handle for someone just starting. UX bootcamps expose you to in-depth learning beyond the basics offered by a free online tutorial.
Accountability accelerates your learning.
It is easy to get tired when you are learning independently without accountability. You can decide to stop for weeks or even months since no one is there to check up on your learning, which will slow you down.
Accountability is essential, especially when you are learning a new skill. Responsibility motivates and encourages you to keep pushing until you attain the required level of excellence. It is great to have someone that tells you to do something, and they also stand by you to see that you get it done.
The truth is, you will get tired at some point, and if you are learning on your own, it will be easy just to quit and throw in the towel. Accountability becomes your strength in times when learning starts getting boring to you. That is what a UX Bootcamp provides. You have seasoned tutors and professionals to keep you on your toes constantly.
Solid Career Network
Creating a professional network of UX designers in a Bootcamp is easy. Networking will help you after the Bootcamp. It enables you to stay current on industry trends; you get job opportunities in your field. It also allows you to get solutions when you are stuck with projects. It is hard to build such a network when you are learning alone.
You can build relationships with companies through networking. You can also get jobs by recommendations through networking events within your community of friends. You cannot underestimate networking if you are an upstart in your career in UX design. It is the easiest route to getting industry connections.
Mentorship opportunities
A significant advantage of UX design bootcamps, especially the GoCreate USA Bootcamp, is mentorship. Learning UX design is more straightforward with a mentor. Mentorship gives you direction and guidance. Your mentor can help you build self-confidence and tell you how to avoid or fix a problem. Your mentor can also help you set actionable goals and guide you on how to achieve them.
Portfolio development
Portfolios are important in the UX design industry. Your UX portfolio is essential for landing UX jobs either as a freelance or in an organization. The challenge most newbies have is how to get projects to include in their portfolios.
You will have real-life projects to work on in a UX design Bootcamp; these projects will form your portfolio. The best part is your tutors will monitor you, so you stand a chance of having well-executed projects in your portfolio.
The Cons of a UX Design Bootcamp
Fast-paced learning style
UX Bootcamps are known for their short time frame for learning, so everything is done in a fast-paced environment. Thus, it might be challenging to keep up in such an environment. Although the tutors will guide you on what to do, you can lose track of what you are learning if you are not focused. It's safe to say the learning style demands your full attention to the training.
They are expensive
UX design bootcamps cost around $3000 - $13000. The high cost of bootcamps discourages many. Though they might know how best attending a Bootcamp would be, the price puts them off. It takes a lot to run a Bootcamp. You'll have to get experts to teach, premium resources and equipment for students, and internet subscription costs online. It's expensive, but you will surely get your money's worth.
But wait, how about you have all the nice things that a Bootcamp offers at no cost. What would it be like to attend an entirely free Bootcamp? Well, the GoCreate USA is free! Premium training at no charge. Good, right? Register here now.
Final thoughts
UX design Bootcamps have their pros and cons. But you stand to gain a lot by attending one. Suppose you are still in doubt about attending a Bootcamp. This article is the guide you need. Check the pros and cons, and make your choice.