How do I grasp ux fundamentals and principles?

# Step 1: Build Core Knowledge Start by understanding what UX design is and its key principles. 1. Read the NN/g UX Basics Study Guide: [UX Basics](https://www.nngroup.com/articles/ux-basics-study-guide). Focus on Introduction to UX, UX Philosophy (slogans like 'You ≠ User'), and definitions. 2. Explore Laws of UX: [lawsofux.com](https://lawsofux.com/). Review Jakob's Law, Fitts’s Law, and Hick’s Law. 3. Watch introductory videos from NN/g YouTube channel. Take notes on user-centered design and why research precedes design.

How do I master user research basics?

# Step 2: Learn to Empathize with Users User research is core to UX. 1. Study NN/g articles: 'UX Without User Research Is Not UX' and 'Personas Make Users Memorable'. 2. Follow Coursera Foundations module on user-centered design: [Coursera UX Foundations](https://www.coursera.org/learn/foundations-user-experience-design). 3. Practice: Interview 3 friends about a common app (e.g., note-taking). Create a simple persona. 4. Learn methods: Interviews, surveys, journey mapping.

How do I understand the design process?

# Step 3: Follow Design Thinking Steps Learn the iterative process. 1. Review Figma's Design Thinking guide: [Figma Basics](https://www.figma.com/resource-library/design-basics). 2. Study Google UX structure: Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, Test. 3. Practice: For a simple app idea (e.g., todo list), sketch user journey map and low-fidelity wireframes on paper. 4. Read NN/g on prototypes and testing with 5 users.

How do I prototype with figma?

# Step 4: Hands-On Tool Practice Master a core tool. 1. Sign up for free Figma: [figma.com](https://www.figma.com). 2. Complete Figma for Beginners tutorial. 3. Build on Step 3: Create digital wireframes, add interactions, prototype a flow. 4. Apply principles: Use heuristics from NN/g (e.g., visibility of status). Test with 3 users.

How do I build projects and portfolio?

# Step 5: Apply Skills to Real Projects Practice end-to-end. 1. Choose 2-3 projects: Redesign a bad app UI, design a new feature. 2. Document process: Research, wireframes, prototypes, tests. 3. Build portfolio: Use free sites like Behance or personal Figma page. 4. Review NN/g career guide: [UX Careers](https://www.nngroup.com/articles/). Self-critique using principles.

Master UX Design: Basics to Portfolio in 5 Steps

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Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Build Core Knowledge

Start by understanding what UX design is and its key principles.

Read the NN/g UX Basics Study Guide: UX Basics. Focus on Introduction to UX, UX Philosophy (slogans like 'You ≠ User'), and definitions.
Explore Laws of UX: lawsofux.com. Review Jakob's Law, Fitts’s Law, and Hick’s Law.
Watch introductory videos from NN/g YouTube channel.

Take notes on user-centered design and why research precedes design.

Why this step matters:

-Establishes a strong theoretical foundation for all future design decisions
-Enables you to evaluate designs critically using proven principles

4-6 hours

NN/g Articles, Laws of UX, Notebook for notes

Definition of Done

•Can define UX vs UI in own words
•List 5 key UX principles with examples
•Explain 'You ≠ User' slogan

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Confusing UX with graphic design or UI only

→Review IxDF definition: UX is the entire process of user-product interaction

❌ Skipping principles and jumping to tools

→Complete study guide sections before advancing

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Suggested Videos

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Learning Resources

📖 Online Courses

Foundations of User Experience (UX) Design

beginner

Coursera (Google)

Google UX Design Professional Certificate

beginner

Paid

Coursera

Free UI / UX Design Course with Certificate

beginner

Great Learning

📖 Recommended Books

The Design of Everyday Things

beginner

by Don Norman

Don't Make Me Think

beginner

by Steve Krug

🌐 Helpful Websites

Nielsen Norman Group UX Articles

documentation

Research-based UX articles and study guides

Interaction Design Foundation

documentation

Comprehensive UX topics and free resources

Laws of UX

principles

Collection of best practices and laws for UI design

Figma Design Basics

tutorials

UI/UX fundamentals and prototyping guides

🛠️ Useful Tools

Figma

Prototyping

Free collaborative design and prototyping tool

Penpot

Design

Open-source alternative for wireframing and design

Miro

Collaboration

Online whiteboard for user journeys and ideation

Master UX Design: Basics to Portfolio in 5 Steps