Ux/ui Design
Bubble
Professional
UX/UI Design is a global professional community dedicated to crafting intuitive, effective digital experiences and interfaces for apps,...Show more
Ux/ui Design
Bubble
Professional
UX/UI Design is a global professional community dedicated to crafting intuitive, effective digital experiences and interfaces for apps, websites, and software through a blend of research, visual, and interaction design.
Statistics
Estimated Global Reach
1.3M
Popularity
Medium
Regional Hotspot
Worldwide
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General Q&A
UX/UI Design is about creating digital products that are both visually appealing (UI) and easy, enjoyable, and accessible for users to interact with (UX), blending creativity, technology, and empathy.
Community Q&A
UX/UI Design is about creating digital products that are both visually appealing (UI) and easy, enjoyable, and accessible for users to interact with (UX), blending creativity, technology, and empathy.
The community gathers in online forums, attends conferences, holds portfolio reviews, and participates in regular critique sessions, fostering mentorship and feedback.
Community Q&A
Summary
Key Findings
Role Tensions
Polarization FactorsThe bubble deeply values UX and UI as distinct crafts, sparking strong debates over boundaries that outsiders often oversimplify as one job.
Critique Rituals
Community DynamicsRegular portfolio critiques and design reviews are core social rituals, blending mentorship with competitive status, shaping reputations and skills simultaneously.
Tool Tribalism
Identity MarkersTools like Figma or Sketch act as social badges, signaling subgroup belonging and shaping collaboration norms within the global design community.
Debate Culture
Communication PatternsThe bubble thrives on lively debates over best practices, treating disagreements as essential growth mechanisms rather than conflict.
Sub Groups
UX Researchers
Focus on user research, usability testing, and human-centered design methods.
UI Designers
Specialize in visual design, prototyping, and interface aesthetics.
Interaction Designers
Emphasize user flows, micro-interactions, and motion design.
Design Students & Educators
Academic and early-career community members focused on learning and teaching UX/UI.
Product Designers
Professionals who blend UX/UI with product strategy and development.
Statistics and Demographics
Platform Distribution
1 / 3
LinkedIn
25%LinkedIn is the primary professional networking platform where UX/UI designers connect, share insights, and find job opportunities.
Behance
20%Behance is a leading portfolio platform where UX/UI designers showcase their work, get feedback, and engage with the design community.
Dribbble
15%Dribbble is a popular design community for sharing UI concepts, networking, and receiving peer feedback.
Gender & Age Distribution
Ideological & Social Divides
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Insider Knowledge
Terminology
Greeting Salutations
Example Conversation
Insider
What’s your favorite prototyping tool?
Outsider
Uh, is that a greeting or a question?
Insider
It’s a casual way to bond; everyone loves talking tools here. It’s like asking, 'What gets you excited about design?'
Outsider
Got it! I guess I’m team Sketch then, now we’re chatting like insiders.
Cultural Context
In UX/UI circles, discussing favorite design tools is a common way to initiate friendly conversations and establish shared interests.
Inside Jokes
'It’s not pixel perfect, it’s pixel *intentional*'
A humorous way to defend minor visual inconsistencies during early design phases by suggesting they were deliberate, mocking sometimes overbearing pixel perfectionism.
‘Let’s put it on the backlog’
A light-hearted way to defer difficult design decisions or bugs, acknowledging they’ll likely stay unresolved for a while.
Facts & Sayings
„User-centric design“
Emphasizes designing products by focusing primarily on the needs, goals, and behaviors of the end users rather than internal stakeholder preferences.
„Fail fast, fail often“
Encourages rapid prototyping and testing early to uncover issues and iterate quickly, rather than aiming for perfection before user feedback.
„Design is not art“
Reminds that design should solve problems and improve usability, not just look aesthetically pleasing.
„Everything is a prototype“
Highlights the idea that designs at any fidelity—from sketches to high-fidelity mockups—are testable and valuable for feedback.
Unwritten Rules
Always justify design decisions with user data or research.
Demonstrating empathy and rationale prevents design from being perceived as subjective or arbitrary, improving stakeholder buy-in.
Be open to critique and avoid personalizing feedback.
Critiques focus on the design, not the designer, maintaining a constructive culture that encourages improvement and collaboration.
Use established design systems whenever possible before creating new components.
Promotes consistency and efficiency, preventing design fragmentation and maintaining familiarity for users.
Prioritize accessibility in all design stages, not just as an afterthought.
Ensures usability for diverse users, reflecting the field’s commitment to inclusivity and legal compliance.
Fictional Portraits
1 / 3
Lena, 28
Product DesignerfemaleLena transitioned from graphic design to UX/UI design to create accessible digital experiences for diverse users.
User empathySimplicityCollaboration
Motivations
- Improving user accessibility and inclusivity
- Staying updated with emerging design tools and trends
- Collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams to innovate
Challenges
- Balancing aesthetic appeal with usability constraints
- Communicating design rationale to non-design stakeholders
- Keeping up with rapidly evolving software and methodologies
Platforms
Slack UX communitiesTwitter design threadsLocal design meetups
wireframesheuristicsaffordanceFigmausability testing
Insights & Background
Historical Timeline
Main Subjects
People
Don Norman
Author of The Design of Everyday Things; coined ‘user-centered design’ and foundational UX principles.↗
Usability GuruFounding FatherDesign Theorist
Jakob Nielsen
Co-founder of Nielsen Norman Group; renowned for usability heuristics and web usability research.
Usability HeuristicsWeb UsabilityResearch Pioneer
Steve Krug
Author of Don’t Make Me Think; champion of practical, common-sense usability guidelines.↗
Pragmatic UsabilityWeb UXCommon Sense
Alan Cooper
Father of Visual Basic and author of About Face; introduced goal-directed design.
Goal-Directed DesignInteraction ArchitectVB Originator
Jared Spool
Founder of UIE (User Interface Engineering); influential speaker and researcher in design strategy.
Research EvangelistDesign StrategySpeaker
Luke Wroblewski
Mobile-first advocate; author of Mobile First and expert on form design and responsive interfaces.
Mobile-FirstForm DesignResponsive UX
Brenda Laurel
Early VR and interaction design pioneer; emphasizes human-computer narrative and experience.
VR PioneerNarrative UXExperience Design
Bill Buxton
Design researcher at Microsoft; a leader in gesture, sketching, and design as a craft.
Sketch AdvocateGesture UXDesign Craft
People
Don Norman
Author of The Design of Everyday Things; coined ‘user-centered design’ and foundational UX principles.↗
Usability GuruFounding FatherDesign Theorist
Jakob Nielsen
Co-founder of Nielsen Norman Group; renowned for usability heuristics and web usability research.
Usability HeuristicsWeb UsabilityResearch Pioneer
Steve Krug
Author of Don’t Make Me Think; champion of practical, common-sense usability guidelines.↗
Pragmatic UsabilityWeb UXCommon Sense
Alan Cooper
Father of Visual Basic and author of About Face; introduced goal-directed design.
Goal-Directed DesignInteraction ArchitectVB Originator
Jared Spool
Founder of UIE (User Interface Engineering); influential speaker and researcher in design strategy.
Research EvangelistDesign StrategySpeaker
Luke Wroblewski
Mobile-first advocate; author of Mobile First and expert on form design and responsive interfaces.
Mobile-FirstForm DesignResponsive UX
Brenda Laurel
Early VR and interaction design pioneer; emphasizes human-computer narrative and experience.
VR PioneerNarrative UXExperience Design
Bill Buxton
Design researcher at Microsoft; a leader in gesture, sketching, and design as a craft.
Sketch AdvocateGesture UXDesign Craft
First Steps & Resources
Get-Started Steps
Time to basics: 2-4 weeks
1
Learn UX/UI Core Principles
2-3 hoursBasic
Summary: Study foundational concepts like usability, accessibility, and design heuristics.
Details: Start by immersing yourself in the core principles that underpin UX/UI design. This includes understanding usability (how easily users can interact with a product), accessibility (ensuring designs are usable by people with disabilities), and established design heuristics (such as Nielsen’s 10 usability heuristics). Approach this by reading introductory articles, watching explainer videos, and referencing reputable design guidelines. Beginners often struggle to distinguish between UX (user experience) and UI (user interface); focus on how they interrelate but serve different purposes. Take notes, create mind maps, and try to explain concepts in your own words. This foundational knowledge is crucial, as it informs every design decision you’ll make. Evaluate your progress by being able to define key terms, identify good and bad examples, and discuss why certain design choices matter.
2
Analyze Real Digital Products
2-4 hoursBasic
Summary: Critically examine apps or websites, noting what works and what doesn’t in their design.
Details: Select a few popular apps or websites and analyze them from a UX/UI perspective. Look at navigation, visual hierarchy, feedback, consistency, and accessibility. Take screenshots and annotate them, noting what aspects enhance or hinder the user experience. Beginners often overlook subtle design choices—practice identifying both obvious and nuanced elements. Use frameworks like heuristic evaluation or user journey mapping to structure your analysis. This step is important because it builds your ability to see design through a critical, professional lens. Progress is measured by your ability to articulate specific strengths and weaknesses in real products, rather than just general impressions.
3
Sketch Simple Interface Ideas
2-3 hoursIntermediate
Summary: Draw basic wireframes for a familiar app or website to practice layout and flow.
Details: Using pen and paper or free digital tools, sketch wireframes for a simple app or website you use regularly. Focus on main screens and user flows (e.g., login, navigation, main content). Don’t worry about aesthetics—concentrate on structure, clarity, and logical flow. Beginners often get stuck trying to make things look perfect; prioritize function over form at this stage. Try to solve a small usability problem you noticed in your earlier analysis. This hands-on practice is essential for developing your design thinking and communication skills. Evaluate your progress by sharing your sketches with peers or online communities and incorporating their feedback.
1
Learn UX/UI Core Principles
2-3 hoursBasic
Summary: Study foundational concepts like usability, accessibility, and design heuristics.
Details: Start by immersing yourself in the core principles that underpin UX/UI design. This includes understanding usability (how easily users can interact with a product), accessibility (ensuring designs are usable by people with disabilities), and established design heuristics (such as Nielsen’s 10 usability heuristics). Approach this by reading introductory articles, watching explainer videos, and referencing reputable design guidelines. Beginners often struggle to distinguish between UX (user experience) and UI (user interface); focus on how they interrelate but serve different purposes. Take notes, create mind maps, and try to explain concepts in your own words. This foundational knowledge is crucial, as it informs every design decision you’ll make. Evaluate your progress by being able to define key terms, identify good and bad examples, and discuss why certain design choices matter.
2
Analyze Real Digital Products
2-4 hoursBasic
Summary: Critically examine apps or websites, noting what works and what doesn’t in their design.
Details: Select a few popular apps or websites and analyze them from a UX/UI perspective. Look at navigation, visual hierarchy, feedback, consistency, and accessibility. Take screenshots and annotate them, noting what aspects enhance or hinder the user experience. Beginners often overlook subtle design choices—practice identifying both obvious and nuanced elements. Use frameworks like heuristic evaluation or user journey mapping to structure your analysis. This step is important because it builds your ability to see design through a critical, professional lens. Progress is measured by your ability to articulate specific strengths and weaknesses in real products, rather than just general impressions.
3
Sketch Simple Interface Ideas
2-3 hoursIntermediate
Summary: Draw basic wireframes for a familiar app or website to practice layout and flow.
Details: Using pen and paper or free digital tools, sketch wireframes for a simple app or website you use regularly. Focus on main screens and user flows (e.g., login, navigation, main content). Don’t worry about aesthetics—concentrate on structure, clarity, and logical flow. Beginners often get stuck trying to make things look perfect; prioritize function over form at this stage. Try to solve a small usability problem you noticed in your earlier analysis. This hands-on practice is essential for developing your design thinking and communication skills. Evaluate your progress by sharing your sketches with peers or online communities and incorporating their feedback.
4
Join UX/UI Design Communities
1-2 weeks (ongoing)Intermediate
Summary: Participate in online forums or local groups to discuss, ask questions, and share work.
Details: Find and join active UX/UI design communities—these could be online forums, social media groups, or local meetups. Introduce yourself, read discussions, and contribute by asking questions or sharing your beginner work. Engage in critique threads or design challenges. Beginners sometimes feel intimidated by experienced members; remember that most communities welcome newcomers and value fresh perspectives. This step is vital for networking, learning current trends, and receiving constructive feedback. Progress is evident when you feel comfortable participating in discussions and start building relationships with other designers.
5
Recreate a Simple UI Project
4-6 hoursIntermediate
Summary: Rebuild a basic app or website interface to practice applying design tools and techniques.
Details: Choose a simple, existing interface (like a login page or a to-do list app) and try to recreate it using free design tools (such as Figma or similar). Focus on layout, spacing, typography, and color. Don’t copy blindly—observe and understand the rationale behind each element. Beginners often struggle with tool proficiency and attention to detail; follow step-by-step tutorials and don’t hesitate to ask for help in communities. This exercise builds your practical skills and portfolio. Evaluate your progress by comparing your result to the original and seeking feedback from more experienced designers.
Welcoming Practices
„Portfolio reviews with constructive feedback“
Newcomers are often invited to showcase work for community input, helping them grow skillfully and feel accepted.
Beginner Mistakes
Jumping to high-fidelity designs without user research.
Start with research and low-fidelity prototypes to validate ideas before polishing visuals.
Ignoring accessibility guidelines due to perceived complexity.
Learn accessibility basics early; integrating them saves time and makes designs inclusive from the start.
Pathway to Credibility
Tap a pathway step to view details
Build a strong portfolio showcasing diverse project types and user-centered outcomes.
A well-rounded portfolio is essential to demonstrate capability and design thinking to peers and employers.
Participate actively in design critiques and community discussions.
Engaging openly indicates openness to feedback and commitment to continuous learning, earning peer respect.
Stay up to date with industry trends and tools, sharing knowledge generously.
Being a thought leader or resource makes one a valued member of the community and often leads to mentorship roles.
Facts
Regional Differences
North America
North American UX/UI often emphasizes data-driven design and wide use of user analytics tools combined with accessibility standards compliance.
Europe
European design culture heavily emphasizes inclusivity, privacy (due to GDPR), and ethical considerations in user research and design processes.
Asia
In Asia, especially in tech hubs like Japan and South Korea, there is strong use of minimalistic aesthetics combined with highly functional and fast interfaces.
Misconceptions
Misconception #1
UX and UI are the same thing.
Reality
UX (User Experience) focuses on the overall feel and usability of a product, while UI (User Interface) deals with the look, layout, and interactive elements—both are interrelated but distinct skill sets.
Misconception #2
Design is just about making things look pretty.
Reality
Design is fundamentally about problem solving, accessibility, and improving how users interact with products, not just aesthetics.
Misconception #3
UX design is only about creating wireframes.
Reality
Wireframing is just one tool; UX encompasses research, user testing, content strategy, and more to craft meaningful experiences.
Clothing & Styles
Tech casual attire (smart casual with branded tees or hoodies)
Signifies the culture of blending professionalism with creative comfort, common in tech-driven design environments.
