# Get Started in UX  ## Metadata - Author: [[Matthew Magain and Luke Chambers]] - Full Title: Get Started in UX - Category: #books ## Highlights - user experience is the what, where, when, why, and how someone uses a product, as well as who that person is. ([Location 79](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=79)) - UI as what connects users to a product's underlying technology, and UX as the entire experience users have with a product. ([Location 94](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=94)) - The strategy underpinning a UX project will shape the goals of the project—what ([Location 114](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=114)) - the Research phase is key to creating an informed user experience, however it is also the phase most often skipped. ([Location 119](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=119)) - The aim of the Analysis phase is to draw insights from data collected during the Research phase. ([Location 120](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=120)) - the premise of the Design phase is to put ideas in front of users, get their feedback, refine them, and repeat. ([Location 125](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=125)) - The Production phase is where the high-fidelity design is fleshed out, content and digital assets are created, and a high-fidelity version of the product is validated with stakeholders and end-users through user testing sessions. ([Location 128](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=128)) - A job where I can apply my visual skills, my technical skills, and my people skills is one that I find incredibly rewarding. ([Location 211](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=211)) - Note: I want to work where I will improve habilities that I really like: Planning, Human Behavior Analysis, Visual Design and some Coding. - One of your career goals should be to become an expert in one or two of them, but maintain a balance across the entire spectrum. ([Location 242](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=242)) - Why do you want to get a job in user experience? ([Location 319](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=319)) - Note: To work in a place where I can build in a broad team of different areas a product from the user perspective. A job which I cannot stop learning something different human behaviour. To use knowledge of Strategy, Research, Analysis, Coding & Visual Design. - General Assembly have set up in major cities, but there are plenty of places where they don’t operate. ([Location 409](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=409)) - Note: Check if Mx is considered. - platforms such as Lynda, Learnable, Coursera and Udemy are all good options. ([Location 417](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=417)) - Note: Options to learn online. - Capture a thinking process. Analyse research data. Create interactive wireframes or prototypes. Record user feedback (e.g. through guerrilla usability testing sessions). Communicate findings to the team. ([Location 532](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=532)) - Being tool-centric has the potential to waste time, distract you from your tasks, and compromise your design process by defining a workflow around how the tool works. ([Location 553](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=553)) - Include key deliverables, milestones, due dates, and be explicit about what you’re not being engaged to do. ([Location 859](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=859)) - send an invoice which lists your hourly rate, and include a discount of 100%. That way, the client at least understands the ([Location 863](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=863)) - Note: To take in count! - The best UX jobs aren't advertised. ([Location 904](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=904)) - "Do you know someone?", make an effort to refer someone from within your network. ([Location 930](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=930)) - You get work however you get work, but people keep working in a freelance world because their work is good, because they are easy to get along with and because they deliver the work on time. And you don’t even need all three! Two out of three is fine. ([Location 936](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=936)) - Note: Pick up 2 - Networking is a way of relating to others, not a technique for getting what you want. ([Location 946](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=946)) - Keep notes in your address book or on the back of business cards about each individual's families, jobs, hobbies and their needs. ([Location 1056](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=1056)) - Forward relevant articles to individuals, ask after them and their family, send a thank you message, and ensure you're available when they need your help. ([Location 1059](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=1059)) - A great book on the craft of modern discourse is The Art of Conversation by Catherine Blythe. ([Location 1077](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=1077)) - To stop myself from doing this I find it useful to take along a set number of those beautiful, professionally printed business cards of mine—10 ([Location 1084](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=1084)) - networking pitch is like an elevator pitch, but even shorter: a concise snapshot of who you are, what you do, and why you're at the event. Work on getting your pitch down to under 10 seconds. ([Location 1086](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=1086)) - follow up using the 24/7/30 rule: reintroduce yourself within 24 hours, connect again within 7 days (perhaps by sending a link to an article they might be interested in) and then organise a quick catchup within a month. ([Location 1097](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=1097)) - "If someone has to ask the question "Are you my mentor?" then the answer is probably no. When someone finds the right mentor, it is obvious. … chasing or forcing the connection rarely works, and yet I see women attempt this all the time." ([Location 1201](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=1201)) - Would you be willing to go for coffee with me (or meet online) to discuss X topic? ([Location 1230](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=1230)) - Ask them if they might be willing to do this again sometime. If the answer is yes, fantastic. ([Location 1234](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=1234)) - You can read more of Meredith's thoughts on UX, mentorship and leadership at her blog meredi.com ([Location 1243](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=1243)) - Look for companies that have workable processes and UX roles in place, so you can be effective from the get-go. ([Location 1324](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=1324)) - Also beware the "slash"—a job listing that advertises for a UX/UI designer betrays a lack of appreciation for the value of UX, ([Location 1341](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=1341)) - However, you'll need to be careful about working in UX as a freelancer with little or no experience. I would suggest it's not the best place to begin; let your self-assessment and your mentor be your guide. ([Location 1358](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=1358)) - UX Lead: methods; independence; whether you're a team player; work quality Project Manager: process; whether your work is delivered on-time or on-budget; communication skills Front-end developer: prototyping skills; iterative design; ability to work in an agile environment Creative director: conceptual thought; ability to define the problem; effectiveness of your solution Trying to communicate everything to all of the above roles at the same time is going to be pretty difficult, so understand your audience, and prepare accordingly. ([Location 1368](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=1368)) - Note: To make my speech annd portfolio - 1) an online portfolio, and 2) a complete LinkedIn profile." ([Location 1375](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=1375)) - Being curious about what makes people tick, how systems work, why things happen. A passion for your UX work A humble and open-minded attitude A service-oriented track record Insightful problem solving Adaptability and how you react to unexpected situations Excellent written and communication skills Structured and logical lines of thought Attention to details in people's behaviour Not being afraid of large data sets Having an ability to "sell" ideas ([Location 1384](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=1384)) - Note: Be strong on this s.skills - A URL to an online version of your portfolio helps avoid this, and has the added benefit of being able to track visitors through unique links. ([Location 1392](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=1392)) - Note: URL tracked - your design problem-solving abilities. ([Location 1401](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=1401)) - don’t confuse this with your “design-behind-the-visuals” UX role. ([Location 1402](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=1402)) - If you focus primarily on visual design it will be difficult to convince people of these other skills, ([Location 1405](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=1405)) - UX unicorn is someone who is equal parts talented visual designer, usability specialist and developer. ([Location 1408](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=1408)) - The T-shaped professional concept implies that there are certain skills you must have some understanding of to call yourself a UXer (the crossbar), and other skills that you can specialise in and have a deeper understanding about (the stem). ([Location 1411](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=1411)) - Note: Make a personal diagram T - the types of projects you’ve worked on and your roles within ([Location 1415](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=1415)) - Recruiters, employers, UX leads, project managers, developers and creative directors each have their own priorities and interests that will affect their selection agendas. ([Location 1423](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=1423)) - Note: Portfolio according those interviewers? - Include and exclude projects based on who you’re showing your portfolio to, and communicate quality, not quantity. ([Location 1427](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=1427)) - Note: Have an editable digital and physical portfolio in order to review and select works that want to be shown depending on the recluiter. - "Allude to your experience on NDA work with a list of project clients instead of showing the actual work. This way you get the value of having worked on a brand without betraying their confidence." --Troy Parke, in the article The UX Portfolio: Top 10 Questions for UX, UI & Visual Designers ([Location 1440](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=1440)) - You can demonstrate it by donating your time to a local not-for-profit or friend’s business, or you can simply make up case studies of what you might have done if a particular company had hired you. ([Location 1449](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=1449)) - Your portfolio could include wireframes you’ve created, example personas and scenarios you’ve developed, photos of walls covered in post-it notes from affinity diagramming exercises, photos of you conducting a workshop … whatever you need to tell a story about the process you follow, and to help you talk about that process during an interview. ([Location 1464](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=1464)) - Note: Example to follow - Keeping a resume with your portfolio will also provide a concise record of your skills and experience. ([Location 1482](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=1482)) - Note: Resume or CV? Portfolio? - Metrics such as conversion rate, task completion time, and online revenue are important for demonstrating measurable success in a project. ([Location 1487](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=1487)) - Note: Lets take note of this on each project - Use a hosted portfolio service when you're getting started, such as Behance, Coroflot, or Cargo Collective. Even though these services are designed to showcase visual design, they can also be an excellent tool for archiving your work history—including sketches, wireframes, workflow diagrams, or photographs of your design wall or workspace. ([Location 1494](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=1494)) - Note: Portfolio websites to start - If possible, do some online research on the interviewer—read up on their blog, browse their Twitter feed. ([Location 1504](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=1504)) - "I should be able to look into your eye and see your passion for what you do. I want to work with people that are as excited about what we do as I am. And you should be working with people that have the same passion, so you can learn. Not everyone has passion for what they do, but great hiring managers want only that so that they can build great teams." -- Patrick Neeman, in the article How to Get Started in User Experience for People I Want to Hire ([Location 1511](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=1511)) - Appendix B: Common Interview Questions, ([Location 1518](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=1518)) - Note: To Do. - If, like everyone else, you come across a few questions that throw you a bit, then take a step back and do some soul searching. Ask yourself: What type of question is this? Why is it that I'm struggling to answer it? Where does it show the broader gaps I need to fill with learning? With self-examination? With experience? What other questions like this are possible or likely? How could I improve myself so as to feel comfortable answering similar ones? ([Location 1520](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=1520)) - Note: To ask myself in a hard question. - How would you describe a typical work day for this position? ([Location 1533](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=1533)) - What is the team structure? Who will I be working for and with? ([Location 1535](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=1535)) - Is this a new position? If not, what did the previous employee go on to do? ([Location 1536](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=1536)) - Do you like the people you'll be working with? Will they be able to help you grow? Are they passionate about what they do? ([Location 1548](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=1548)) - Remember that many jobs may not have the letters "UX" in them, but may still include a large UX component. ([Location 1556](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00OL4HAOK&location=1556)) - Note: In mind.