Module 3: Keys to Success

Success in this course depends on how you approach it. The course is intellectually challenging. But, by setting realistic expectations, you’ll be prepared to overcome many difficulties that might arise. Take some time to prepare yourself by reading our tips and suggestions.

We recommend UX/UI books that are popular amongst designers in the field. Once you read them, you’ll be able to have meaningful conversations with other designers. You never know whom you’ll work with or who will hire you, and having a shared body of knowledge will prove an added extra!

Specifically, we recommend two books and an article that cover the fundamentals of design and UX. Start by reading them. From there, work on building a library of UX/UI design books.

Here are the readings to start with:

Boot Camp Mindset

Being curious, open, and humble will translate into a successful learning experience and even a career in design. The following sections present ideas for how to apply that mindset as you navigate the boot camp.

Be Curious

  • Remember that learning is a craft: Like any craft, UX/UI design requires diligence, practice, experimentation, and a desire to continuously improve. The instructional staff will guide you, but it will be up to you to make the effort and stay curious.

  • Try things on your own: Don’t ask, "Am I doing this right?" Instead, apply a mindset of curiosity, and try to solve problems on your own. Ask your instructor for help if you get stuck. Do ask, "I tried method A. It didn't work, so I tried method B. It also didn't work. What should I try now?" Give yourself permission to try—even if it means failing at first.

  • Continue with ongoing learning: Continue to build your skills outside of class by doing online research, reading books, reading blogs, attending design meetups, communicating with designers, or reviewing industry videos.

Be Open

  • Accept the unfamiliar territory: It’s easy to feel discouraged when concepts and skills don't become clear right away. The tools, skills and approaches that this course teaches might vastly differ from those that you know well. Remember that learning is sometimes a struggle. Be open to the fact that you might not immediately grasp certain concepts. And, that's okay! The boot camp isn’t about being perfect, fast, or right—it’s about being open to the learning process. That works!

  • Put in the time: If you're a newcomer to UX/UI design, be ready to put in your share of hours to become proficient at your craft. In addition to attending the classes and completing the activities and projects, you should try to put in extra hours of independent practice every week. With that in mind, try to set time aside for extra practice or study in advanced topics. This will help you stick to a schedule and manage your time, which is key to your success. We've found that the most successful students put in about 10 to 20 hours per week outside the classroom.

  • Believe in the boot camp program, and believe in yourself: We've seen students from all backgrounds, experiences, and personal situations work hard, thrive, and succeed in this program. When you have a particularly challenging week, remind yourself of why you entered the program in the first place. Use that as fuel to keep going, and remember that you can do this.

Be Humble

  • Be patient: You won't become an expert overnight. This is especially important to remember during the first few weeks of class, when you're more likely to feel frustrated. Remember that you're in a safe space to make mistakes. The fact that you want to be in this course is the best indicator that you belong here.

  • Be collaborative: No matter what your level of knowledge is when coming into this course, remember that other students might be going through a similar experience. Many of you will have similar doubts and fears. Even more of you will share hopes and expectations. Don’t go at it alone! As you work through the course, follow these tips:

    • Reach out to other students to form real or virtual study groups (via Zoom).

    • Create private channels in Slack to discuss the concepts in general and ideas for applications.

    • Leverage the knowledge of your classmates in addition to that of the support team you already have. You’ll be surprised at how a fresh perspective can help you overcome a bug or understand a challenging concept.

About Self-Care

The best learning occurs when you take care of your physical and mental needs. This means getting enough sleep and exercise and following a nutritious diet during the course of the boot camp. It also means taking breaks, adjusting your schedule, and taking advantage of moments to relax. A depleted mind and body will struggle—so take care of yourself!