Are you a graphic design student in college or looking to freelance as a UI designer? Whether you work in other creative fields and want to branch out into interface design, or you're looking to break into the industry, there are many ways to do so.

Taking the first step is important, and we'll show you how to do that in this article.

What Is an Interface Designer?

An interface designer is responsible for designing how software and websites look and how they are used. They work on all sorts of software, such as mobile apps, websites, computer software, and software installed on smart technologies. There are also industrial uses for this profession in airplanes, cars, and machinery software. The terms user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) are often used interchangeably.

It is the art of delivering information and usability to the users in a way that is as straightforward as possible to enhance the user's satisfaction. With technology constantly updating, many websites and software must update over time to cater to growing needs and provide value while being consistent with new trends in design.

1. Search Short Courses

In the age of the internet learning a new skill is right at your fingertips. To get started with interface design your first step should be to search for and complete some short courses. This allows you to get a feel for the industry and the work required to see if you will enjoy it before spending a lot of money on higher education. Many of these courses are on-demand and self-paced, allowing for great flexibility.

The Become a UX Designer course by Career Foundry is a great way to introduce yourself to basic concepts.

This course provides you with a free, self-paced structure to figure out if you enjoy interface design with the option to enter into a full program afterward. Likewise, the Intro to UX Design Livestream run by General Assembly is perfect if you want to learn online but prefer a live classroom environment where you can freely ask questions. They run scheduled live classes and have Q&As for extra assistance.

2. Learn Important Design Principles

In interface design, there are many principles that are extremely useful to use, but there are two laws to be noted first. The user's work must not come to any harm by using the interface, and it must be as simple as possible.

The remaining principles of interface design are super easy concepts to grasp. Firstly the design must be straightforward and organized properly to suit its purpose. It should be simple in design and function. This includes not cluttering the overall design too much and not including things irrelevant to the main task or purpose that could distract the user. The design should provide feedback to users when errors occur if they're in maintenance, or if any changes occur to the software.

For designs that allow people to create things like art, music, or any similar digital creation, the application should be forgiving and allow for the easy and quick handling of mistakes and errors, human or computer related. Above all, the design and programming must be consistent. Nobody likes an inconsistent program.

3. Invest in Design Tools

If you want to be an expert UI designer, having the right tools can enhance your learning ability and give you an upper hand in the industry. The first of these tools is a computer with high specifications, so it can run design software without issues while programming. It is optimal to look for a PC with extra RAM and a high-quality CPU. To go with this base tool, you'll need a comfortable workspace, a desk, and a comfortable desk chair that is set up ergonomically.

As for software, there are many different options available. Adobe XD, for example, is ideal for collaborative work within UI design, with functions ranging from initial ideation to handoff. Likewise, the Figma UI Design Tool allows for collaboration while having communication features such as leaving comments and feedback. There is also a free trial to test the software before deciding.

Want to make prototyping and creation an easier process? Sketch is a vector editor with joint capabilities that can do a lot for you.

The only limitation of this software is that it is only Mac compatible. However, this holds the benefit of being properly designed to work perfectly with Mac computers. With these tools on hand, you'll be on your way to working as a design professional. Want to learn more about the tools you could use? Here are the top tools you should master as a UI/UX designer.

4. Develop a Portfolio

Portfolio development is a massive part of gaining employment in almost any field that requires proof of project-based work. In this portfolio, an employer would like to see proof of the core skills they look for in an interface designer and how they put these to use. In a portfolio, you would do this by detailing and showing the entire process you have followed and the results.

If you've built elements of a web page or mobile app for example, it's a great idea to log these creative processes. With any portfolio, consistency is key—and if you have consistent quality or growth and improvement, you will be more valuable to employers. Want to know more about building an artistic portfolio? Here are some of the best portfolio websites for graphic artists and designers.

5. Network

In any industry, it is vital to network, especially in team-based positions. This position will always be working with other people—whether it be software engineers, clients, or other relevant people to the project. It is always best to be professional and build a network with them rather than be secluded.

Even if you're a graphic design student, keeping up connections in your field is key to progressing and finding potential employers. If you're eager to know more about getting yourself out there, have a look at how to build a successful personal brand on LinkedIn. Over time, this may grow your network and boost your chances of finding jobs in the UI field.

Grow a Career in UI Design

Although many artistic careers can seem difficult to break into, if you have the right skills, passion, and determination to build a portfolio, grow your existing design skills, and network regularly, you'll be on your way to finding that dream UI job.

Creative careers are possible if you keep pushing yourself forward. You might need to do a few things that are different from the average person, but the work you put in can be rewarding.