Guide 2025: 10 essential UX/UI tips for designers

Guide 2025: 10 essential UX/UI tips for designers

The field of UX/UI design is constantly evolving, and to succeed in this dynamic industry, it is necessary to master both the basics and the subtleties of user-centered design. In this article, we explore the key ideas shared in the video titled "Guide 2025: 10 essential UX/UI tips for designers", and delve into the essential aspects for designers early in their careers or looking to refine their skills.

Introduction: Understanding the Foundations of UX and UI

Above all, it is crucial to distinguish between user experience (UX) and user interface (UI).

• UX (User Experience) focuses on the functionality, structure, and ease of use of a digital application or product. Its main goal is to solve user problems by relying on logical flows, user-friendliness, and deep empathy for their needs.
• UI (User Interface), on the other hand, deals with visual aspects: typography, colors, interactive elements like buttons, and visual hierarchy.

Although these two disciplines are closely related, designers can choose to specialize in one or the other, or master both to take on hybrid roles. A deep understanding of these areas is essential for creating clear case studies and compelling portfolios.

1. Thinking Design beyond Aesthetics

Design is not just an artistic exercise aimed at beautifying screens. It is primarily a problem-solving process. Designers must:

• Understand users by identifying their needs and frustrations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to propose relevant solutions.
• Test and iterate prototypes to refine the user experience.

2. User Research as a Starting Point

Before designing, a designer must delve into user research. This includes:

• User interviews and surveys to collect qualitative and quantitative data.
• Identifying friction points and user expectations.
• Mapping user journeys to better empathize with their experiences.

Strong research lays the groundwork for informed design decisions.

3. Information Architecture and Wireframing

Once user needs are identified, the next step is creating wireframes (visual sketches) to structure ideas. Here are the key steps:

• Start with low-fidelity wireframes to define user flows.
• Work on information architecture (IA) to ensure intuitive navigation.
• Use tools like Figma or Balsamiq, or simply a pencil and paper to quickly sketch ideas.

4. Basic Principles of UI Design

Good UI design is characterized by:

• Neat spacing and alignment of elements.
• Visual consistency across all pages of the application.
• Adherence to standards like Google's Material Design or Apple's Human Interface Guidelines.

Rigorous adherence to these principles enhances the credibility and readability of an application.

5. Importance of a Design System

A design system is essential to ensure consistency and collaboration within teams. It includes:

• Reusable components (buttons, modals, pop-ups).
• A defined color palette and typography.
• Clear guidelines for margins and element dimensions.

This saves time and ensures a consistent design.

6. Accessibility and Inclusive Design

Accessibility is a necessity, not an option. It includes:

• Using sufficient contrast to ensure readability.
• Adding alternative texts for images.
• Enabling keyboard navigation.

These practices ensure that your design is usable by a wide range of users, including those with disabilities.

7. Prototyping and Testing

Prototypes bring your design to life before its final development. Test them with real users to:

• Identify problematic areas where users encounter difficulties.
• Collect feedback and refine features.
• Ensure that the application meets identified expectations and needs.

8. Building an Impactful Portfolio

Your portfolio is your business card. It should:

• Contain 2 to 3 solid projects well-documented.
• Show the tools used, challenges faced, and solutions provided.
• Be hosted on a professional platform like Behance, Dribbble, or a personal website (via Webflow, Squarespace, etc.).

A polished presentation of your achievements reflects your expertise and attention to detail.

9. Building Your Brand Identity

An active presence in the industry is as important as your technical skills. Regularly share your work on LinkedIn, Dribbble, or Behance, and engage in discussions with other designers. These actions enhance your credibility and expand your professional network.

10. Continuous Learning and Constructive Feedback

The field of UX/UI is constantly evolving. To stay relevant, it is essential:

• To read blogs, watch tutorials, and take courses.
• To accept constructive criticism and incorporate feedback into your projects.

Continuous improvement is key to evolving as a designer.

Key Points to Remember

• Differentiate between UX and UI to better structure your expertise.
• Adopt a user-centered approach by understanding their needs before designing.
• Master the basics: wireframes, information architecture, UI principles.
• Create a design system to ensure consistency and scalability.
• Integrate accessibility at every design stage.
• Prototyping and testing are essential to validate your ideas.
• A well-structured portfolio is essential to attract professional opportunities.
• Build your personal brand through creative platforms and professional networks.
• Feedback is a gift: use it to enhance your skills.
• Continuously learn and stay curious about new trends.

Conclusion

Becoming a competent UX/UI designer requires a balance of technical skills, creativity, and empathy. By integrating these practices into your daily work, you will be better prepared to meet the challenges of design in 2025 and beyond. Remember: always design with a clear, user-centered goal in mind.

Source: "10 Essential UX/UI Design Tips You MUST Know in 2025" - Muthulakshmi Mahesh, YouTube, Jan 1, 1970 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4OQounBu1U

Use: Embedded for reference. Brief quotes used for commentary/review.