Have you ever found yourself scrolling through endless articles and videos, trying to find the best way to learn UI design? With so many options available, deciding which route to take can be overwhelming.
So In this article, we’ll explore two of the most popular options: UI design books and online courses.
By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of the advantages and drawbacks of each and be better equipped to choose the learning path that’s right for you.
Contents
Advantage Read Books
Books have been a staple resource for designers for decades, and for a good reason. One of the biggest advantages of books is their convenience and accessibility. Unlike online courses requiring internet access and a computer or mobile device, books can be easily carried and read almost anywhere.
Additionally, books are generally more affordable than courses, and many of the most popular UI design books are available at libraries for free.
Reading a design book also allows you to go at your own pace, which can be helpful if you want to understand a particular topic fully. Furthermore, Design books often provide in-depth coverage of their subjects, delving into topics such as design principles, typography, and user research.
Some popular UI design books include:
- “Don’t Make Me Think” by Steve Krug and
- “The Design of Everyday Things” by Don Norman.
Read More: Best UI Design Books that Make You Become Professionals
Drawbacks Design Books
Despite the advantages of design books, there are some potential drawbacks to consider as well. One major drawback is the lack of interactivity and feedback. Unlike online courses, books do not provide the opportunity to ask questions or receive feedback on your work.
This can be particularly challenging for beginners, who may benefit from more personalized guidance. Additionally, because the content of UI design books is static, there is a risk that the information may become outdated over time, particularly as technology continues to evolve.
This can be particularly concerning for designers who need to stay up-to-date with the latest design trends and techniques. Another drawback of UI design books is that they offer limited opportunities for hands-on learning.
While some books may provide exercises or case studies, there is often a limit to how much you can actually practice your skills. Finally, finding quality resources can be challenging, particularly if you’re new to the field and need help determining which books are worth your time.
Advantage Join Online Course
While UI design books have been a popular resource for designers for decades, online courses have become an increasingly popular option in recent years.
One of the biggest advantages of online courses is their interactivity and feedback. Unlike books, online courses often provide the opportunity to interact with instructors and other students, ask questions, and receive feedback on your work.
Online courses also provide a structured learning environment with a clear curriculum and learning objectives.
This can be helpful for those who prefer a more guided approach to learning.
Additionally, there are a variety of UI design courses available online, from beginner to advanced levels, which means you can choose a course tailored to your level of experience.
Finally, online courses offer flexibility in scheduling, as they can often be completed at your own pace, allowing you to fit learning around your existing commitments.
Some popular online UI design courses include “Interaction Design Foundation” and “Designlab.”
Drawbacks of Online Courses
While online courses have many advantages, they also have some potential drawbacks to consider. One major drawback is that online courses can be more expensive than books, particularly if you’re looking for a high-quality course with interactive features and personalized feedback.
Additionally, online courses require a reliable internet connection and access to a computer or mobile device, which may only be available to some.
There is also a risk of information overload, as online courses often provide a lot of information in a short amount of time. This can be overwhelming for some learners, particularly if they are new to the field.
Finally, some online courses may need to provide more opportunities for hands-on learning, which can limit your ability to apply what you’ve learned in real-world situations.
Read More 09 Best Places to Learn UI UX Design From Free to Paid
Sum Up
When it comes to learning UI design, both books and online courses have their advantages and drawbacks. UI design books offer the convenience of self-paced learning, affordability, and in-depth coverage of design topics.
However, they need more interactivity, feedback, and opportunities for hands-on learning. On the other hand, online courses provide structured learning, interactivity, and feedback, as well as a range of courses at different difficulty levels.
However, they can be more expensive and require a reliable internet connection. Ultimately, the best learning path for you will depend on your individual learning style, goals, and resources. If you prefer a self-paced, affordable approach and are okay with the lack of interactivity, UI design books may be the right choice for you.
However, an online course may be the better option if you prefer a more structured, interactive approach and don’t mind the higher cost.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to continue learning and practicing your skills in order to become a successful UI designer.