How do I get a job in UX or Usability

Question

I currently work as a backed developer but over the years have developed an interest in usability and user experience.

What would you recommend as steps of:

1. Improving my knowledge and skills
2. Getting a job in usability/ux

Answer 1

Looks like I'm following the same development direction.

1. Read articles on UI design, user psychology, graphical design, color choice, usability. Read stories of great design teams. Read stories about bad UIs. Read about user-centered design, how to design what the people want.

2. Getting a job is not easy if you have no formal education. I say, try it on your own, apply these skills where possible in your current job, then you can say you worked at least part time on usability. Try a few projects on your own, build a portfolio of projects that you can claim take usability into consideration.

And let me recommend you a great book with much insight into the topic:

The Design of Everyday Things

Answer 2

Interestingly, I am following the opposite pattern - I have somewhat of a background in UX design, and am looking to further my skills as a developer.

I agree with New in town's first point, however I think if you're able to build up a quality portfolio of UX-related projects (either from your current job or personal projects), you give yourself a good chance finding a job. In my experience, at least, your passion for the field and things you've actually created outweigh a formal education, at least on the UX design side of things. With that said, there are indeed jobs that require a Master's level education in usability, interaction design, etc.

My advice would be to read as much as possible. There are a number of great UX-related blogs and discussion lists out there - try Boxes and Arrows and the Interaction Design Association board (There are also many posts regarding book recommendations for someone just entering the field). As New in town mentioned, definitely try to add UX phases to your existing development projects. Maybe you could create wireframes, do some simple usability testing and write a summary report - anything that would add value to a UX portfolio.

Finally, my last recommendation is to find a mentor in the field. Speaking from personal experience, this has had a huge impact on me and really helped me explore the field of UX design and develop my skills. Both the Information Architecture Institute and Interaction Design Association offer mentor programs.

Best of luck!

Answer 3

My first UX interview, someone asked me, "Who are your influences?" I looked dumbly at him. Since then I have read a slew of books on the subject. Here are some of the better ones: http://commadot.com/books-for-ux/

I also moved to Silicon Valley. There are more tech startups here than anywhere in the world. It's a great place to get those jobs. I am hiring for one right now, in fact.