Learning UX Design? Here Are the Must-Have Resources You Missed!

Posted by Anil Sharma on February 15th, 2025

If you’re diving into the world of UX/UI design, you’ve probably felt overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information available. From books and courses to design tools and online communities, there’s a lot to navigate. When I first started, I wish I had a clear roadmap of the best UX/UI design resources to guide my learning.

To save you from the same struggle, I’ve compiled a list of must-have resources that will help you master UX design efficiently. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, these tools, courses, and communities will accelerate your growth.

1. Books That Every UX Designer Should Read

Books are a great way to build a strong foundation in UX design. Here are three must-read books:

• "The Design of Everyday Things" by Don Norman – A classic that explains how design influences user experience.
• "Don't Make Me Think" by Steve Krug – A simple and practical guide to usability and intuitive design.
• "Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products" by Nir Eyal – Essential for understanding user psychology and behavior.

These books will help you develop a user-centered mindset, which is crucial for a successful career in UX design.

2. Free and Paid UX Design Courses

Taking a structured course can help you learn UX design faster. Here are some of the best courses:

• Google UX Design Professional Certificate (Coursera) – A beginner-friendly program that covers the fundamentals of UX design.
• Interaction Design Foundation (IDF) – Offers affordable UX courses taught by industry experts.
• UX/UI Open – A great platform for learning UX design with free and premium resources.

If you’re looking for in-depth learning, these courses will provide you with hands-on experience and industry-relevant knowledge.

3. Must-Have UX Design Tools

Practical experience is key to mastering UX design. Here are some essential design tools you should learn:

• Figma – A powerful and collaborative design tool for UI/UX designers.
• Adobe XD – A great tool for prototyping and wireframing.
• Miro – Ideal for brainstorming, wireframing, and team collaboration.
• Maze – A user testing tool that helps you validate your designs.

Mastering these tools will make your design process smoother and more efficient.

4. UX Design Blogs and Websites for Daily Learning

Staying updated with UX trends is important. These blogs and websites provide valuable insights:

• UX/UI Open – Offers in-depth UX/UI design articles, tutorials, and industry news.
• Smashing Magazine – A great resource for UX, UI, and web design trends.
• Nielsen Norman Group – Provides expert UX research and usability guidelines.
• UX Collective – A Medium publication with articles from UX professionals worldwide.

Following these websites will keep you informed about the latest UX trends and best practices.

5. Online UX Communities and Forums

Networking with other designers can accelerate your learning. Here are some communities where you can connect with UX professionals:

• Reddit (r/userexperience & r/UXDesign) – Discussions and advice from experienced designers.
• UX Mastery Community – A friendly forum for UX designers to share resources and experiences.
• LinkedIn UX Groups – Join professional UX/UI groups to connect with industry experts.

Engaging with these communities will give you access to mentorship, job opportunities, and valuable feedback on your designs.

6. UX/UI Design YouTube Channels to Follow

Sometimes, watching tutorials can be more effective than reading. These YouTube channels are perfect for learning UX design:

• NNGroup – Expert usability research and UX best practices.
• Figma – Official tutorials to help you master Figma.
• AJ&Smart – UX design tips, strategies, and case studies.

These channels provide free, high-quality content that will help you improve your UX design skills.

Final Thoughts

Learning UX design can be challenging, but with the right resources, you can make faster progress. From books and courses to tools and online communities, these must-have UX/UI design resources will help you build a strong foundation and grow in the field.

If you’re looking for more in-depth guides and tutorials, check out UX UI Open for the latest UX/UI design insights and learning materials.

Start exploring these resources today, and take your UX design journey to the next level!