I know, I know.. A jack of all trades is a master of none. Not necessarily true. If you're a master of code already, why not add design?
And that's the target demographic for this article. If you're an aspiring developer, you can skip this part -- you've got enough on your plate. I feel that only a proficient developer should dedicate the time to learn some UI (and perhaps) UX design.
And here's why..
1. Knowing design patterns will shape your code
If you lack the understanding of design patterns for various problems, your code will likely reflect that.
Design patterns aren't necessarily a function of UI, but rather of UX.
For instance, if you're building out an order form but you're requiring people to verify their email before ordering, you're going to have to refactor your code. Why? Because the CRO (Conversion Rate Optimization) team will make you!
Understanding proper design patterns will affect your code.
2. If you're a 1 man show, good design is a necessity
I can't stress this enough. If you're a freelancer and you handle it all, you're doing your clients a disservice. It's one thing if you're using templates or you're outsourcing the design, but if you're handling it yourself and you lack an eye for UI design, you need to invest some time to learn UI design.
People judge books by their covers. You could have the greatest code base ever, but if it looks like garbage, people will think it's garbage.
3. Hireability & Desirability
No brainer here. A coder who can design is usually going to demand more in salary and contracts.
4. Tackling Side Projects is Easier (MVPs)
Ever stumble upon a great idea that you'd love to create? But your design skills are crap, and the end result is so butt-ugly that you're afraid to show it to people?
Learning some basic UI design principles will have you blasting out projects left and right. With your new found confidence, you'll be creating projects that even your mother will love. No, seriously, she will genuinely love them, and not just because you're her kid.
5. You Challenge a Different Part of your Brain
I don't know about you, but I can't stand doing one thing forever. That's why I have so many hobbies. Not even coding and designing cut it for me anymore. I love reptiles, archery, weightlifting, running, and playing guitar.
How in little lord baby Jesus Christ do people only stick to one thing?
You just might find that you rather enjoy being able to put a nice pretty face on that backend you've been working on. It's so satisfying to full-stack the hell out of your own projects.
6. Other People Suck -- Project Deadlines
Ever have to rely on someone else to get something done on time? It sucks, because inevitably so, that person will let you down. If not now, maybe next time.
Then, you're stuck on the phone dealing with the brunt of an angry client who can't understand why her knitting website isn't ready to take orders!
7. You can brag about it
It's Friday night and you're at the club (and certainly not in mom's basement). An attractive individual approaches you and they ask what you do. This is your moment to shine.
You can either respond with, "I'm a web developer", OR, "I'm a F.U.L.L.S.T.A.C.K. Developer"
It's way more impressive by about 500%.
So where should I learn UI/UX design?
Well, there are plenty of places. YouTube can be a great place to get your feet wet with some UI/UX crash courses offered by myself or others.
There are also plenty of paid courses out there available on sites like Pluralsight, Skillshare & Udemy.
I recently launched my own at DesignCourse: Learn UI/UX Design Interactively
Whatever you do or wherever you go to learn, just do it! You might find you actually enjoy it. ;)
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