Guide to the Best UX Design Bootcamps

If you are reading this article, you are most likely considering becoming a UX designer, but you still have questions about how to get started. As UX design boot camps take a considerable amount of time to complete and come with a hefty price tag, it is worthwhile researching what you will be getting for your time and investment.

This article discusses the benefits of investing your time in a UX design boot camp. We also evaluate the main factors you must consider when choosing the right fit. Furthermore, this guide will help you decide whether you are ready to embark on your UX journey and what decisions you have to make to find the best UX design boot camp to further your career.

What is a UX Design Bootcamp?

UX design boot camps are intensive educational programs. They equip students with the knowledge, skill, and tools they need to start a career in user experience (UX) design. These programs are available for anyone from career changers to those who want to add more skills to their toolbox or update their skillset to a modern standard.

Working with developers, UX designers help create an optimized user experience when interacting with the product. This process focuses on the product's branding, design, usability, and functionality. A UX design boot camp teaches the principles and practical aspects of UX design in an immersive environment.

What Will I Learn at a UX Design Bootcamp?

UX design boot camps have a comprehensive syllabus that will provide you with the knowledge, skills, and tools to help you enter the UX job market. Several UX design courses can teach design thinking and some techniques, but a boot camp will provide you with more hands-on experience.

In a UX design boot camp, you will learn the design process and methodology based on the Design Thinking framework. You’ll learn how to conduct user research by testing on real people, giving and receiving feedback, and making informed design decisions.

You will also create user personas, user flows, wireframes, and prototypes, all of which are essential skills in UX design. You will gain experience working with several industry tools such as Figma, AdobeXD, Balsamiq, and Sketch. And finally, the projects you will be working on will form the portfolio website you can show future employers.

Do UX Bootcamps Really Work?

The majority of UX boot camp graduates report that they found work in the field within a few months of graduation. Most boot camp alum stats show that over 80% of students find employment in UX. Some boot camps like BrainStation boast an even higher number (93%) of successful graduates.

However, it is worth mentioning that some people who completed a UX design boot camp failed to gain employment in the industry. Often this is due to a need for soft skills essential in the field; UX designers work in large cross-disciplinary teams and ultimately must understand the user.

The future for graduates is bright, however, as the demand for UX designers is high. An Adobe study showed that 87% of hiring managers plan to hire a UX designer. Many companies are now aware that their product's success depends on high-quality UX.

Although boot camps can’t guarantee it, there is a high chance that you will get your foot in the door by completing a UX design boot camp. Many immersive programs offer career support to help you maximize your job-seeking efforts. All things considered, your newly learned technical skills enhanced by your business and soft skills can get you far in this growing industry.

Do I Need Relevant Experience Before Starting a UX Bootcamp?

The short answer is no; you do not need relevant experience. You might think you need a design or tech-related background, but it’s a misconception. All you need is the passion for immersing yourself in UX and taking your time finding the right UX boot camp. Boot camps are designed so anyone without relevant experience can become job-ready.

If you have a genuine interest in UX design and are already reading books and relevant blog posts, you have everything you need to get started. However, if you are still doubting yourself, consider the following points to ease your mind:

You have transferable skills

If you have had a job or internship, you already have transferable skills to help you complete your boot camp and find a field-relevant position. Communication, attention to detail, and teamwork translate well into a UX boot camp environment. If you worked in customer services, you have an advantage in understanding clients and assessing their needs.

You will be taught technical skills

You don’t need any technical skills before enrolling. A well-structured, immersive boot camp will have everything covered. You will learn how to use all UX tools and get hands-on experience trying them out in real projects.

You can educate yourself

You can satisfy your professional curiosity by reading industry-related blogs and listening to podcasts. This is a great way to be up-to-date with UX trends and will help you gain a deep knowledge of your field. Educating yourself will alleviate imposter syndrome and help you gain confidence.

How Do I Choose the Right UX Bootcamp?

When looking for a UX boot camp, your options are abundant. You must research and find the one that best suits your needs. Considering the following factors will help you make the right decision:

Your schedule

It’s essential to be realistic about how much time you want to commit each month and how quickly you want to make a career change. Some online UX boot camps are self-paced, but most in-person ones happen on set dates where you must be available to make the most out of it. You should ensure you can arrange your other commitments around your study schedule.

Your learning style

Do you perform better when learning in a classroom environment, or prefer studying alone? Or is it a mix of the two? Depending on what suits you better, you have different types of UX boot camps available to you in the form of in-person boot camps, hybrid online/in-person, or fully online ones.

Cost

Remember to compare course prices as a boot camp is a sizeable investment. Some UX boot camps offer monthly tuition fee options, and some even allow you to start paying them once you finish the course. These options can be helpful and will enable you to focus on the camp rather than worry about tuition.

Quality of the curriculum

In a fast-changing field such as UX, you must learn from industry experts who are up to date with the UX world. Study the curriculum to ensure that it meets your standards and offers to teach the latest tools, methods, and trends in UX. Being meticulous with this research will ensure you get the most out of your investment.

Reviews and alumni stories

Connecting with people that graduated from UX boot camps can give you great insights. You can find out about their experience, how they got into UX and how the boot camp helped them to change careers. They can also provide valuable insight into your career options once you complete a UX boot camp.

What Are the Differences Between UX Design Bootcamps?

The main difference between UX boot camps is whether they are in-person or entirely online.

In-person

In-person boot camps take place at a fixed location with fixed dates and class times. They are especially popular with those who best stay motivated in an environment surrounded by like-minded students and a teacher or mentor. For more flexibility, these boot camps often take place in the evening and on weekends.

Online

Online UX boot camps are usually more flexible and self-paced. Thanks to modern technology, course resources are always readily available. Independent students that need flexibility typically choose this option as they can complete the course at their own pace.

What Are the Benefits of Attending a UX Design Bootcamp?

Although a lot of information is freely available on the internet, there are several advantages to joining a paid UX boot camp. Some of the most significant benefits are:

Being held accountable

Many people find it inspiring to be surrounded by people chasing the same goal. On top of that, it is much easier to stay productive when you have teammates and mentors to hold you accountable. Having project deadlines and meeting them will enhance your chances of breaking into the industry within a given timeframe.

Structured environment

Learning is enhanced by having a strict curriculum, as it is easy to get lost in the staggering amount of information online. A structured course will help you get from A to B, especially if you are new to the field and don’t know where to start.

Constructive criticism

A boot camp will provide invaluable advice and constructive criticism from industry experts. Your mentor's and peer’s advice will help you improve fast and enable you to reach your career goals.

Networking and community

When changing careers, one of the biggest hurdles is that you don’t have industry connections. Joining a boot camp will give you access to your new professional community, peers, and potential employers alike.

Coaching and mentorship

Embarking on a new career journey has its ups and downs. A UX boot camp will provide you with guidance and mentorship from day one until you reach your goals.

Portfolio development

What potential employers want to see the most is whether you have the relevant skills and experience. During your time in a boot camp, you will develop an online portfolio of works that you can use as the most valuable part of your CV.

Learning how to interview

Finally, you will learn how to interview for your first job in UX. Every field has its peculiarities and expectations of future employees, and your mentors will prepare you for how to land a job in UX.

FAQ

What is the curriculum for a typical UX design boot camp?

UX design boot camps have unique curriculums, but they all cover the following: design thinking, UX research, usability testing, design patterns, visual design elements, information architecture, wireframing & prototyping, personas, user stories, and user-centered design.

How much does a UX design boot camp cost?

Boot camp prices are high, but they vary greatly. Depending on the length, pace, and level of collaboration, whether in-person or online, fees range between $6000 and $17000.