You’re an emerging creative ready to break into the world of UX design. Read more to explore tips and strategies for landing your first job in UX design, from building your portfolio to industry platforms you need to know. 

What are the top tech companies that prioritize designers?

Here are some of the top tech companies (sorted A-Z) that prioritize designers: 

• Airbnb 
• Amazon 
• Apple 
• Dropbox 
• Facebook 
• Google 
• IBM
• Microsoft 
• Twitter 
• Uber 

These companies have a strong reputation for prioritizing design and investing in their design teams. They often have dedicated design departments and employ some of the best designers in the industry. Additionally, they have a reputation for creating innovative and visually appealing products and services that prioritize the user experience. 

It’s worth noting that there are many other tech companies that prioritize design, and the list above is not exhaustive. Companies such as Airbnb, Dropbox, and Uber, for example, have gained recognition for their strong focus on design and their commitment to creating visually appealing and user-friendly products. However, the actual priority placed on design may vary from company to company and may change over time as priorities and business goals evolve.

What are websites that offer free online portfolios for designers?

Here are some websites that offer free online portfolios (sorted A-Z) for designers: 

• Behance 
• BRIDGEGOOD
• Carbonmade 
• Cargo Collective
• Coroflot 
• deviantART 
• Dribbble 
• SquareSpace 
• Weebly 
• Wix 
• WordPress.com 

These websites offer designers an easy way to showcase their work, connect with potential clients, and build their professional network. Some of these websites offer basic features for free, while others offer a limited set of features for free with the option to upgrade to a paid plan for more advanced features. It is important to carefully review each platform’s features and pricing plans before choosing the one that best fits your needs. These online portfolios can be a great way to get started in the design industry and begin building a professional online presence.

What are the top design softwares I should know as a UX designer?

As a UX Designer, here are some of the top design software tools (sorted A-Z) you should be familiar with:

• Adobe Creative Suite (specifically XD and Photoshop): A comprehensive set of design tools, including a wireframing and prototyping tool (XD) and a tool for editing and manipulating images (Photoshop). 
• Axure: A wireframing, prototyping, and documentation tool that helps UX designers communicate their design concepts and validate design decisions. 
• Balsamiq: A tool for creating quick, low-fidelity wireframes, ideal for early stages of the design process. 
• Figma: A cloud-based interface design tool that enables real-time collaboration between designers and stakeholders. 
• InVision: A platform for creating interactive prototypes and animations, and for testing and presenting designs to stakeholders. 
• Marvel App: A platform for creating interactive prototypes and animations, and for testing and presenting designs to stakeholders. 
• Sketch: A digital design tool for creating user interface designs and prototypes for websites, mobile apps, and other digital products. 

These tools are widely used in the UX design industry and are essential for creating wireframes, prototypes, and visual designs. Familiarity with these tools will enable you to effectively communicate your design concepts, collaborate with other designers and stakeholders, and create high-quality, user-centered designs.

What are the top platforms I should know as a UX researcher?

As a UX researcher, here are some of the top platforms (sorted A-Z) you should be familiar with: 

• FullStory: A platform for recording and analyzing user sessions on your website, enabling you to see how users interact with your design in real-time. 
• Google Analytics: A web analytics platform that provides insights into user behavior and can be used to measure the effectiveness of your design decisions. 
• Hotjar: A platform that provides heatmaps, user recordings, and other analytics tools to help you understand user behavior and improve your designs. 
• Lookback: A platform for conducting remote user research, including usability testing, diary studies, and other research methods. 
• Optimal Workshop: A platform that provides a suite of research tools, including tree testing, card sorting, and first-click testing.
• Qualtrics: A comprehensive research platform that provides a variety of tools for conducting surveys, focus groups, and other research methods. 
• SurveyMonkey: An online survey platform that enables you to create and distribute surveys to gather user feedback and insights. 
• UserTesting: A platform for conducting remote usability testing, enabling you to gather insights from real users on the design of your product or website.

These platforms are widely used in the UX research industry and are essential for gathering and analyzing data about user behavior, preferences, and needs. Familiarity with these tools will enable you to conduct user research effectively, gather valuable insights, and inform your design decisions.