Education · 1 of 4
The path
Learn the craft, build a portfolio of real problems solved, and get hired on the portfolio.
- 1
High school
Grades 11 and 12
Visual arts, communication technology, computer science, English. Redesign an app you hate and write up why.
- 2
Design program
1 to 4 years
A 4-year degree in interaction design (Sheridan, Simon Fraser University's School of Interactive Arts and Technology, OCAD University (Ontario College of Art and Design University), Emily Carr) or a college diploma or graduate certificate in UX (user experience) design. Bootcamps are a faster, riskier route.
- 3
Internship or co-op
During school
Sheridan's degree has a required internship between third and fourth year. This is where most first jobs come from.
- 4
Portfolio and first job
After graduation
A website showing 3 to 5 case studies: the problem, the research, the sketches, the final screens, and what happened. Employers read the thinking, not just the pictures.
- 5
Grow into product design
3 to 6 years
Junior, then intermediate, then senior. Senior designers own whole products and run research with real users.