How to Create a UX/UI Design Portfolio for Non-Majors

To be honest, it is not easy for non-majors to self-study UX/UI.

Compared to methods like offline academies or universities where people gather in a physical space to learn, it is 'relatively' difficult.
The important point here is that this method is 'relatively not easy,' not that it is 'impossible.
I know it's not easy, but for those who have the will to take this path nevertheless, I really want to help you!

Are you worried about this?

■ Non-majors, self-taught students

Q. "I'm a complete beginner; will I be able to keep up?"

A. I wrote this specifically for complete non-majors, paying close attention to every single term. Please feel free to reach out anytime if there is anything you don't understand. However, this course does not cover how to use Figma. You will need to learn Figma separately.

■ Job Market, Industry Outlook, AI

Q. "Is it too late to start now?"

A. You might be worried that it's too late to start now because of your age or AI. From a company's perspective, it seems they do feel a bit of a burden when it comes to older new hires. While thoughts vary by company and individual recruiters, research suggests that the general atmosphere is that candidates up to their late 20s are accepted without much concern.

Q. “Will there be many jobs? Will there continue to be many in the future?”

A. What I can guarantee is that no one on this planet knows the exact answer to this question. Even if current data trends are upward or downward, there is no guarantee that those trends will continue indefinitely. I cannot provide an answer to something I do not know for certain.

Q. "I heard jobs are decreasing because of AI; will this occupation be okay?"

A. My answer to this question is the same as the one above. It is difficult to provide a definitive answer regarding future outlooks. However, I understand that almost all job categories are currently being affected by the advancement of AI technology.

■ Salary

Q. "Will the salary be okay?"

A. Average annual salary for Korean UX/UI designers (entry-level): Estimated at around 30 to 35 million KRW. (Based on 2025 statistical data)

There are differences depending on the size of the company and the region.

SMEs/Startups: 28–35 million KRW (Entry-level UX: 30.45 million KRW, Entry-level UI: 29.88 million KRW).
Mid-sized companies: 30–40 million KRW.
Large corporations: 40–55 million KRW or more (Naver, Kakao, etc.).

■ Opportunity Cost, Alternatives

Q. "Can't I just study using free YouTube videos or Brunch articles?"

A. Of course. It is possible.

If you plan to study UX design through YouTube or online articles, I recommend the videos and articles from NNgroup. A vast amount of knowledge is very well organized there. However, since the explanations are in English, there may be the inconvenience of having to translate them.

If you want to learn Figma, there are already many tutorials available online, so you can simply choose a suitable channel and binge-watch them.

This course is just one of many learning methods. Choosing the method that best suits you is the best way to learn.

■ Duration

Q. “How long will it take until I complete my portfolio and build sufficient skills?”

A. This also varies greatly depending on an individual's background knowledge and learning pace. Educational institutions other than university undergraduate or graduate schools (such as bootcamps) usually run programs that are 4 to 6 months long. Although it is a very short period, it is expected to be a manageable timeframe if you study and practice with high intensity all day long for those 6 months.

■ Course Content, Portfolio Creation

Q. “Will I be able to create a portfolio on my own after taking this course?”

A. Yes and no. Through my experience teaching various people, I've strongly realized that the level of understanding varies greatly from person to person. Please make sure to ask questions as they arise while you are building your portfolio alongside the lectures. If you wait until everything is finished to ask, you might end up having to make too many revisions.

Q. “Is the practice content included as well?”

A. Yes. Practical exercises are included.

■ Questions, Feedback

Q. “What if I run into something I don't know or get stuck while studying?”

A. Please feel free to ask questions anytime.

■ Willpower

Q. "Won't I eventually end up not watching the lectures?"

A. This is also something I have contemplated for a long time. To provide as much help as possible, I have divided the course structure into weekly segments. Having a deadline for each chapter will make it much easier for you to manage your learning pace.

But the problem still remains. A typical disadvantage of studying alone with books or online lectures is that you tend to stop studying as you go further along. Rather than relying on your own willpower, I recommend creating an 'environment' where you have no choice but to study.

(Example)
If you can't study well at home, go to a study cafe.
Promise a friend that you'll pay a fine if you don't send a proof photo by a certain time every day, and so on.

Only these people should read this!

(O)

- Non-majors in UXUI design, or beginners and novices with less than 1 year of experience
- Those who want to get a job in the field of Web / App UXUI design

(X)

- Those with more than 1 year of relevant experience
- Those who wish to find employment in publication design, fashion design, logo design, or intangible service planning (fields other than Web and App)

Instructor Introduction

- Current) CEO of Needesign Lab
- Over 9 years of practical experience in Web/App UXUI design
- Completed Master's coursework at Kookmin University TED Graduate School
- Projects: Participated in various projects ranging from major corporations to startups
- Lotte (Sales performance management dashboard website. 2019)
- Prugio (Home IoT app. 2018)
- Samsung (HR information management software for domestic and overseas branches. 2012)
- POSCO (Same software as the Samsung project. 2012)
- And many others

Curriculum. This is what you will learn

01.

Understanding UX/UI design concepts easily
Three strategies for fast employment
How to set project goals
How to conduct research

02.

How to summarize research key findings
Meaning of key findings, when to write them, why to write them, and what content to include in key findings

03.

How to create a persona profile
The meaning of a persona, and how to identify problems for persona profile creation (surveys, interviews, journey maps, writing problem statements, etc.)

04.

How to derive solutions - Various brainstorming methods
How to establish hypotheses - How to write If/then statements

05.

Solution creation methods - Use cases, wireframes, storyboards, prototypes
Various psychology and theories to reference when creating solutions
Hypothesis testing, conclusion

The following materials are included

1. Sample Research Template (Figjam)
2. Sample Portfolio (Figma)
3. CJM Template (Excel file)
4. Problem Prioritization Analysis Template (Excel file)
5. Interview Q&A Sample (Word file)
6. UXUI Design Glossary (Excel file)

Common traits of those who successfully landed a job quickly

1. Creating customized portfolios for each company

What they had in common was that they didn't send the exact same portfolio to every company they applied to. When applying to each company, they researched what that specific company would be interested in and submitted a slightly modified version of their portfolio tailored to those interests. You can find those details by carefully examining the company's job posting. You can also visit the company's homepage or their website, such as an online mall. Then, they found the connection between the products/services sold by that company and their own work, appealing to them by saying, "This specific part of my work will be helpful to your company."

2. Prove your skills with actual results!

The most powerful influence on the company is the 'evidence' of my skills.

(Example)
- A degree from a prestigious university
- Internship experience at a major corporation
- Experience creating tangible results (increased sales, increased user retention, increased number of new users, etc.)

If you don't have these kinds of visible achievements, competing with 'quantity' can be a good alternative. This means trying out many different projects.

Add to Cart

If you're still undecided, feel free to add it to your cart and take your time to think about it.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at any time.