Understanding the basics

Becoming a strong UX designer isn’t only about theory, it’s about practice. Regular exercises help sharpen observation, empathy, and problem-solving skills. By focusing on real-world challenges, you’ll build a stronger foundation for creating user-centered designs.Choosing the right typeface

Exercise 1: Redesign a daily app

Choose an app you use every day and evaluate its UX. Identify pain points and propose improvements. Document your process from research to wireframes.

• Map user flows and identify friction.

• Sketch low-fidelity wireframes for improvements.

• Compare your redesign to the original experience.

Exercise 2: Conduct quick usability tests

Recruit a friend or colleague to test a product. Observe how they interact, where they hesitate, and what confuses them.

• Write down tasks for them to complete.

• Record feedback and note recurring patterns.

• Translate insights into actionable design changes.

Exercise 3: Build empathy maps

Empathy maps help visualize what users think, feel, say, and do. Choose a persona and map their motivations and frustrations.

• Define the context of their product use.

• Capture emotional triggers and goals.

• Translate findings into potential design improvements.

Exercise 4: Sketch 10 ideas in 10 minutes

Speed sketching builds creativity and iteration skills. Focus on quantity over perfection.

• Choose a problem statement.

• Set a timer for 10 minutes.

• Rapidly generate as many variations as possible.

Exercise 5: Recreate wireframes from memory

Open a website or app for a few minutes, then close it. Sketch the layout from memory. Compare with the original to see what stood out.

• Pay attention to navigation and visual hierarchy.

• Note which elements were easiest to recall.

• Reflect on what design cues guided your memory.

Exercise 6: Audit accessibility on a live site

Pick a site and run a quick accessibility review. Check for font contrast, keyboard navigation, and alt text.

• Use free tools like WAVE or Axe.

• Identify at least 3 improvements.

• Suggest practical design solutions.

Final thoughts

“Great UX design comes from practice, the more you observe, test, and iterate, the stronger your instincts become.”

These exercises focus on building habits of observation, iteration, and empathy. By practicing regularly, you’ll improve not just your technical skills, but your ability to design experiences that truly resonate with users.