Best UX/UI Design Bootcamps of 2023
UX/UI design is the practice of creating digital products and interfaces that deliver exceptional user experiences. User experience (UX) design focuses on understanding user needs while user interface (UI) design involves the visual and interactive elements of a digital interface. With the increasing focus on user-centered design, companies across industries are recognizing the value of skilled UX/UI designers.
One of the best ways to gain relevant skills is by enrolling in a top bootcamp for UX/UI design. The best UX/UI design bootcamps can provide the skills and knowledge you need to excel in this rapidly growing field. Bootcamps offer a comprehensive curriculum, expert faculty, and hands-on projects to enhance your skills.
This article highlights 10 of the best UX/UI design bootcamps of 2023 that can help you become job-ready within months. For those who prefer the flexibility of virtual learning, we also discuss online UX/UI bootcamps that can help you get one step closer to your dream job.
Top 10 UX/UI Design Bootcamps
In 2023, the field of UX/UI design continues to thrive and offers excellent career prospects for aspiring professionals. If you’re interested in pursuing a UX/UI design career, a bootcamp is a great place to start. UX/UI design bootcamps offer a well-structured curriculum that covers all crucial aspects of the field. Here are the top 10 bootcamps for UX/UI design.
| Flatiron School Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Program | Product Design (UX/UI) Bootcamp |
| Cost | $16,900 |
| Financing Options | Upfront, installment plan, loan financing |
| Alumni Employers | Spotify, Vox, Accenture, Apple, Intel |
This is one of the best online UX/UI design bootcamp programs available. Flatiron’s UX/UI design program offers a comprehensive curriculum that can be completed in as little as 15 weeks. You also have the option to learn on a part-time basis, designed to be completed in 40 weeks. It is taught by real-world industry professionals with years of experience.
You will begin with a pre-work course that introduces you to the fundamentals of UX/UI design and essential tools like Figma and Webflow. You will then learn how to utilize generative AI as a part of your UX and UI processes. By the end of the program, you will have a robust online portfolio showcasing your case study and design process.
| Thinkful Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Program | UX/UI Design Bootcamp |
| Cost | $12,350 (part-time), $14,823 (full-time) |
| Financing Options | Upfront, installment plan, deferred payment plan |
| Alumni Employers | Google, Webflow, IBM, Amazon, Twitter |
Thinkful has been rated a top UX/UI design bootcamp for many reasons. According to graduates of the program, Thinkful’s UX/UI design bootcamp has an ever-evolving curriculum that is constantly updated to match the latest industry trends. This ensures students are equipped with in-demand tools and are better prepared to take on a job right after graduation.
The curriculum is divided into seven sections, covering everything from the UX/UI design fundamentals to industry best practices and visual design skills. At the end of Thinkful’s UX/UI design bootcamp, you will create product solutions as a part of the capstone project. Thinkful students also receive job assistance that can help them become well-rounded job candidates.
| General Assembly Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Program | UX Design Immersive |
| Cost | $4,500 (part-time), $16,450 (full-time) |
| Financing Options | Upfront, installment plan, loan financing, scholarships |
| Alumni Employers | Walmart, Microsoft, Grubhub, IBM, Booz Allen Hamilton |
General Assembly’s UX design program is known for its comprehensive curriculum, hands-on approach, and industry relevance. It offers a solid foundation for people looking to kickstart their careers in UX design. You have the option to enroll in the full-time Immersive program, which runs for 12 weeks, or learn on a part-time basis. The latter is specially designed for upskillers with full-time work commitments.
The program covers a wide range of UX design topics including user research, information architecture, wireframing, prototyping, and user testing. You will learn to leverage industry-standard tools and techniques such as Sketch, InVision, and usability testing platforms to create intuitive designs.
| Ironhack Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Program | UX/UI Design |
| Cost | $13,000 (part-time), $12,500 (full-time) |
| Financing Options | Upfront, installment plan, loan financing |
| Alumni Employers | Microsoft, Deloitte, JPMorgan Chase & Co., EY, Accenture |
Ironhack offers one of the best UX/UI design bootcamps, providing an immersive learning experience for aspiring designers. It focuses on project-based learning where students get to apply key concepts through hands-on projects and exercises. You can take this program online, at its Miami campus, or any of its global locations like Berlin, Lisbon, Amsterdam, or London.
Ironhack’s UX/UI design bootcamp covers a wide range of topics like user research, information architecture, interaction design, prototyping, and usability testing. Using popular tools like Sketch and Figma, you will learn how to create interactive prototypes and design interfaces. Then, you will receive personalized career support which can be essential to career success.
| Springboard Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Program | UX/UI Design Bootcamp |
| Cost | $11,900 |
| Financing Options | Upfront, installment plan, loan financing |
| Alumni Employers | Meta, Verizon, LinkedIn, Wayfair, Pandora |
Springboard’s UX design program is a popular choice for those looking at online UX/UI design bootcamps. This part-time program is structured around busy schedules, allowing students to pace through the in-demand curriculum in nine months. Although the program is fully remote, you will have the opportunity for one-on-one sessions with a mentor, coach, and student advisor.
In Springboard’s UX/UI design program, students learn essential skills such as conducting user research to identify design challenges. They gain hands-on experience in sketching solutions, wireframing, and developing mockups and prototypes. Some of the popular tools that you will use include Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch, and InVision.
| CareerFoundry Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Program | UX Design |
| Cost | $7,900 |
| Financing Options | Upfront, installment plan |
| Alumni Employers | Amazon, Google, Netflix, PayPal, Visa |
CareerFoundry offers a flexible, 10-month UX design program that centers around human-first learning. You will be paired with an experienced UX designer who will evaluate your exercises within 24 hours of submitting them. On top of that, you will receive written, video, or on-call feedback and tips from your mentor, who is an industry expert.
The UX design course at CareerFoundry is designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of their experience in tech. All you need is to be fluent in English, have the motivation to make a career pivot, and have some interest in UX design. If you’re completely new to the field, the school recommends taking its free UX short course to help you gain a basic understanding of UX design.
| Kenzie Academy Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Program | UX Design Certificate |
| Cost | $12,500 |
| Financing Options | Upfront, installment plan, loan financing, scholarships, student aid |
| Alumni Employers | Google, Meta, J.P. Morgan, Infosys |
Kenzie Academy’s UX design program offers an immersive learning experience designed to prepare students for a career in the field of UX design. Students will be exposed to the fundamentals of design thinking and learn how to utilize crucial soft skills to offer the most user-centric solutions.
You will have the opportunity to work on real projects as a part of the portfolio-building exercise. This helps you develop a better understanding of UX design in practice and enhances your employability. By the end of this program, you will receive a certificate from Kenzie Academy that validates your formal training in UX design.
| The Tech Academy Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Program | UI/UX Designer Bootcamp |
| Cost | $16,240 (part-time), $13,500 (full-time), $2,800 (self-paced) |
| Financing Options | Upfront, installment plan, loan financing |
| Alumni Employers | Microsoft, Amazon, Salesforce, Google, Meta |
The Tech Academy offers a UI/UX Designer Bootcamp that is available in three formats: full-time, part-time, and self-paced. This allows learners the option to choose a learning schedule that suits their preferences. At The Tech Academy, every student is taught basic coding before moving on to their specialized tech field.
You will learn the fundamentals of design thinking and ways to create innovative digital solutions that are both aesthetically pleasing and easy to use. You will also get a chance to create a live project which is a great way to showcase your newly learned UI/UX design skills. All classes are held virtually, making The Tech Academy one of the best online UI/UX design bootcamps.
| V School Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Program | UX/UI Design |
| Cost | $21,000 |
| Financing Options | Upfront, deferred payment, loan financing, scholarships |
| Alumni Employers | LinkedIn, Apple, Workfront, Bluehost, USANA |
V School offers one of the best UX/UI design bootcamps, thanks to its mastery-based learning model. Instead of adhering to a strict timeline, V School students progress based on their skill level. This ensures that they build a strong foundation in UX/UI design before moving on to more advanced topics.
There are six skill levels you have to complete before graduating from V School. The first five levels see students learning essential topics like design psychology, user research, wireframing and prototyping, color theory, and responsive designs. Meanwhile, the final level prepares students for the job market. It covers design resumes, portfolios, case study writing, resume and portfolio reviews, design challenges, and practice interviews.
Careerist
| Careerist Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Program | UX Design |
| Cost | $6,500 |
| Financing Options | Upfront, installment plan, loan financing |
| Alumni Employers | Meta, Apple, Samsung, Salesforce, Nike |
Careerist’s UX design program consists of 16 weeks of well-rounded training with a focus on job-ready skills. The training is divided into two phases: skills acquisition and job preparation. In the first phase, some of the topics covered include UX design foundation, UX research techniques, design thinking framework, and prototyping. It will conclude with an internship.
In the second phase, you will have access to the Job Assistance Service (JAS) which is the career preparation section. Some of the things covered in the JAS include one-on-one interview practice, LinkedIn and resume optimization, AI-powered job search tactics, and tips on personalizing your job search.
How to Choose the Right UX/UI Design Bootcamp for You
Choosing the right UX/UI design bootcamp requires careful consideration and research. Some prefer going to a top bootcamp for UX/UI design due to its credibility, success rates, and reputation. Others favor a coding bootcamp that offers the most flexibility to match their busy schedules. Below are some factors to consider when making a decision.
Career goals
Clarify your goals and expectations for attending a UX/UI design bootcamp. Consider what specific skills you want to gain or enhance, the level of expertise you want to achieve, and your intended career path within the UX/UI design industry. You can also check what skills your dream employer typically looks for in a UX designer role. Understanding your goals can help you narrow down your choices based on how well they align with your objectives.
Curriculum
Once you have determined your career goals, it’s time to look at the curriculum offered. Ensure that it covers the necessary skills and knowledge you want to gain. For example, if you’re looking to become a UX designer, you’d want a curriculum that teaches you in-demand skills and essential tools like Figma, Sketch, and Adobe XD. The best UX/UI design bootcamps generally give students the chance to partake in hands-on projects.
Time commitment
When doing your research, take into consideration the duration and schedule of the bootcamp. Be clear about how much time you can put aside for learning. For example, if you are working a full-time job, a self-paced or part-time program might work best. If you prefer to learn from home, there are a lot of online UX/UI design bootcamp programs that might interest you. You’d want to find a bootcamp that fits your availability and commitments.
Cost and financing
You must factor in the cost of the program and any available financing options, payment plans, or scholarships. A career pivot can be costly so ensure that you do extensive research. Narrow down your top choices for UX/UI design bootcamps and compare their costs. Consider the value you will receive in terms of the curriculum, support, and potential career opportunities. You can also contact the schools for more information.
Support and resources
Some of the best UX/UI design bootcamps became popular choices for many aspiring UX/UI designers because they offer unmatchable support. Breaking into tech can be challenging so additional resources and solid support can help you go the extra mile. Some of the things to look out for include mentorship, career services, job placement assistance, access to design tools or software, and ongoing support after graduation.
Careers You Can Land After a UX/UI Design Bootcamp
Completing a UX/UI design bootcamp can open up various career opportunities in this rapidly growing field. The most common job titles may be UX/UI designers but there are other roles you can explore with design thinking and user experience skills. Below are some careers you can pursue, along with potential salaries after a coding bootcamp.
UX/UI Designer
Average salary: $77,505
A UX designer focuses on understanding user needs, conducting research, creating user personas, and designing intuitive and user-friendly interfaces. This is one of the best-paying tech jobs that don’t require coding. Meanwhile, UI designers specialize in creating visually appealing and engaging user interfaces. They work on selecting color schemes, typography, and creating interactive elements.
User Researcher
Average salary: $82,102
User researchers are in charge of understanding the user’s persona for a specific brand, company, or individual. They conduct user interviews, perform usability testing, and use data analysis to gather insights about user behavior and preferences. Strong communication skills are needed in this role as user researchers help guide design decisions and improve user experiences.
Interaction Designer
Average salary: $109,528
Interaction designers focus on designing how users interact with digital products or services. They ensure smooth and intuitive user experiences by creating interactive prototypes and designing interface behaviors. They also observe user interactions, identify usability issues, and make key improvements based on user feedback.
Companies Hiring UX/UI Design Bootcamp Grads
The best UX/UI design bootcamps can prepare you for a successful tech career. Their practical approach to learning ensures that students gain real-world experience. This boosts their chances of impressing hiring managers. Here are some popular tech companies hiring bootcamp graduates, along with open job opportunities in the field of UX/UI design.
- Google: UX designers, interaction designers, UX design managers
- Apple: Technical UX designers, UI product designers, UX interaction prototypers
- Meta: UX/UI artists, qualitative UX researchers, UX research scientists
- Intel: UX developers, UX/DX researchers, UX researchers
- Amazon: Senior UX designers, visual UX designers, principal UX designers
Is a UX/UI Design Bootcamp Worth It?
Yes, a UX/UI design bootcamp is worth it if you’re looking for a quicker and more affordable way of learning new tech skills, compared to a four-year degree. The best UX/UI design bootcamps can equip you with practical skills and industry-relevant knowledge in just months. They offer an in-demand curriculum, robust support, and additional resources that can help you better prepare for the job market.
With the rising demand for skilled UX/UI designers, completing a top UX/UI design bootcamp can boost your employability and open doors to exciting job opportunities in companies across industries. If you’re passionate about creating impactful user experiences, embarking on a bootcamp journey could be the right move for you.
Best UX/UI Design Bootcamps FAQ
How hard is it to learn UX/UI design?
UX design is not hard to learn if you get the right training. One of the best ways to learn UX design skills is by enrolling in a top UX/UI design program at a coding bootcamp. These job-focused programs are accessible to tech newcomers, having little to no technical prerequisites. The curriculum teaches in-demand skills using hands-on projects, ensuring that you are proficient and job-ready within months.
Is UX/UI design a high-paying job?
UX/UI design is a high-paying job within the design and technology industries. According to Glassdoor, UX designers make an average of $94,078 a year while UI designers make $98,703 annually. Professionals with more experience stand to earn higher salaries. Other factors that may influence salary expectations include qualification, location, and company.
Can you break into UX design without a college degree?
Yes, you can break into UX design without a degree from a college or university provided you received some formal training. You can either self-study or enroll in a top UX/UI design bootcamp to gain the skills needed to launch a career in UX design. To further improve your chances of being hired, you can apply for UX internships or UX apprenticeship programs. These opportunities can fortify your skills as they expose you to real-world experiences.
Do you need to know how to code to become a UX designer?
You don’t need to know how to code to become a UX designer. It is one of the few tech roles that don’t require programming. User experience design focuses on understanding user needs, conducting research, creating intuitive interfaces, and optimizing the user experience. However, having basic coding knowledge can enhance your skillsets as a tech professional and offer additional opportunities.
