The biggest barrier to entering the UX field isn't the cost of expensive bootcamps; it's the overwhelm of information. Many beginners believe they need a paid certification to start, but the truth is that the industry's most respected knowledge is available for free.

You don't need paid courses to start your UX journey. You simply need to focus on three pillars: Reading, Observing, and Practice.

Here are the essential free resources every aspiring designer should bookmark today:

1. Nielsen Norman Group (NN/g): For Fundamentals

If you want to learn the "science" of UX, this is your primary source. NN/g is research-based and practitioner-focused.

  • What to look for: Their extensive library of articles and videos covers everything from journey mapping to AI in UX work.
  • The Value: This is the gold standard for UX guidance and training.

2. Laws of UX: For Psychology

Design isn't just about how things look; it's about how the human brain processes information.

  • What to look for: This is a collection of best practices and human psychology principles that designers should consider when building interfaces.
  • The Value: It simplifies complex psychological concepts into actionable design rules.

3. Mobbin & Screenlane: For UI Inspiration

Stop looking at "concept" designs on Dribbble and start looking at what is actually being shipped in the real world.

  • What to look for: These platforms feature thousands of real-world iOS and Web app screens.
  • The Value: They provide real-world UI inspiration, allowing you to see how top-tier companies solve specific design patterns.

4. Figma Community: For Practice

The best way to learn is by doing.

  • What to look for: Discover community-made libraries, plugins, and icon sets.
  • The Value: You can find handpicked community creations and "remix" them to understand how they were built. It’s the perfect place to find portfolio templates and practice files.

Conclusion

Learning UX is a combination of reading theory, observing real-world patterns, and constant practice. You have everything you need to start right now, for free. Save your money for specialised training later—for now, just start building.