Virginia Tech® home

UX Resources

Research Tools:

Tool NameDescription
MuzliA (free) browser extension that shows you the latest, professionally curated design-related contents.
MazeMaze allows you to take your prototypes created in (Figma, Sketch, Marvel, Invision, etc..) and create guided usability tests. You simply need to upload your design prototype and create a set of missions/tasks and you will have test subjects in hours and get valuable feedback.
UserZoomOnline remote UX research platform that allows you to run usability testing, card sorting, tree testing studies.
Optimal WorkshopOnline remote UX research platform that specialized in Information Architecture.
UsabillaIt allows you to access a user research panel, run A/B tests, record visitor activity, test forms, etc. Usabilla boasts an impressive range of features, making it one of the most comprehensive user experience packages. By using Usabilla you can have: feedback widgets to gather UX data on emails, click heatmaps, targeted feedback forms, exit surveys, mobile feedback, etc.

 

Design Tools:

Tool NameDescription
FigmaA (free) web-based UI design and prototyping tool. It allows teams to collaborate on design projects in real-time.
Adobe XDUX Design tool that offers real-time collaboration.
VectaryA (free) browser-based 3D modeling tool that allows you to create 3D content for a landing page of a website or an app.
SketchA professional vector tool for Mac OS users.
BalsamiqA low-fidelity wireframing software.
ZeplinA collaboration tool built for UI designers and front-end developers.. Zeplin turns design into specs and guidelines. It has extension/plugins for all design software such as Figma, Adobe XD and Sketch.
Marvel App (web-based)A design, prototype, and collaboration tool (Sketch plugin) that helps designers to generate a prototype, and use designs created in Sketch, Photoshop, Illustrator, and add a layer of interactivity (prototyping). 
Principle (Mac only)A prototyping tool to design animated and interactive UIs (motion, interactivity, transition, etc.). 
Axure RPA prototyping app that allows you to share a prototype with your team members and get their feedback. No need for coding.
FlintoA prototyping tool.

 

Development Tools:

Tool NameDescription
StarkA color contrast checker that makes sure that your color schema adheres to AA of WCAG 2.0 color contrast standard. 
Tiny JPGA website that helps you compress your jpg and png image files. This is great if you want to make your site load faster by reducing the file size of your images.
Google FontsA popular font library.
ColorHexaA free color tool providing information about any color and generating matching color palettes for your designs (such as complementary, analogous, triadic, tetradic, or monochromatic color schemes).
PalettableGenerate beautiful color palettes using the knowledge of millions of designers. The site will intelligently generate a color based on your previous selections and you simply have to choose between the “Like” or “Dislike” button.
ColormindA color scheme generator that uses deep learning. It can learn color styles from photographs, movies, and popular art.
PexelsFree stock photos & videos library.

 

Collaboration Tools:

Tool NameDescription
MuralAn online visual collaboration platform.

NameExpert AreaContact
Don NormanUX pioneer (the father of UX)https://jnd.org/
Jakob NielsenUsability, UX researchhttps://www.nngroup.com/people/jakob-nielsen/
Jared SpoolUX Design strategy

https://twitter.com/jmspool

https://www.uie.com/

Blog NameDescription
Smashing MagazineOnline articles on usability, information architecture, interaction design, and other user experience (UX) related topics.
UX MagazineA central place to discuss the critical disciplines that all enhance user experience.
Interaction Design Foundation Literature Open access library on UX design.
Nielsen Norman GroupArticles on UX Design, Research, and more.
Usability.GovA collection of UX guidelines and UX research templates.
MeasuringUA collection of articles on quantitative measurement of UX.
IDEO: The OctopusA design company blog that features articles on a variety of design-related content, such as tips, tools, and how-to.
Design Questions LibraryA list of well-curated articles that answer commonly asked questions about design.

Podcast NameHost NameDescription
UX PodcastJames Royal-Lawson and Per AxbomUXPodcast™ is a twice-monthly digital design podcast sharing insights about business, technology, and people since 2011. We want to push the boundaries of how user experience is perceived and boost your confidence in the work you do.
UX Coffee 设计咖Riceman、Hoka、帆啊帆设计无处不在。在这个节目里,我们试图通过和设计这个世界的人们交谈,去探寻创造的过程、感受设计的力量。Design is everywhere. In this podcast, we try to explore the process of creation and feel the power of design by talking to the people who design the world.
NN/g UX PodcastTherese FessendenThe Nielsen Norman Group UX Podcast is a monthly show on user experience research, design, strategy, and professions, hosted by User Experience Specialist Therese Fessenden.

Channel NameDescription
DesignCourse (699k subs)This channel focuses on UI/UX, Frontend Dev, Backend Dev, and Graphic Design.
Jesse Showalter (155k subs)The channel focuses on topics such as web design and development including but not limited to HTML, CSS, Sass, Javascript, Design Principles, User Experience, Interface Design, MODX, Open Source Stuff, and more.
Caler Edwards (154k subs)Lots of Adobe XD and UX/UI Design tutorials.
CharLiMarieTV (183k subs)This channel focuses on anything related to design, such as tools, projects, and concepts as well as vlogs of her life as a designer. 
Flux (223k subs)This channel focuses on design-related tools, concepts, projects, and how to start your career as a freelance designer.
Sarah Doody (22.2k subs)This channel focuses on professional development for designers at all stages of their careers. You will learn how to create a UX portfolio so they can stand out and get hired. This channel also teaches you how to write an effective case study, articulate your work and skills, how to present projects during an interview, and to stakeholders.
NNgroup (59.9k subs)Nielsen Norman Group offers evidence-based user experience (UX) research, training, and consulting. More info: https://www.nngroup.com/

Book NameSubjectLevel
Don't Make Me Think by Steve KrugHCI and web usabilityBeginner
The UX Book: Process and Guidelines for Ensuring a Quality User Experience by Rex Hartson and Pardha S. PylaHCI (Textbook)Beginner
The Design of Everyday Things by Donald A. NormanDesign and usability
Beginner
Beautiful Evidence by Edward TufteVisual communicationBeginner, intermediate
The Visual Display of Quantitative Information by Edward TufteDesign, layout, and data visualizationBeginner, intermediate
Envisioning Information by Edward TufteInformation display, data visualizationBeginner, intermediate
Visual Explanations by Edward TufteInformation display, data visualizationBeginner, intermediate

Conference NameDescription
UXCamp DC (Washington, DC, USA)UXCamp DC is an unconference for people who love design. It is an intense day with 24 45-minute sessions and workshops presented by thinkers and doers from all levels of design experience from beginners to seasoned practitioners. It is a day of gathering for people who are passionate about creating great experiences for people. They do 24 workshops and admit 150 attendees.