When I hear UX mistakenly described as user interface design, it touches a nerve. UI design is just one of many elements that go into the creation of a fluidly designed, meaningful user experience that also meets business goals and elevates the brand.

Exceptional UX is the seamless fusion of many sub-disciplines–-user research, interaction design, UI design, usability, information architecture and accessibility. Throw content strategy and UI engineering into the mix and finding the right tools for the job can be overwhelming. For those who are new to the field, even knowing where to look for valuable and trusted industry information can be a job in and of itself. So, where should you start your search for the most appropriate resources that will give you the biggest ROI?

Image: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-using-black-and-silver-laptop-computer-3803445/

I've curated a list of platforms, applications and industry links. I’ve also assembled some often-overlooked (but extremely useful) Chrome extensions for UI engineers, designers and accessibility specialists to verify work that is in progress. While not exhaustive, these have been religiously tried, tested and proven by my own cross-functional UX team. The resources are organized by UX disciplines and capabilities-–including everything from journey mapping and research to testing and real-time features that are invaluable for the new normal of remote work.  

Image: https://www.pexels.com/ca-es/foto/adult-buscant-debat-debatent-1181346/

Whether you are a team member doing a deep dive into one area of UX or you need to be a one-person, end-to-end UX shop, this list is an excellent quick reference guide. Several tools mentioned offer free or low-cost entry plans, enabling you to experiment and upgrade as needed. And, more seasoned UX professionals and managers can benefit from this bird’s eye view of how just a few applications can bring many disciplines "under one roof" and allow for collaboration, so processes are cohesive and teams can work more effectively.

Image: https://www.pexels.com/photo/notebook-beside-the-iphone-on-table-196644/

Platforms and Applications

Industry Links

Chrome Extensions

Magued is a creative leader with over 20 years of strategic, management, and hands-on expertise across media and industries–from fintech and real estate to high tech and automotive. As one of only a handful of UX Master certified professionals in Canada, he has a deep understanding of UX for web and mobile, as well as a passion for accessibility. He also knows what it takes to grow a successful design team from the ground up–and how to foster collaboration, innovation and excellence in cross-functional teams.

Check out our article on UX Resources share by the Members on the RGD's Slack Workspace

Check out a Case Study on the Power of 'gamification' in children's healthcare with UX and design updates from Pivot

Certified and Provisional Members who are interested in contributing content to the RGD website via Resource Lists, Top 5s and more are invited to email Rushika at .