10 best UX design bootcamps for 2024

The demand for tech jobs continues to rise, and hiring statistics suggest that user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) designer roles are seriously in demand. 

In a survey of the 50 best jobs in the U.S. based on open roles, job satisfaction, and salary data, Glassdoor ranked UX designer at number 24. 

The U.S. Department of Labor recently forecasted that digital designer and web developer jobs (including UX roles) will climb by 23%.  

With such high demand, the timing is right to get into UX design. One of the fastest and most cost-effective routes into this field is through a UX design bootcamp. 

However, with so many options, choosing a great UX design training camp or bootcamp can seem daunting. 

This guide comprehensively reviews 2023’s top ten UX design bootcamps to help you decide.

A UX design training camp or bootcamp is a short-term, in-depth, hands-on educational program that provides vital skills to UX designers. 

They can last 3–12 months, making it a quicker, often cheaper, and more flexible alternative to a college degree. 

The training will equip you with basic UX skills, including: 

• Designing and planning tactics

• Prototyping

• Strategies for testing and improving designs. 

You may qualify to work in UX research, UX design, product design, and interface design after attending a UX design bootcamp. 

Since it’s career-focused training, it also teaches you how to create a professional portfolio and apply for jobs.  

Several top-of-the-line UX design bootcamps can help you fast-track your entry into a UX design position. Here are the top ten options to consider in 2023:

Thinkful

The Thinkful UX Design Bootcamp is a flexible online program with part-time and full-time classes. It covers the fundamentals of UX design, visual design, and fulfilling client design needs. 

It’s great for learners, providing a predetermined structure with work deadlines. 

The program's platform also has some beginner-friendly exercises you can try out. 

Location

Thinkful was founded in 2012 and is based in New York, just a few blocks from the Empire State Building. However, its tuition is fully online.  

Format

Students complete online modules and use Slack to communicate. 

The program includes: 

• A free introductory course

• A prep course

• Four payment schemes

• Live tech assistance

• Live chat with instructors at set times

Program cost

Thinkful's UX design bootcamp costs $12,150 on a full-time basis and $9,500 on a part-time model. 

However, these tuition rates are applicable for up-front payments and could vary with payment plans. 

Time commitment

It takes five months to finish the Thinkful program on a full-time basis and six months on a part-time basis.  

Pros

• Job guarantees, with a 100% tuition refund for qualified graduates who fail to secure a job within 180 days of program completion

• Availability of multiple payment plans

• Comprehensive curriculum that includes some UI education

• Live tech support with the option to chat with a mentor or instructor

Cons

• While it’s for novices, it’s still challenging

• No scholarships 

• Cost prohibitive for some

• GI Bill® is not accepted

Flatiron

Flatiron's UX design training camp is one of the most flexible programs you can attend. It’s ideal for students and professionals as it features multiple delivery methods and start dates. 

The program mainly focuses on user experience design methods and teaches market research tactics, interaction models, and feedback implementation.  

Location

Flatiron School was founded in 2012 with campuses in New York, Chicago, Austin, and more cities. The organization introduced online classes in 2015, one of the modes it offers in its UX design program. 

Format

The highly flexible Flatiron UX design program is available online, on-campus, full-time, and part-time. However, the part-time model is only available online. 

You can schedule 1:1 classes with an instructor or optional study groups if you prefer to study independently. 

Program cost

The UX design bootcamp offered by Flatiron costs $16,900. 

Time commitment

Depending on your learning schedule, you could finish the Flatiron program in 15, 20, 40, or 60 weeks. The quickest period of 15 weeks applies when you learn full-time with live lectures. 

Pros

• Available scholarships

• The full-time program offers a fast-paced, immersive experience

• Rigorous, comprehensive training includes some UI skills

• Job guarantees

• Multiple payment plans are available

Cons

• Tuition is relatively expensive

• A competitive admissions process

• GI Bill® is not accepted

Ironhack

Ironhack offers a beginner-friendly UX bootcamp to suit entrepreneurs, career changers, career boosters, and mobile/web developers. 

It covers several design topics, including design thinking, branding, and information architecture. 

Location

You can access the Ironhack bootcamp remotely from any location in the world.

If you wish to attend an in-person class, training is available in several major cities worldwide.

Format

Ironhack's UX bootcamp is available on a part-time and full-time basis. The real-time interactive training is offered daily with instructor-led classes, breakout room projects, and 60-minute open office hours. 

Program cost

It costs $12,500 to enroll in the Ironhack program full-time and $13,000 to study part-time. 

Time commitment

It takes 24 weeks to complete the bootcamp when studying part-time and nine weeks with a full-time study plan. 

Pros

• Part-time and full-time enrollment 

• Availability of multiple payment plans

• Women changing careers to get into the tech field can get scholarships

Cons

• GI Bill® is not accepted

• Zero job guarantees

Springboard

The biggest advantage of enrolling in Springboard's UX bootcamp is unlimited access to a personal mentor. You will tackle hands-on projects, including ideating, design thinking, synthesis, and presentation. 

Once you finish the training, you will have access to Springboard's network of big-name employers, such as: 

• Facebook

• Oracle

• Google

• Verizon

• Ford

Location

Springboard is based in San Francisco but offers its UX design training online. 

Format

The Springboard UX design bootcamp targets professionals who want to attend training while continuing work. It’s purely part-time, with students completing 350+ hours of online training. 

Afterward, you will be an industry expert, and career coaches will provide job support. 

You will also gain job experience by partnering with a company for more than four weeks to develop a product that solves a business issue. 

Program cost

Students who pay upfront only pay $7,900. With other payment plans, the cost could stretch up to $14,500.  

Time commitment

Students who enroll for Springboard's UX design bootcamp must dedicate about 15–20 hours to the training per week. The program takes at least six months to complete. 

Pros

• Affordable tuition rates

• Comprehensive curriculum

• Solid career support and a six-month job guarantee

• Multiple scholarships 

• Availability of a prep course

Cons

• Hectic admissions process

• High weekly time commitment

General Assembly

General Assembly's Immersive UX design training camp offers more resources than most other bootcamps. It boasts over 20,000 expert trainers and 19,000 hiring partners overall. 

This bootcamp is great for those getting started in UX design. 

It focuses on foundational UX and UI knowledge, prototyping modes, and usability testing practices. Besides technical skills, the training also focuses on business and professional competence. 

Location

General Assembly has more than 15 campuses on more than four continents. You can enroll remotely or on-campus in multiple cities, such as Toronto, Paris, London, and New York.  

Format

General Assembly offers online and in-person classes, with part-time and full-time learning options. 

Program cost

General Assembly's Immersive UX design bootcamp costs $15,950. 

Time commitment

The part-time training option at General Assembly takes 24 weeks, while the immersive iteration runs for 12 weeks.

Pros

• Great balance of structure and flexibility

• Multiple payment plans are available

• A massive alum community ready to offer support

Cons

• Zero job guarantees or refunds for not getting a job after six months of course completion

• The tuition rate is relatively high

Designlab

Designlab UX Academy has a highly comprehensive curriculum, making it one of the best UX design training camps. 

The boot camp has an excellent admissions system that takes in students and professionals of all skill levels. It also offers scholarships to learners with disabilities, women, and minority groups, such as LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and AAPI.

The training starts with basic design principles for up to eight weeks and proceeds to 480 hours of coursework and projects. 

When you finish the training, you’ll get four portfolio projects to assist your job search or freelancing business. 

Designlab also provides a career coach who helps you look for work for up to six months after graduation.

Location

Designlab is based in San Francisco but offers all its classes online. 

Format

The highly-flexible UX design training offered by Designlab is accessible to learners worldwide since it is online. You can take it part-time or full-time. 

Program cost

The tuition rate for Designlab's UX bootcamp is $7,249 for those who pay upfront. Learners using other payment methods may have to spend up to $9,677. 

Time commitment

Those taking the Designlab UX training on a part-time basis study for 30 weeks at 20 hours per week. Those who enroll in full-time study for 15 weeks at 40 hours per week. 

Pros

• Availability of part-time, full-time, and self-paced programs

• Job guarantees after graduation

• Merit-based and need-based scholarships are available

Cons

• No hiring partners

• GI Bill® is not accepted

Memorisely

The biggest advantage of Memorisely's UX Bootcamp is its 100% completion rate, meaning that learners get superb support throughout the training. 

Memorisely is a bootstrapped company that started in 2019 and has swiftly grown into a huge brand. It has graduated more than 2,200 students and unites a community of more than 95,000 designers. 

Location

Memorisely has a fully remote team located from San Francisco to Sydney. 

Format

The UX design classes at the Memorisely bootcamp are fully online and part-time. The program applies a learn-by-doing approach. There is a zero PowerPoint policy, and trainers teach each student personally. 

Program cost

It costs $3,450 to $3,750 to study at the Memorisely UX design bootcamp. 

Time commitment

The UX design training offered by Memorisely lasts 5–10 weeks. 

Pros

• The training also covers UI skills

• This program is inexpensive compared to the competition

• The program's small classes ensure an interactive, collaborative learning process

Cons

• Limited career support or guidance

• Zero job guarantees

Learningfuze

The Learningfuze UX Design Bootcamp is an intensive technology and education program. Its graduates are highly sought after and employed by some of the biggest American brands. 

There’s no degree or professional requirement when enrolling for this program, making it great for beginners. While some reviews say the program may be challenging, its trainers use a clear, effective approach. 

Location

Learningfuze was established in 2014 and is based in Southern California. It offers at-campus and remote classes. 

Format

Learningfuze's classes are available both in-person and online for remote students. 

Program cost

Learningfuze’s UX design bootcamp costs $7,990.

Time commitment

Learningfuze offers its UX design bootcamp part-time, with classes in the evenings and on Saturdays. It takes about 24 weeks to complete the training. 

Pros

• Availability of in-person training

• Superb instructors who guide learners while allowing them to research independently

Cons

• Relatively short

• GI Bill® is not accepted

Interaction Design Foundation

Among the UX bootcamps with Ivy League-level training, Interaction Design Foundation (IxDF) is the most affordable. 

It is also the world's largest online design school, boasting over 120,000 graduates. 

IxDF offers four bootcamps, depending on the structure that fits you best: 

1. The first bootcamp, UX fundamentals, suits complete beginners who want to start or transition to a career in UX. It combines theory and practical tasks. 

2. The second bootcamp focuses on user research and is ideal for beginners and professionals with some experience. You can also take on more design projects if you have some design experience. 

3. The third category is user interface-focused training. While it’s also great for beginners, it allows visual or graphic designers to demonstrate their skills using complex tasks. 

4. The fourth category is entirely practical and targets individuals with some UX skills. It helps learners build a portfolio and accelerates their job search. 

Location

IxDF was founded in 2002 and is based in Denmark, but its training is purely remote. 

Format

The IxDF bootcamp is only available online. 

Program cost

IxDF members pay $2,400 for a UX design bootcamp, while nonmembers pay $2,592. You can enroll for professional membership at $10 per month. 

Time commitment

All the programs offered by IxDF last 12 weeks. Part-time classes require a commitment of 8–10 hours per week.  

Pros

• Relatively cheap compared to the competition

• Flexible payment plans

• Interactions with a design recruiter, peer reviews, and 1:1 mentorship are available

Cons

• Some content may feel a bit dated, especially for younger learners

CareerFoundry

The CareerFoundry UX design bootcamp is a famous online academy offering a dual mentorship model to help all students achieve their goals. 

90% of eligible candidates secure employment within a short time after their graduation. 

The training focuses on the skills a UX designer needs, including hands-on tasks, mentorship, and career coaching. 

Location

Headquartered in Berlin, CareerFoundry has a global student base and offers remote training. 

Format

CareerFoundry's UX design program is accessible online and suits students and professionals from all backgrounds. 

Program cost

This training costs $7,505–$7,900. 

Time commitment

Students who study 30–40 hours weekly can finish CareerFoundry's UX design training within six months. Those who enroll for 15–20 hours per week could take up to 10 months.  

Pros

• Flexible enrollment alternatives to suit working professionals and students

• Job guarantees

• Relatively cheaper

Cons

• Only a few payment alternatives are available

• Zero scholarships 

Not all UX design bootcamps are created equally. Each suits the different professional needs of its learners, and you need to choose one that is right for you. 

Some aspects to check when choosing a UX bootcamp include the following. 

Course reputation & reliability

With online courses, there’s no such thing as a hidden treasure. Great programs have a track record of success and are highly rated across several platforms. 

You must also ensure the inclusion of the right UX design elements. Missing out on key aspects could make you less qualified for jobs. 

You can research how satisfied the alums of a particular program were to know if it’s a great fit.

Course format

Some programs require you to attend live online classes, while others have prerecorded sessions you can watch at your own pace. 

The best UX bootcamps offer a mixture to ensure you fully master the content, no matter your daily schedule or learning style. 

Time commitment

Determining whether you are ready to commit full-time to a UX bootcamp before you enroll is important. Sometimes, a self-paced or part-time program could best fit you. 

At other times, enrolling in a full-time program may make more sense. 

While it could be more complex and intensive, it may also allow you to master UX skills faster and more comprehensively. 

This way, you can enter the job market faster and secure higher pay than you would with a part-time bootcamp. 

Unique UX design portfolios

Assess the level of support a UX design bootcamp offers when building a comprehensive portfolio. A designer's portfolio is their best marketing tool during their job search. 

A collection of case studies is best for UX researchers to show examples of their decision-making prowess and results. A demonstrative resume helps land your first UX role and boosts your career growth. 

Ensure you evaluate the portfolios offered by your preferred bootcamp and the distinct projects it includes. Employers evaluate the portfolio's aesthetics, case studies, analytical skills, and resulting metrics. 

Unique projects that match your career path increase your chances of getting a great role. 

Scope of learning

Numerous roles exist in UX design. You could easily switch your interests and career ambitions as you proceed with the training. 

While a shorter program could get you into the UX field quicker, a more comprehensive bootcamp may offer more depth and breadth of topics. This often leads to better job opportunities after graduation.

A great UX design bootcamp offers comprehensive training on: 

• UX research

• UI design

• Information architecture (IA)

• Interaction design (IxD)

• Prototyping

• Evaluation

• Handover

Course fees

The cheapest program may not always offer the best return on investment. More expensive bootcamps tend to: 

• Cover more UX aspects

• Be more reputable

• Have better mentorship and support during the job search

You should also explore scholarship opportunities if you meet the criteria specified by your preferred bootcamp provider. At times, your employer could sponsor or reimburse your ongoing learning costs. Think of it as an investment in your future.

Mentorship

If you do not need any feedback, you could just learn UX by watching YouTube videos and practicing using online challenges. 

However, personalized feedback from a mentor can help you grow quickly when you are new to UX design. 

Before you enroll in a bootcamp, check the mentorship it offers and how involved the mentor will be in your learning journey. In a lot of ways, mentorship is what you’re paying for. 

A UX design training camp usually begins with prework that includes the foundations of design, concepts, and tools. 

Then, you will learn concepts that allow you to map out a user experience and use tools such as Figma to develop prototypes using wireframing. 

During the early stages of the training, you will develop digital products after merging business needs with your analyzed user research. 

You will also learn visual design and design systems at a UX bootcamp. This part of the curriculum covers typography and colors, allowing you to generate aesthetically pleasing user interfaces. 

Furthermore, if your training includes some front-end development, it would include front-end programming languages that allow you to develop interactive websites using JavaScript, CSS, and HTML.  

During the training, you will test your capabilities in labs individually or as part of a group. Instructors or mentors will provide appropriate feedback and assessments that help you understand each aspect before you proceed to a higher level. 

Your training will prepare you to solve a client or capstone project, where you will solve a business problem by creating a website or application.

While value can vary, most training camps have plenty of benefits. The specialized, practical training they offer in a condensed format can help you quickly get into the UX field.  

It’s never too late to get into a UX designer job. While your obstacles may differ from your younger colleagues’, getting a UX job at any age is totally doable. 

Yes, it’s possible to land a UX job after completing a bootcamp. Great training camp providers offer job placement assistance with 90–100% success rates.

The success of any career-focused training largely depends on your circumstances and goals. However, most big-name UX bootcamp companies boast high graduation and job placement rates. 

With 5–10 hours of study weekly, you can get a Google UX certificate in six months.