As a career counselor, one of the questions I hear most often from students after Class 12 is: “I like designing, but what should I actually study?”
Many students come to me with an interest in apps, websites, graphics, technology and visual creativity. Some have already explored tools such as Figma or Photoshop, while others simply know that they don’t want a conventional career path.
When I ask them whether they have considered a UI UX design course, the next question is usually: “Is UI/UX really a degree, or should I just do a short-term course?”
That is an important question. And if you’re considering design as a career, I would encourage you to understand the difference before making a decision.
What Exactly Is UI UX Design?
UI and UX are related, but they are not the same.
UI, or User Interface Design, focuses largely on how a digital product looks and behaves visually—things such as layouts, typography, colours, icons and interactive elements.
UX, or User Experience Design, goes deeper into how people interact with a product. It involves understanding users, identifying problems, researching behaviours, creating user journeys, developing wireframes and prototypes, and testing whether a product is easy and meaningful to use.
A good UI/UX designer therefore needs more than artistic ability. They need empathy, observation, research, problem-solving and communication skills.
Modern undergraduate UX programs commonly incorporate user research, design thinking, wireframing, prototyping and usability testing.
This is why, as a counselor, I don’t recommend choosing a program simply because you think “I am creative, so UI/UX must be for me.”
Creativity is certainly useful—but curiosity and problem-solving are equally important.
Should You Choose a B.Des in UI UX?
If you are a student who wants to build a serious career in digital design, I would encourage you to look beyond short-term certificates and explore a B.Des in UI UX.
A Bachelor of Design can provide a structured learning journey instead of teaching isolated software skills.
For example, an undergraduate UX curriculum can progress from design fundamentals and visual communication to design thinking, user research, digital wireframing, prototyping and advanced digital experiences.
The advantage is that you learn why something should be designed a certain way, rather than simply learning which buttons to click in a software program.
A B.Des can also give you time to experiment, make mistakes, work on projects and gradually develop a professional portfolio.
And remember: employers don’t simply hire someone because they have completed a degree. Your portfolio, design thinking, practical experience and ability to explain your decisions matter tremendously.
What Should I Look for in a UI UX Design Course?
This is where I advise students to slow down.
When comparing programs, don’t look only at the university name or the number of software tools mentioned in the brochure.
Ask these questions:
1. Does the curriculum go beyond software?
Learning Figma, Adobe tools or other platforms is useful. But software changes constantly.
Your fundamentals should remain.
Look for subjects involving design thinking, visual design, interaction design, user research, prototyping, usability and human-centred design.
2. Will I work on real projects?
Design is a practical discipline.
You should have opportunities to solve problems, create interfaces, conduct research, develop prototypes and receive feedback.
3. Will I graduate with a portfolio?
This is one of the most important questions I ask students.
A portfolio demonstrates how you think—not just what your final design looks like.
4. Does the course include emerging technologies?
Today’s designers increasingly encounter AI, immersive technologies, data-driven experiences, AR and VR. For example, contemporary UX programs are incorporating technologies such as AI, AR and VR alongside traditional UX methods.
So I would look for a curriculum that gives you strong fundamentals while also exposing you to emerging technologies.
How Do You Choose Among the Best Design Colleges in Pune?
Students frequently ask me for a list of the best design colleges in Pune.
My answer is slightly different from what they expect.
Instead of asking only “Which college is number one?”, ask:
“Which college is right for the kind of designer I want to become?”
Pune has several institutions offering design education, including programs with UX/UI and related specialisations.
Compare the curriculum, faculty, studios, project-based learning, industry exposure, internships, portfolio development, facilities and opportunities for interdisciplinary learning.
Also visit the campus if possible.
Talk to current students.
Look at student portfolios.
Ask what students actually create during the program.
Those conversations can tell you much more than a ranking table.
What About the Best Design Colleges in India?
The same principle applies when students start searching for the best design colleges in India.
Don’t choose a college simply because someone calls it “best.”
Design education can vary significantly from one institution to another. Some programs may focus heavily on traditional design foundations, while others may emphasise digital experiences, technology, product design or communication.
Your choice should depend on your interests and career goals.
If you are specifically interested in digital products, for example, look for a program where UX research, interface design, interaction design and prototyping form a meaningful part of the curriculum.
Why I Would Ask Students to Explore Ajeenkya DY Patil University
When students ask me about design education in Pune, Ajeenkya DY Patil University is one institution I would encourage them to research as part of their comparison.
Its School of Design offers a B.Des. User Experience Design (UXD) program focused on human-centred research, interface design, usability testing, prototyping and practical problem-solving. The curriculum also includes areas such as design thinking, digital wireframing, emerging media and technology, and later-stage projects involving XR and data-driven design.
The program also incorporates tools such as Figma, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects, XD, Sketch and Axure RP.
But as a counselor, I would still tell you: don’t choose it simply because I mentioned it.
Research the program yourself.
Look at the curriculum.
Understand the eligibility and selection process.
Explore the kind of projects students work on.
And most importantly, ask yourself whether the learning environment matches your ambitions.
What Can You Do After B.Des in UI UX?
This is another area where students often underestimate the possibilities.
A UI/UX-focused design education can prepare students for roles such as:
- UX Designer
- UI Designer
- User Researcher
- Interaction Designer
- Information Architect
- Usability Analyst
- Product Designer
- Service Designer
- Experience Designer
- UX Strategist
- Design Researcher
UX programs across India identify similar career pathways, including UX research, interaction design, service design and usability roles.
You can potentially work across technology, fintech, healthcare, education, e-commerce, media, gaming and other sectors where digital products and services are being developed.
And you don’t necessarily have to remain a UI designer throughout your career.
With experience, you may move towards product design, design strategy, design research, UX leadership or even entrepreneurship.
My Advice to Students: Don’t Choose Design Just Because It Looks Creative
This is probably the most important advice I give.
When students see beautiful app interfaces and impressive portfolios online, they sometimes assume UI/UX is simply about making things look attractive.
It isn’t.
A designer may spend hours understanding why a user cannot complete a task, researching user behaviour, testing different solutions and redesigning an interface.
There can be plenty of creativity—but there is also research, iteration, criticism and problem-solving.
So, before choosing a UI UX design course, ask yourself:
Do I enjoy understanding people?
Do I like solving problems?
Am I willing to experiment and accept feedback?
Do I enjoy both creativity and technology?
Would I like to design experiences rather than simply create visuals?
If your answer is yes, then a B.Des in UI UX could be worth exploring seriously.
And if you’re currently comparing the best design colleges in Pune or the best design colleges in India, don’t rush to find a single “best” answer.
Find the program that gives you the right foundation, exposure, experiences and opportunities to discover what kind of designer you want to become.
Because as I tell my students, choosing a design degree isn’t just about choosing a college.
It’s about choosing the environment in which your way of thinking as a designer will grow.