[FAILED] — My First UX Bootcamp: 5 Lessons Learned (and Why You Should Still Launch Yours!)

I had a dream.

A vision of a haven for aspiring UX warriors, a crucible where raw talent would be forged into digital design champions.

My UX bootcamp, I envisioned, would be a whirlwind of knowledge, collaboration, and transformation.

But, dear reader, as you might have guessed from the title, the universe had other plans. My meticulously crafted curriculum, my vibrant community hub, and my graduates ready to slay UI/UX dragons — they all remained nestled in the realm of “almost.”

Now, before you write me off as a failure, hear me out! Because while my boot camp launch didn’t go as planned, the experience itself was a treasure trove of lessons.

So, grab your virtual campfire marshmallows, because I’m about to share five epic fails that transformed into golden nuggets of wisdom, applicable to any aspiring design educator (including, of course, yourself!).

Lesson #1: The Paid Playground Conundrum:

The internet, bless its open-sourced heart, is overflowing with free UX tutorials. Why, then, should anyone choose my (admittedly awesome) bootcamp? This, I realized, was my Achilles’ heel.

I hadn’t articulated the “why” behind my program.

What secret sauce did I offer?

How did I take people beyond those YouTube basics?

Remember, friends, your unique value proposition is your crown jewel. Polish it, showcase it, and make it shine brighter than a billion pixels!

Lesson #2: Lost in Translation, UX Edition:

My messaging was like a cryptic email from a sleep-deprived designer. Was I talking to newbies lost in the UX jungle or seasoned pros seeking niche skills? I aimed for everyone and landed with no one.

Big mistake! Define your audience like you’re drawing a user journey map. Tell a story that resonates with their specific needs and desires. Show them not just the curriculum, but the transformation they’ll undergo at your bootcamp.

Lesson #3: Show Me the Glow-Up, Not Just the Syllabus:

Sure, my curriculum was a masterpiece (if I do say so myself!), but where was the fun factor? I forgot that people get excited by stories, not boring specs.

Share before-and-afters of past students, paint a picture of the bootcamp’s vibrant energy and make everyone crave a taste of this epic UX metamorphosis. Sell the experience, not just the education.

Lesson #4: Community Counts, Yo!:

I was a lone wolf howling into the digital abyss. No pre-launch buzz, and no connections with other educators or design communities. Missed opportunity alert!

Get out there, network, build hype, and make everyone feel like they’re part of something special. This isn’t just about your bootcamp; it’s about building a movement of passionate UX advocates.

Lesson #5: The Pivot is Your BFF:

Disappointment? Yes.

Defeated? Nah!

Analyzing my near-miss was a goldmine of wisdom.

Maybe a shorter workshop series would be a hit?

Now, some of you might be raising an eyebrow at the “paid bootcamp” aspect of this story. After all, the internet is indeed a buffet of free design resources. And here’s where I have to confess, at first, I didn’t quite nail the message home.

I didn’t clearly articulate the “why” behind my paid program.

Was it just another set of lectures masquerading as a bootcamp?

Absolutely not!

Think of it like this: Imagine your UX journey as a mountain ascent. My bootcamp was designed to be your Sherpa, your guide through the snow and ice, ensuring you reach the summit equipped and empowered. Free tutorials are like helpful trail maps, great for pointing the way.

But wouldn’t you feel more confident with a seasoned guide by your side, pointing out the treacherous paths, sharing survival tips, and celebrating your milestones?

That’s what my bootcamp aimed to be. Yes, it required an investment, but in return, students would receive:

Personalized feedback and mentorship: From seasoned UX professionals, not just online forums.

Deep-dive sessions: Going beyond the basics, tackling real-world projects and refining your skills.

Collaborative atmosphere: Learning from and alongside other aspiring designers, building a support network.

Guaranteed career guidance: Job interview coaching, portfolio building, and connecting with potential employers.

Of course, I understand not everyone is ready for a full-blown mountain climb. That’s why I’m now exploring the idea of a free “UX Kickstart” workshop! Think of it as a base camp before the trek, a taste of the world of UX, and a chance to gauge your appetite for adventure. This workshop would offer:

Now, let’s hear it!

What are your experiences, challenges, and triumphs in the design world?

Share your stories, learn from each other, and let’s grow together! This campfire is big enough for all of us, so grab a seat, and let’s get this conversation fired up!