Also, create a bookmarks folder (or even just a regular folder on your Desktop) just for collecting UX/UI designs that jump out or appeal to you. Either bookmark them, or take a screenshot, and use good, descriptive tags (e.g "Search Results", "Dashboard", etc). Then block out a small amount of time each week(I usually spend like a half hour or so over Sunday morning coffee) to review them; ask yourself why you like the designs/patterns, what appeals to you, why its effective, how could it be more effective etc. You'll start to recognize patterns and develop a sharper eye for effective UX/UI design throughout the web.
Finally, accept and embrace the idea that good UX/UI design is very much an iterative process, it's OK (and actually pretty common) to not get it perfect the first time around.
Comments
There are a ton of good blogs, articles and collections out there, this quora post covers some good ones:
http://www.quora.com/What-are-the-most-influential-UX-design...
Also, create a bookmarks folder (or even just a regular folder on your Desktop) just for collecting UX/UI designs that jump out or appeal to you. Either bookmark them, or take a screenshot, and use good, descriptive tags (e.g "Search Results", "Dashboard", etc). Then block out a small amount of time each week(I usually spend like a half hour or so over Sunday morning coffee) to review them; ask yourself why you like the designs/patterns, what appeals to you, why its effective, how could it be more effective etc. You'll start to recognize patterns and develop a sharper eye for effective UX/UI design throughout the web.
Finally, accept and embrace the idea that good UX/UI design is very much an iterative process, it's OK (and actually pretty common) to not get it perfect the first time around.