Struggling with UI/UX for Side Projects... Anyone Else?

Hey everyone, I really enjoy backend dev but I’ve been exploring a lot of web development lately. The thing is, whenever I try to do side projects to build up my portfolio, I end up getting stuck on the UI/UX. It’s like I can’t help but obsess over it—whether it’s not “perfectly responsive” or something just feels off. I waste hours on a simple ToDo app layout, and when it comes to more complex stuff (like a battleship game with features), it’s 10 times more painful, even though I know how to handle websockets and all that backend magic.

I actually like working on the frontend, but I feel like I need someone to hand me Figma files even for personal projects. :sweat_smile:

Does anyone else struggle with this, or am I just overthinking it?

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Dude, I feel you. My solution? Keep it as simple as possible. Sometimes, you don’t need a super fancy UI for side projects—just focus on functionality. As long as it works and isn’t a total eyesore, it’s good enough for a portfolio. Trust me, clients care more about what the app does than how pixel-perfect it is!

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I used to struggle with this too! Honestly, try using pre-made UI kits or templates. There’s no shame in that. You can find free ones online that give you a good starting point. Plus, you’ll save time and not feel like you’re drowning in endless UI tweaks.

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UI/UX is its own beast. The more you do it, the better you’ll get. I used to hate doing frontend because I sucked at it, but after forcing myself to stick with it, it got easier. Maybe spend some time just practicing basic designs or watching tutorials before diving into complex apps.

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If you like the idea of having Figma files, why not learn how to make your own? There are tons of free resources to help you get started, and practicing on Figma will improve your design skills over time. Plus, it gives you full control over your projects.