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Best UX Design Tools 2024: Essential Design Software
You’ve finished a UI/UX course. You know the tools, you've built projects with Figma & other design software in your portfolio, maybe even a joined a design community or woked on a team project.
Yet when you apply for jobs, nothing happens. Recruiters don’t respond, applications disappear, and when an interview does come, it feels like it goes nowhere.
This is not unusual. Many designers are in the same position. They are skilled, hardworking, but stuck. Their portfolios look like everyone else’s. Their projects follow the same tutorials. Employers see hundreds of these, and none stand out.
Mentorship is what changes this. Not another course. Not another template. A mentor is someone who looks at your work and says with clarity, "This part does not prove anything. Let us fix it.” A mentor reveals blind spots, helps you focus on what matters, and reminds you that you are building for outcomes, not just pretty screens.
Free mentorship has become more important than ever in 2025. Bootcamps and certificate programs are expensive. Many designers have already spent money on courses, only to find themselves with no results. They are now asking where to find real guidance without having to pay thousands of dollars. Platforms like ADPList and MentorCruise have become common names. And then there are smaller programs like Mentorix, built for those who need structure and accountability.
Before you compare platforms, you need to understand what free mentorship really means.
What Is Free UX Mentorship and Why It Matters in 2025
Free UX mentorship means access. It is the chance to sit with someone more experienced, ask questions, and get feedback that changes how you see your work. It does not mean unlimited free coaching. It does not mean a promise that you will succeed without effort. It means you are not left to guess on your own.
Free can mean different things depending on the platform. Some platforms connect you with volunteer mentors for short calls. Somegive you a taste of mentorship before asking for payment. Others, like the one I run at Mentorix, offer thirty to forty-five minutes of open conversation where you can ask me anything. These calls are recorded and shared so others can learn too.
This matters more in 2025 because the design job market is noisy. Everyone has Figma files and case studies but not enough evidence that their design work improves business results. Employers want to see outcomes. Free mentorship helps you start bridging that gap even when you cannot pay for full coaching.
Mentorship helps you grow in three clear ways. It shows you what you cannot see in your own portfolio. It gives you practical adjustments you can apply immediately. And it holds you accountable, not through pressure, but through the presence of someone who cares about your progress.
This presence is what you cannot find in YouTube tutorials. It is what turns advice into mentorship, and what transforms uncertainty into confidence.
Marketplace vs Program: Two Models of UX Mentorship
A marketplace is a directory of mentors. You look through profiles, pick someone who seems right for you, and book a session. The quality of your experience depends on who you choose and how well you prepare. The structure is loose and flexible. Platforms like ADPList and MentorCruise follow this model.
A program is different. It is built with a clear start and finish, with milestones and deliverables along the way. You are guided through steps that build into a complete outcome, not just scattered advice. The pace is defined, and accountability is built into the design of the program. Mentorix follows this model.
This distinction matters because the support you need depends on where you are. If you want quick feedback or casual advice, a marketplace gives you variety. If you want portfolio projects that stand out, measurable results, and progress that can be tracked, a program makes that possible.
ADPList: Free UX Mentorship for Quick Fixes
ADPList is a free-to-use mentorship platform where where mentors and mentees connect directly for per session. You browse mentor profiles, book a slot, and meet for a short live session. It also runs community events and group sessions that you can join.
For many new designers, ADPList is the first stop. It gives you quick access to professionals from around the world who are willing to listen and share their experience. You can use it for a portfolio critique, interview preparation, or feedback on a specific slide in a case study.
Typical session length
Most ADPList bookings run about thirty minutes. Community threads and mentor reflections describe 30-minute sessions as the common format, which is enough for one or two focused questions when you prepare well. Designers on Reddit and other forums often point out that the format is best for quick checks rather than in-depth guidance.
ADPList Advance (premium option)
Alongside the free sessions, ADPList now offers a paid upgrade called Advance. Instead of single calls, you can buy multi-session packages directly from mentors. What you pay depends on the mentor you choose, and ADPList explains that the package price is set by each mentor and includes standard processing fees.
Pros
- Free access to a large directory of mentors.
- Fast to book when you need quick feedback.
- Community events create extra learning touchpoints.
Cons
- Quality varies because mentors volunteer and styles differ. Community reports describe mixed experiences.
- Calls are usually one-off, so there is little built-in accountability.
- Thirty minutes is enough for one or two questions, not deep mentorship.
- Because mentors are volunteering their time, some do not treat calls as a priority. It is not unusual for mentors to miss a session or cancel at the last minute, leaving mentees disappointed. This happens because the incentive is limited, mentors are giving time without direct gain.
Checklist: how to get the most out of a 30-minute call
- You have to know exactly what you want to gain from the call before you book.
- Prepare two precise questions that matter right now.
- Ask for three concrete changes you can apply today.
- Confirm one next step you will complete within a week.
- Send a short follow-up note with what you changed.
Best for
Beginners and early-stage designers who need quick portfolio or interview feedback at no cost.
MentorCruise: Paid UX Mentorship Marketplace
MentorCruise is a marketplace where you browse mentor profiles, pick someone who matches your goals, and subscribe on a monthly plan. Pricing is set by each mentor. Plans are listed in USD and charged monthly.
Most mentors may price between about $50 and $400 per month,depending on their skills, background in UX, product, or tech industry experience. Public reviews and roundups place typical plans in this range, with higher tiers offering more live time and faster responses.
Hidden fee you should know about
MentorCruise applies a minimum platform fee of 20 dollars on subscriptions. Their help center gives a direct example. If a mentor lists a 50 dollar plan, the mentee is actually charged 70 dollars. That is a 28 percent take at the low end because of the 20 dollar minimum.
MentorCruise Pricing and Session Structure
- Listed mentor price: 50 dollars per month
- MentorCruise minimum fee added: 20 dollars
- Total charged to mentee: 70 dollars
- Card processing fees and currency conversion can also affect the final amount, especially if you pay from outside the US.
Pros
- Ongoing access to a named mentor over time.
- A wide variety of mentors across design, product, and engineering.
- Useful for building momentum when you can commit monthly time and budget.
Cons
- Cost adds up, and the minimum platform fee makes the lowest tiers less affordable than they first appear.
- Session length and response times vary by mentor. You must confirm the inclusions. Third-party reviews describe a wide range of experiences.
- Inclusions are not standardized. Some plans focus on async messaging with very little live time. You need clarity before you subscribe.
Checklist: what to confirm before subscribing
- How many live sessions are included per month, and how many minutes per session.
- Typical response time for messages during the week.
- What is reviewed each month, for example portfolio pages, interview prep, client proposals.
- Cancellation rules and how pauses or reschedules are handled.
- The full monthly charge you will see on your card, including the 20 dollar platform fee and any card or FX costs if you pay in another currency.
Best for
Mid-level professionals who want consistent guidance from the same mentor and can budget for a monthly subscription.
Mentorix: Structured programs that fix what UI/UX courses skip
Mentorix is not a marketplace. It is built as a structured path you follow. You enroll in a program designed to fill exactly what typical courses miss: proof of impact, client system, and accountability.
Platform overview and what Mentorix actually does
If you finished a course on Udemy, Coursera, or a bootcamp and now you’re stuck, Mentorix was built for you. Your portfolio looks like every other course project, recruiters ghost you, and you can’t prove your work moves the needle. Mentorix shows you how to fix that with hands-on projects, regular mentor sessions, and client-getting systems.
4 programs
Program 1 — Portfolio Building (₦5,000, 21 days): Build 3 real portfolio projects that don’t look like everyone else’s course projects. Example deliverables: an e-commerce checkout redesign case study, a complete design system. Fast, focused, and designed to get interviews.
Program 2 — 1-on-1 Mentorship (₦25,000 for 1 month & ₦65,000 for 3 months): As a mentee, you get deep, hands-on mentoring. This is where Mentorix is different: you learn actual UX research (not just pretty screens), UX strategy tied to business strategy (how design choices affect revenue and conversions), and how to make bold, measurable promises. e.g., "I can get you 10 sales daily" and actually deliver them. You also learn personal branding, positioning so you can charge premium rates, AI and no-code to stay relevant, and how to build the confidence that gets you hired and paid. Regular sessions, task checklists, and mentor feedback until you can show measurable results.
Program 3 — Client Acquisition (₦100,000): A step-by-step system for freelancers (not just designers) to get steady clients without begging or buying connects on Upwork or waiting for referrals.
Most freelancers chase clients with cold DMs and job boards, but they still get ignored. The real reason is lack of clarity. When your offer is vague, people hesitate or walk away. When your offer is sharp and tied directly to what they need, it feels foolish to say no.
In this program, I help you craft that kind of offer. Together we uncover what decision-makers actually want, how to position yourself as the only solution for them right now, and how to package your skills in a way that commands premium rates.
From there, you learn exactly where to find the right people, how to reach out without sounding desperate or salesy, and what to say so the conversation doesn’t go cold. You are not left guessing with generic templates, you build a repeatable system that brings in steady clients because your offer itself does the heavy lifting.
Program 4 — Free Mentorship. Monthly 1-on-1 Calls: For those who can’t pay yet but need guidance, Mentorix runs a free mentorship offer. If you’re on the email list, you can book a one-on-one call (30 - 45 mins) with a Mentorix mentor every month at no cost. You bring your questions, struggles, or portfolio problems, and we help you live.
Every call is recorded and shared publicly so others can learn from the answers too. This way, you still get direct mentorship while others benefit from seeing real questions solved. It’s designed for people who want the help but are not ready to pay for a full program yet.
Deliverables & Unique Value
- Every mentee finishes each program with tangible case studies you can show to employers or clients.
- Recordings of your one-on-one calls so you don’t miss advice, and so others can learn from your questions and my responses.
- Local relevance: examples and case studies suited to both global and Nigeria’s product market, payment systems, and hiring environment.
- Stable NGN pricing helps you avoid unpredictable USD conversion charges and bank fees.
Pros:
- One-on-one feedback in every program (not group-only, not generic).
- Mentorship is adapted to each person’s goals.
- Recorded sessions = accountability + reference.
- Programs force clarity and measurable outcomes.
Cons:
- Not a casual feedback tool. If you only want quick opinions or portfolio checks, it can feel “heavy.”
- Requires commitment, you can’t just show up once and expect results.
Checklist: How to Get the Most from Mentorix
- Pick the right program for your stage: Portfolio (if you need case studies), 1-on-1 Mentorship (if you want deep skills + clarity), Client Acquisition (if you want clients). If you're unsure, reach out to me via my LinkedIn and drop a DM
- Show up prepared: bring your real struggles, ghosted applications, confusing portfolio, or unclear client offers.
- Do the tasks: every session ends with clear deliverables (case study drafts, research notes, outreach messages).
- Use the recordings: rewatch sessions to refine your work and track your progress.
- Engage with the free mentorship if you can’t pay yet, book a monthly call and learn from the recordings.
- Commit to clarity: focus on building offers and case studies that make people feel “stupid saying no.”
Best for
Designers who have completed courses but still struggle to land interviews or paid work. Builders who need a system and not just advice.
ADPList vs MentorCruise vs Mentorix: Direct Feature Comparison
Short version: ADPList is for quick checks, MentorCruise is for ongoing paid mentor relationships, and Mentorix is for designers who finished courses and need a program that forces portfolio work, measurable results, and clients.
| Feature | ADPList | MentorCruise | Mentorix |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Marketplace (volunteer mentors) | Marketplace (paid mentors, subscription-based) | Structured Programs (portfolio, 1-on-1 mentorship, client acquisition) |
| Cost | Free (with optional paid ADPList Advance) | $50–$400/month + $20 platform fee (min) | Free, ₦5,000 (Portfolio), ₦65,000 (Mentorship), ₦100,000 (Client Acquisition) |
| Session Format | 30-min calls (one-off) | Depends on mentor: async + monthly/weekly calls | Weekly/biweekly structured 1-on-1 calls + deliverables, recordings, templates |
| Accountability | None (one-off sessions) | Varies by mentor, no guarantees | High: task lists, structured deadlines, recorded calls, follow-up reviews |
| Mentor Quality | Varies (open volunteer base) | Mentor-dependent (UX, PM, engineers, etc.) | Focused mentors trained on UX-business outcomes + Global & Nigerian market relevance |
| Resources | Limited, mostly live feedback | Varies (depends on mentor) | Templates, case-study formats, outreach playbooks, call recordings |
| Best For | Early designers needing fast feedback | Mid-level professionals with budget for growth | Course graduates stuck after training, or freelancers needing client systems |
Which UX Mentorship Platform Fits Your Career Stage
Choosing the right mentorship option depends less on the features and more on where you are in your design career. Each platform has strengths, but they serve different stages.
For beginners and career switchers
ADPList is the safest starting point. It’s free, flexible, and gives you a chance to talk with real designers without committing money. If you’re still learning the basics, or just need a quick opinion on your portfolio or resume, 30-minute calls are usually enough to move you forward.
For mid-level professionals
MentorCruise is best if you already have some experience and want a named mentor to keep you accountable. You get to choose someone who matches your role, product, UX, or engineering, and work with them month to month. It works well for steady career guidance, leadership development, or sharpening your craft when you can budget for it.
For course graduates who feel stuck
Mentorix was built for this exact stage. If you’ve finished a course and your portfolio looks like every other template project, Mentorix helps you build case studies that show business impact. With structured programs, regular 1-on-1 sessions, and deliverables, it’s designed to move you from “ghosted applications” to interviews, offers, or paying clients.
For freelancers and independent designers
Both MentorCruise and Mentorix can help, but in different ways. MentorCruise gives you mentors who can guide you on pitching, pricing, and freelancing habits. Mentorix goes deeper with its client acquisition program, where you learn to craft a clear offer, reach out to potential clients the right way, and close deals at premium rates.
The Nigerian Context — Why Local Matters
Most mentorship guides talk about payments in dollars, but that doesn’t reflect the reality of designers in Nigeria. Paying internationally often adds hidden costs that make a plan two or three times more expensive than it looks.
- FX conversion is unpredictable: A $100/month MentorCruise plan can reach ₦180,000–₦200,000 once conversion and fees are added. Rates shift monthly, so budgeting is uncertain.
- NGN pricing is stable: Mentorix charges in Naira. ₦65,000 stays ₦65,000, with no hidden fees.
- Local market knowledge: Mentorix mentors understand Nigerian product challenges (like payment flows, infrastructure) and what international clients expect when hiring from here.
- Timezone overlap: Calls happen in Nigerian time, not at 2 a.m. This makes consistency easier.
- Proven local results: Nigerian mentees have moved from ghosted applications to steady freelance work or product design roles within months.
Pricing Analysis: What You Actually Get for Your Money
When you’ve already spent money on a course, the real question isn’t “what does it cost?” but “what do I get in return?”
ADPList: Free, with optional upgrade
ADPList’s mentorship is free — 30-minute calls with volunteer mentors. They also offer ADPList Advance, a paid tier with longer sessions and follow-up.
MentorCruise: $50–$400/month, plus fees
MentorCruise pricing depends on the mentor. Plans start at $50, but a $20 minimum platform fee means you actually pay $70. Senior mentors charge $300–$400/month, which can exceed ₦600,000 once FX and bank fees are added.
Mentorix: Flat NGN pricing
Mentorix charges in Naira, so costs are stable and predictable. Programs include:
- ₦5,000 — Portfolio (21 days)
- ₦65,000 — 1-on-1 Mentorship (3 months)
- ₦100,000 — Client Acquisition
Each program comes with deliverables (case studies, outreach systems, research-backed work) and recorded sessions for review. You know exactly what you’ll complete by the end.
ROI Checklist
- Did you get interviews or client calls?
- Did your portfolio show measurable results?
- Did you land work that covered the cost?
- Can you reuse the skills/templates again?
If yes to most of these, the program paid for itself.
Conclusion: Making Your Final Choice
You’ve seen the differences clearly now:
- ADPList = free, quick checks. Good for fast feedback or sanity checks.
- MentorCruise = paid, ongoing guidance. Best for mid-level professionals who can budget for steady growth.
- Mentorix = structured programs with clear deliverables. Built to help you finish projects, prove impact, and land jobs or clients. Sessions are recorded so you can rewatch and apply feedback.
- If you have no portfolio yet or your portfolio looks like every other course project → Build 3 real case studies and your portfolio in just 21 days.
- If you’re tired of ghosted applications and need skills that tie design to business results and you need to build confidence, learn real UX research, and show business impact→ commit to the Mentorix 1-on-1 Mentorship.
- If you want clients who pay premium rates without begging or buying connects on Upwork → choose the Mentorix Client Acquisition Program.
- If you only want cheap, one-off feedback or community events: use ADPList for quick sessions (~30 minutes).
- If you want ongoing coaching from a specific senior m entor and can pay monthly: browse MentorCruise and confirm session counts and response times with the mentor.
Before paying, ask two questions:
- What deliverables will I finish, and when?
- Can you show proof that graduates got jobs or clients?
If the answer is vague, it’s not worth your money.
FAQ
Is ADPList mentorship really free?
Yes. ADPList’s core mentorship is 100% free — you can book 30-minute calls with volunteer mentors without paying. They also offer ADPList Advance, a paid upgrade with longer sessions and follow-up.
Can I become a UX designer with free mentorship alone?
Free mentorship is a great start, but it’s not enough to build a full career. Platforms like ADPList can give you quick feedback, but you’ll still need structured practice, case studies, and accountability to stand out in the job market.
Is 30 too late to become a UX designer?
Not at all. Many successful UX designers transitioned in their 30s, 40s, or later. What matters is clarity, practice, and showing work that proves business impact, not just your age.
Can I learn UX in 3 months?
You can learn the basics in 3 months, but becoming hire-ready usually takes longer. Structured mentorship programs shorten the path by helping you apply skills to real projects instead of just watching lessons.
Can UX designers really make $200k?
What are the main differences between ADPList vs MentorCruise vs Mentorix?
- ADPList = free volunteer mentors and quick 30-minute checks.
- MentorCruise = paid mentors you work with month-to-month for ongoing advice.
- Mentorix = three structured programs (portfolio, 1-on-1 mentorship, client acquisition) that teach what courses skip so you can get hired or land paying clients.
How do I choose the best UX mentorship platform for my needs?
Match the platform to your problem:
- Need quick feedback → ADPList.
- Want a named mentor and ongoing coaching → MentorCruise.
- Finished a course but can’t get hired → Mentorix (pick the right program for portfolio work, deep mentoring, or client acquisition).
What is the pricing structure for each platform?
- ADPList: free, with a paid upgrade option for longer sessions.
- MentorCruise: mentor-priced, typically $50–$400 per month, plus a $20 minimum platform fee.
- Mentorix: flat program fee in NGN — Portfolio Building ₦5,000 (21 days), 1-on-1 Mentorship ₦65,000 (3 months), Client Acquisition ₦100,000.
Do these platforms guarantee jobs?
No platform can promise every person a job. Mentorix reports that most students who finish their programs get hired or land a client within four months but outcomes depend on your commitment. You can choose to confirm this before you join.
Can I use these platforms on mobile?
Yes. ADPList and MentorCruise both support mobile booking and calls. Mentorix supports mobile calls too, but you’ll want desktop for editing case studies and using templates.
How do platforms match mentors and mentees?
- ADPList & MentorCruise: you browse profiles and pick a mentor.
- Mentorix: mentors are assigned based on your goals and experience, so you get structured support and follow-up.
Are there hidden fees I should watch for?
Yes. On USD-priced platforms, watch out for currency conversion, bank charges, and platform fees. For example, a $50 MentorCruise plan can cost $70 after fees. Mentorix’s NGN fee avoids this, so you know exactly what you’ll pay.
I finished a course what should I do next?
- Build three real case studies that show business impact (Mentorix Portfolio Program helps here).
- Learn to pitch and reach out to clients with confidence (Mentorix Client Acquisition Program).
- Use 1-on-1 mentorship to run real UX research and prove results in interviews (Mentorix Mentorship Program or a dedicated MentorCruise mentor).