In recent years, UX design has become synonymous with sound business practices. Only products that provide a seamless experience for uses will succeed, so the demand for UX designers has been steadily increasing. Read on to find out more about what UX design is and what a UX designer does to discover whether it is a career you want to consider pursuing.
What is UX design?
UX stands for user ‘experience’. It focuses on the interaction between people and everyday products. It is particularly associated with websites, apps, and software, but it can apply to almost any product. In terms of website UX examples, you might consider:
1. Disney+: The landing page clearly shows the brand tagline and Disney’s most popular content in an engaging way for potential subscribers to view.
2. Casumo Casino: With a simple but sophisticated design, the Casumo live casino webpage clearly shows the games players can play in real-time with real-dealers, such as baccarat, roulette and blackjack, to make it easy for potential players to select the game of their choice.
3. Grammarly: The landing page of the popular writing tool’s website immediately tells potential users how it can help and shows a demonstration. Also, with a clear layout and colour scheme, the design conveys Grammarly is a reliable and professional tool.
Ultimately, UX design is about creating products that provide relevant and meaningful experiences to users. That involves the design of entire processes, including elements such as usability, branding and functionality.
What do UX designers do?
UX designers study and evaluate how users feel about a product. They look at things like the perception of the value of a product, its efficiency at performing tasks, its ease of use, and so on. UX designers frequently work with web developers, graphic designers, and user interface designers. Responsibilities of a UX designer include:
- Conducting usability testing.
- Creating prototype products.
- Assisting with content development.
- Analysing user feedback and activity.
- Analysing competitors.
- Creating wireframes, sitemaps, storyboards, and screen flows.
- Consulting with clients to understand their needs and goals.
What skills and qualities do UX designers need?
If you want to become a UX designer, you will need a solid understanding of web technologies and graphic design. You will need to be knowledgeable in wireframing tools like Balsamiq and Axure RP. Wireframes provide a two-dimensional outline of a single screen or web page. You will also need to be skilful in user flows, which are basically flowcharts that visualise the path for developing a product, from entry-point to the final interaction. As a UX designer, you will additionally need to have an excellent grasp of design programs and tools, and have the ability to adapt to new technologies quickly.
You will need to be self-directed but also collaborative and possess excellent communication skills, process-management skills, and time-management skills. You will need to be creative, superb at problem-solving, and have strong organisational skills, too.
It is important to have strong business knowledge, as well. That is because it is essential you understand the goals of the company or individual you work for and the needs of their target audience. You can then align those requirements to come up with design solutions.
What qualifications do you need to become a UX designer?
To become a UX designer, you will typically need to have a bachelor’s degree in a subject like computer science, visual design, web design, product design, digital media, digital marketing, or communications. To be accepted onto a bachelor’s degree course, you will typically need some A-Levels in a relevant subject, or equivalent qualifications. Another option is to do an advanced apprenticeship or a degree apprenticeship. To qualify, you will need four to five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4, including maths and English, or equivalent qualifications.
What is the average salary of a UX designer?
In the UK, UX designers can make between £23,000 and £40,000 per year. They typically work full-time weeks of between 37 and 39 hours.
Conclusion
UX design is a fascinating and highly-satisfying career path that is varied and can take you in many directions. If you have the skills and attributes required to work in the field of UX design, you could embark on a very lucrative and rewarding career.