How to become An UX Designer

User Experience (UX) is the term given to how people feel when they interact with a system, whether it is a website, web application, or desktop software. A UX Designer uses technical aptitude, visual awareness, and a range of specialist software tools to create accessible, aesthetically appealing, and meaningful applications and sites.

• Information Architect
• Usability Specialist
• UX Consultant
• UX Expert

What do UX Designers do?

A UX Designer would typically need to:

• Design digital products and services, such as websites and mobile apps, for specific target groups and end-users, creating interactive experiences that draw them in and keep them coming back
• Conduct usability testing to study and evaluate how target groups feel about a system in terms of ease of use, and perception of value, utility, and efficiency in performing tasks
• Crunch data, organize information, and understand human behavior as it relates to the project before consulting with clients to understand their goals and explain research results
• Propose and sketch out a range of visual concepts both on paper and using software applications; create user personas, user journeys, wireframes, storyboards, sitemaps, screen flows, and product prototypes
• Analyze user feedback and activity, iterating to enhance the user experience; assist with content development; redesign websites to make them more responsive
• Run workshops for clients and internal stakeholders; conduct competitor and customer analysis
• Update skills and industry knowledge; adapt quickly to new technologies
• Work frequently with user interface (UI) designers, web developers, and graphic designers

Work is usually office-based, at a desk or computer. UX Design is a career that allows for ample freedom in how you dress. You may have to travel to meet clients; occasionally, absence from home at night may be required. Some senior consultancy roles may involve international travel.

More formal environments and consulting work may require a business casual dress code, while startups and product companies may prefer jeans and T-shirts.

Working hours are typically 9 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. or 6.00 p.m., Monday to Friday. You may need to work evenings and occasional weekends to attend events or work on a particular project with short deadlines. Flexible working hours may be available. Part-time work is possible, especially for self-employed contractors.

UX Designers may be self-employed or work in organizations that range from large multinational companies to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). They should make sure their LinkedIn profile is up to date and showcases their range of skills. They should look for employers offering work experience on LinkedIn and create speculative applications.

UX Designers are generally employed by:

• Private Companies
• Government Organizations
• Not-for-Profit Organizations
• Charities
• Companies in Education
• Banking and Financial Services
• Healthcare
• Publishing
• Digital Media & Broadcasting
• Web Development Agency
• Retail
• Telecommunications

Professional associations and organizations are crucial for UX Designers interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more looks excellent on your resume to bolster your credentials and qualifications as a UX Designer.

• Organizational rigidity and management resistance in collaboration
• The release cycle is years, not weeks or months; legacy is the UX debt along with fear of failure
• Users who waste time and energy with questions/assumptions already covered
• The buyer is not the end-user

Relevant work placements, internships with experienced professionals, and integrated placement in the degree program prove useful in gaining experience and developing a network of contacts.

A portfolio with digital design work would effectively showcase your expertise and skills. Gaining proficiency in web design or HTML code design and usability of websites would prove advantageous.

A keen interest in web and application design will help. You will need a degree in computer science, digital design or media, digital marketing, graphic design, or media technology. A relevant undergraduate degree may be less valid if you are self-taught and competent in HTML and software used in UX work or if you have a master’s degree in UX design or related areas such as designing human computers.

UX certification programs offer the perfect balance of experience, education, and networking. They help digital professionals demonstrate their expertise to employers, colleagues, and clients and add credibility to their decisions within the industry.

Voluntary certification is often seen as evidence of an individual’s drive and motivation, giving them a leg up for raises and promotions.

Many UX Designers start as graduate trainees, juniors, or information architects, building up a solid background using software and techniques to create user-friendly websites. After around five years of work experience, they could gain a role as a Senior UX Designer, Head of User Experience, Content Strategist, or UX Design Manager.

Consultants on a self-employed basis earn as much or more than those entering more senior management roles. UX work is an international career with opportunities to work overseas.

Prospects are enhanced when you are willing to relocate.

Most training is done through self-study, learning on the job from more experienced colleagues, online programs, conferences, workshops, and UX industry events. Readiness to learn how to use specialist software and keep your knowledge and skills up to date is important.

Given that it is vital to keep an eye on emerging trends to be one step ahead in terms of design practice and the user's experience, continuing professional development (CPD) of UX Designers is essential. Employers may pay for training and attending conferences or hold their team events such as technology hack days.

Areas of learning may include analysis frameworks, concept development, interaction design, human-computer interaction, product prototyping, project management, qualitative and quantitative user research methods, and usability testing.

Jobs are available internationally for experienced UX Designers. You will collaborate with other Designers, Developers, and Testers, working as a team to complete a project. Short-term contracts are available, often through recruitment agencies.

Forty-eight percent of users get frustrated when a website is not mobile-responsive, and users are five times more likely to leave it if it is not mobile-friendly.

If UI is the saddle, stirrups, and the reins, then UX is the feeling you get riding the horse. UI without UX is like beauty without brains. Not good enough!

There is no single definition of good or bad user experience - UX design generally aims at pleasure, efficiency, and fun. Companies conduct usability tests all the time - the first step in predicting what your customers expect is to know their needs and desires. Dedication and knowing your stats are what you need to improve a website’s user experience.