Our latest toolkit is all about the ins and outs of being a UX Designer. Take a look below:
What is a UX Designer?
UX (short for User Experience) Designers are responsible for enhancing user satisfaction by improving the usability, accessibility, and pleasure a customer derives in interacting with a product. UX Designers often work with other departments such as the product team and other stakeholders to gather and define UX requirements, create and implement UX designs, and contribute to product strategy.
What skills do UX Designers need?
UX Designers should be able to design user flows and sitemaps. Understanding UX applications such as Sketch, Photoshop, Illustrator, OmniGraffle, Axure, UXPin, and Indesign, plus knowledge of HTML/CSS is highly recommended. Familiarity with e-commerce, mobile, web apps, content strategy, wireframing, and interactive prototyping is also important. To work as a UX Designer one must possess strong problem-solving skills and independent self-direction, paired with a willingness for team collaboration and open communication. This means your presentation, interpersonal, and analytical skills, (including the ability to explain complex design concepts across different audiences) must be very strong. UX Designers should be able to identify customer requirements and problems while working with Visual Designers to create high quality mockups.
What experience do UX Designers need?
A well-seasoned UX professional knows the design process back and forth, which comes from years of hands-on experience and probably a 2-4 year interactive design degree. You can also gain experience through taking professional development classes on your own such as UX Bootcamps or Certification courses; you can even offer free pro-bono work to get the experience you need. There are plenty of ways to master UX design!
What are hiring managers looking for in UX Design talent?
First and foremost, hiring managers look for a UX Designer who has a strong interest in the design and development of engaging user experiences. You want to come prepared with a portfolio including detailed case studies of past projects. Candidates who have a deep understanding of brand standards and style guide and know how to apply these to the visual design of the product is being developed will stand out. As previously mentioned, UX Designers have an extremely collaborative role, so companies want someone who can work effectively in cross-functional teams.
How to succeed as a UX Designer:
A strong UX Designer must be an expert in best practices for web-based information architecture and design. Work will most likely take place in a fast-paced environment so you will need to be able to adapt quickly and effectively in order to succeed. User experience involves predicting what consumers want and how they think, so having an understanding of human psychology will take you far. Looking for a job as a UX Designer? Browse our openings today. Click here to access our free Job Toolkit for everything you need to know about today’s most in-demand jobs.