what is a UX designer?

UX is short for 'user experience'. As a UX designer, you are responsible for crafting project elements that users will interact with directly. Examples include an app's user interface or a web page's front end. UX design is all about creating products that are easy and enjoyable to use. UX designers play a crucial role in the development of digital products.

You are responsible for a user's overall experience when interacting with a product. You implement research and user feedback to design interfaces that are easy to navigate and visually appealing. Another important aspect of your role is ensuring the product is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities or who speak different languages.

To become a UX designer, you typically need a degree or certification in a related field, such as graphic design or computer science. It's also important to have a solid understanding of UX design principles and proficiency in the design tools used in this profession.

Does the prospect of being a UX designer appeal to your creative side and desire to help others? If so, read to find out what skills and competencies you need to succeed in this role.

 

UX designer roles
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average ux designer salary

According to Payscale, the average salary of a UX designer is ₹606,923 per year. Entry-level positions for UX designers pay around ₹255,000 per year. At the other end of the scale, the highest earners in the field can make as much as ₹20,00,000 per year. Salaries in this profession can also include bonuses and profit-sharing agreements.

factors that affect a ux designer's pay

UX design is a growing field, and as demand for skilled professionals increases, so does your earning potential. Several factors can affect your pay. One such factor that can make a big difference when first starting in this profession is education. The higher your level of education in related fields, the higher your potential starting salary.

After qualifications, your experience is the most significant factor in your potential pay. Of course, when first starting out in the industry, you do not have much—if any—experience. As a mid-level UX designer, you have three to five years of experience. Your areas of expertise are also relevant. Competency in a range of platforms means you can negotiate a higher salary than if you are only comfortable with one or two.

woman sitting at desktop
woman sitting at desktop
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types of ux designer

UX design is a multidisciplinary field, and there are many different areas of specialism within the field, each with its specific areas of expertise. Here are some of the most common types of UX designers:

  • ux generalist: a UX generalist has a broad range of skills across many areas of UX design. In this role, you work on everything from user research to visual and interaction design.
  • interaction designer: as an interaction designer, you focus on designing how users interact with a digital product. You work on everything from creating intuitive navigation to designing a seamless user flow.
  • visual designer: you are responsible for the look and feel of a product. You work on typography, colour schemes, and creating a consistent visual language across the product.
  • user researcher: as the name suggests, user researchers conduct research to better understand the needs and behaviours of a product's users. You then use this information to inform the design process and ensure that the product is user-friendly.
  • information architect: as an information architect, you work on the structure and organisation of information within a digital product. You create sitemaps, wireframes, and other diagrams to help designers and developers understand the layout of a product.
  • content strategist: this role focuses on creating the content for a digital product. You ensure that the language used is clear, concise, and easy to understand and that it aligns with the product's overall design.
  • accessibility designer: accessibility designers ensure that a digital product is accessible to users with disabilities. You work on creating alternative text for images and ensuring that the product can be used with assistive technology like screen readers.
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working as a UX designer

The specific duties of a UX designer include the following:

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education and skills

Some of the academic qualifications for UX designers include:

  • 12 standard education: no formal qualifications are considered essential for becoming a UX designer. However, most—if not all—employers will look for at least a 12-standard education in a related stream, such as science.
  • bachelor's degree: a degree in UX and graphics design or computer applications is not essential, but will significantly improve your chances of being hired. It will also enhance your earning potential in your first few years in the industry.
  • design certifications: the most important qualifications for a UX designer are certifications related to the disciplines and platforms you work with. These certifications typically take much less time to obtain than a degree.

UX designer skills and competencies

Some of the qualities of a UX designer include:

  • user research: UX designers are skilled in conducting user research to better understand the needs and behaviours of a product's users. You create user personas, conduct surveys and usability tests, and analyse user feedback.
  • interaction design: interaction design is the process of designing how users interact with a digital product. You are skilled at creating intuitive, user-friendly interactions aligned with users' needs.
  • collaboration: collaboration is a key skill in your toolkit as you work as part of a larger team that includes other designers, developers, and stakeholders. You can collaborate effectively with others, receive and provide feedback, and work on designs based on input from others.
  • communication: strong communication skills are essential for you to communicate complex design concepts to a wide range of audiences, from developers to stakeholders.
man and woman in office having a discussion
man and woman in office having a discussion
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FAQs about working as a UX designer

Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a UX designer.

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