Are you considering a career in UX (user experience) design but want to learn more about the field before making any professional changes? With our digital economy and fast-evolving technology, there is no better time than now to make the switch into a career like UX design.
The UX design industry is anticipated to grow by 17% through 2030, which is considerably higher than the average growth of all other occupations. This will result in around 17,900 new job openings each year in this field, showcasing how lucrative this industry can be for those with the proper training and experience. This career guide will cover each important area of UX design including the required training, responsibilities, and average salary for this type of role.
What Does a UX Designer do?
UX design is the process of creating products, websites, and services that are functional and accessible for users. Essentially, this means that UX designers are concerned with customer experience functions such as finding information, the ability to complete tasks quickly, and ease of use. These professionals have a focus on how user-friendly a product or website is for users and work to ensure the customer experience is positive.
Some of the daily responsibilities of a UX designer are:
- User research and testing
- Developing wireframes and prototypes
- Assisting with content development
- Installing system shortcuts
- Developing personas and usage scenarios
- Incorporating feedback and usage metrics to enhance user experience
What is the Difference Between a UX Designer and UI Designer?
It’s not uncommon for UX and UI designers to be grouped together, but there are key differences between these two roles. Many people use these terms interchangeably, not realizing that those who work in these roles have different tasks and project goals. Both of these positions deal with web development and product design, but their area of focus and method of application differs greatly.
- UX focuses on the experience a user has while UI focuses on interactions based on aesthetics
- UX creates functionality, UI creates a visually appealing interface
- UX measures efficiency and overall experience while UI measures look and function
What Type of Training Does a UX Designer Need?
There are several different training routes available for those who want to start a career in UX design, each with its own unique set of benefits and drawbacks. Some people prefer getting their educational training with a four-year degree, but this is not the only way to make a career switch into creative design. One time and cost-effective way to learn the fundamental skills of UX design is with UX design certificate classes or a UX design bootcamp.
A 2019 survey from Nielsen Norman Group revealed that many professionals do not hold traditional college degrees, which “suggests that the field still values experience and soft skills over formal education.” The research from this survey also states that “the majority of the hiring-manager respondents mentioned a good portfolio as a key element in their hiring process.” This is another solid example of how gaining real-world experience and building a solid portfolio that showcases unique soft skills can help with career opportunities as much as a traditional college degree.
Skills Needed for UX Design
There are a variety of hard and soft skills needed to secure and excel in a UX design role. While some of these key skills are taught during formal training, it may be helpful if individuals are naturally creative or artistically inclined, but many of the skills needed to work as a digital designer can be learned through dedicated studying and consistently working to improve technique.
Some of the important skills needed for UX design include:
- Wireframing and prototyping
- Visual communication
- Graphic design principles
- Information architecture
- User research
- Understanding of coding/web development
Some of the software needed for UX design includes:
Average Salary of a UX Designer
The salary for a UX designer will vary depending on physical location, overall experience in the field, and the type of employment. Indeed cites the national average salary for UX designers to be $89,087, though this number increases to over $100,000 for those with over 5 years of experience. Some of the highest-paid UX designers are located in areas such as New York City, Austin, Texas, and Redmond, Washington.
It’s important to note that these reported salaries are for UX designers in traditional employment roles. Freelance UX designers' salaries can fluctuate, though it’s common for professionals in these roles to exceed the average national income. This is because freelancers tend to have more control over how much work they take on at once, their overall availability, and how fast they are able to reach their professional goals.
Software and Continued Education
While it’s not a requirement for UX designers to take continuing education courses once they secure a position, it is extremely helpful for creative professionals to stay current in their practices and software knowledge. The software and applications used in UX design update rapidly and it may be hard for those working in the field daily to pick up on these changes. One of the best ways to ensure your skills are up to date is to sign up for a live online graphic design bootcamp from a provider like Noble Desktop.
Bootcamp courses are an excellent choice for those who are new to the field and those that have worked in UX design. This is due to the immersive curriculum and focuses on vital industry software that is learned through hands-on projects. One major benefit of choosing a live online graphic design bootcamp is the ability to learn remotely. This is often a major perk for those who currently work full-time in the field and need flexibility when it comes to class schedules and commuting.
If you are looking for an easy and cost-effective way to gain experience in the UX design field, try searching for graphic design bootcamps in your area using Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me tool. This will show you all of the options available close to your location, as well as live online classes.