How to become a UX Designer

What does a UX Designer do?

Not satisfied with how things around you work? Enjoy puzzles? Comic sans not your type? You should become a UX Designer…UX (User Experience) Designers use various forms of user testing and an in-depth knowledge of visual design to create, modify, and improve the overall look and feel of computer interfaces, taking into account both functionality and aesthetics.Their aim is to make each stage of a user’s journey logical and easy to navigate, in order to generate a positive human-computer interaction – whether it’s via a computer, TV, mobile phone, or tablet.There are typically three types of UX Designers, all focusing on different aspects of design and covering a range of disciplines. These include Interaction Designers, Information Designers, and Visual Designers.General duties for a UX Designer could include:

• Discussing requirements with clients and lead designers
• Carrying out market/user research and testing
• Finding effective ways to incorporate new features into an interface
• Suggesting possible changes or improvements with the user in mind
• Supporting and presenting ideas and scenarios with storyboards, wireframes, and user modelling personas
• Using design software such as Photoshop, Dreamweaver, Illustrator, InVision etc.
• Keeping up-to-date with trends in interaction design and technology

Is a career as a UX Designer right for me?

Aside from a working knowledge of design software and user-centred methodologies, a UX Designer will also need to be able to demonstrate excellent drawing skills and an ability to conceptualise ideas effectively.Because of the user-focussed nature of the role, you’ll additionally need to be intuitive and able to figure out what people want out of a product. This requires skills in researching and usability testing, along with a knowledge of core psychology principles.A UX Designer will also need to have:

• Project management skills
• Self-motivation
• An ability to communicate in written, spoken, and visual forms
• Excellent team working abilities
• Skills in time management and meeting deadlines
• A good attention to detail
• An ability to solve problems effectively