UX design is among the top growing careers in the world today. Currently, the UX market value stands at $19.2 billion. It is expected to grow with a compound annual growth rate of 39.2% by 2028. This means the demand for UX professionals is high since many companies now invest in product design.
A good UX design is vital during web development. Thus, companies should hire UX designers with the knowledge, skills, and experience to create interactive products.
However, it is imperative to understand the different job titles and career levels to guide you in pursuing a suitable UX role.
Let us explore some of the job titles and the career journey of a UX designer from an intern to a lead designer.
UX Researcher
The UX researchers gather relevant consumer information to help the designers make impactful decisions during the development process.
The research exercise is vital in identifying the target users, their needs, and expectations. The research experts must also identify issues that might cause friction when a user interacts with the product. Apart from collecting information, the researchers also assist in improving design mockups.
Below are some of the routine tasks:
• Carry out user research exercises using appropriate methods.
• Evaluate consumer data and create proposals.
• Present conclusions to the design team.
• Conduct usability tests.
User experience researchers must be effective communicators, problem solvers, and analytical thinkers.
UX Designer
UX designers create products that are accessible with exceptional user experiences. Your role as a designer is to ensure customers enjoy interacting with the final product because of well-thought-out designs. These professionals must be proficient in visual design, branding, research, and information architecture.
Here are the essential responsibilities:
• Planning user research.
• Analyze and define user problems.
• Create reports, user personas, and journey maps.
• Prototyping and wireframing.
• Conduct user testing exercise.
To excel in this role, you must have empathy, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking skills. Apart from creativity, solving user problems is crucial in creating seamless experiences.
UX Writer
UX writers are among the critical employees that play important roles in product design. Their main task is writing microcopy that goes into the products. Effective copy helps consumers to navigate easily.
Here are some tasks to expect as a UX writer:
• Participate in user research.
• Evaluate a product’s performance metrics to write effective copy.
• Craft short and engaging copy that aligns with the brand’s objectives.
• Collaborate with the development team.
Product Designer
Product designers are the ultimate decision-makers in a design project. From brainstorming to delivery, the product expert handles the entire project. A product designer aims to develop pleasant web products for the consumers while maintaining the brand’s identity.
Here are some responsibilities:
• Manage the design projects.
• Plan and execute user research.
• Update clients and stakeholders on the product’s progress.
• Develop exceptional user experiences.
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UX Design Career Levels
UX design is not a homogeneous profession; it has many subdivisions and career stages you can explore during your professional employment.
UX Design Intern
After completing UX degree courses or boot camps, students usually enrol for internships to apply their knowledge and skills. UX design interns don’t need work experience to join the internship programs.
An intern should understand the UX process and have skills in several design tools. Not forgetting a portfolio with projects that demonstrate design principles.
Some duties and responsibilities to expect as an intern include working with the UX design team to create exceptional products, collecting user data, assisting in design decisions, and participating in usability tests.
As interns, individuals who start in the UX design field get to understand the process of creating user-friendly customer experiences. A successful internship allows UX students to focus on the right field.
Junior UX Designer
Junior designers are above interns and work mostly in entry-level positions. Most companies need designers with a minimum experience of 0-4 years in the field. Juniors usually work under mid-level and senior designers. Thus, they must report back after completing assigned tasks.
The senior design experts offer guidance on executing different tasks since the entry-level employees are new and learning the ropes. Therefore, it is an exciting level to learn from the UX gurus as the juniors grow their careers in the right direction.
Junior designers should be able to collaborate with the team members, solve design problems, and complete tasks as per agreed deadlines.
Mid-level UX Designer
Mid-level designers are ranked higher on the career ladder compared to junior designers. At this level, the designers should be competent in several UX branches. Even though they work under a senior designer, they are more responsible for design decisions.
To land this position, one needs to have at least 4-6 years of experience with proficiency in UX design tools and user interface patterns.
Mid-level designers are more experienced and take up more tasks while collaborating with the entire development team.
Senior UX Designer
Senior UX designers are at the management level with more responsibilities. These professionals manage and guide the mid-level and junior designers throughout the design process.
This career level requires an individual to have around 6-10 years of experience in the industry. One must have impressive communication skills since the role entails reporting back to stakeholders and clients about the design.
In addition, such experts must tackle several design projects since they understand the processes better.
UX Lead Designer
UX lead designers are also known as product designers, who are top-level employees in the UX field. The lead experts are tasked with managing design projects while guiding the team on the direction of the design processes. Besides managing the team, the lead designer ensures timely project deliveries to the clients.
An individual requires ten years of experience to get a lead role. Since it is a top-management position, effective communication and problem-solving skills are a must-have.
Conclusion
Starting your UX career might seem easy, but you must continue to learn if you want to scale up the ladder to a top position. Ensure you stay updated on the industry’s latest user experience design trends while improving your communication skills.
UX design is all about creating experiences that delight the consumers. Thus, be willing to explore new ideas and find the role that suits your skill set and passion.