UX Designer

A User Experience (UX) Designer has strong teamwork and communication skills as well as an understanding of digital design and web design. If this sounds like a career pathway, you’re interested in pursuing UX Design could be for you. Experience the journey of a UX Designer in this video interview with Islington resident Medua Okonta and explore further career information below.

What do UX Designers do? 

UX (User Experience) Designers create accessible and well-designed websites and applications that are easy to use. They ensure that user experience the key part of each project they work on and are involved in the design of digital products and services. They work with other team members to ensure that the website, app or product meets the brief, they also meet with clients, translate prototypes and wireframes, interpret data and spend time testing out designs. Similar roles include UI (User Interaction) Designer, Usability Tester and UX Researcher.  

Soft skills:  

• Problem solving  
  Empathetic and Inquisitive  
• Logical and research driven  
• Creativity    
• Collaboration    
• Innovation     
• Communication    

Hard skills:  

• An interest in and knowledge of coding basics and software development – HTML, CSS and Java Script  
• Design skills, knowledge of Adobe Suite software and usage to a high standard  
• Familiarity with UX and UI design tools such as Sketch, Figma, Adobe XD  
• UX Design, creating user flows, wireframes, and interactive prototypes.    
• Ability to be empathetic with the customer to understand their needs and what they want from the product 
• Interest in learning new skills and software's and commitment to constantly updating knowledge   

Typical progression pathway  

The career path of a UX Designer typically begins with entry-level positions and internships and Junior UX Designer, where they gain practical experience and assist senior UX designers whilst learning the fundamentals of design and UX principles. This helps them to build up a portfolio of digital design and UX projects which they can show to future employers as they develop their career.  

As they gain experience, Junior UX Designer work more independently on projects, they also develop more knowledge of software and techniques to create user-friendly designs to become UX Designer and Senior UX Designer as their portfolio and experience grows or they develop within a business.  

Progressing further you could gain a role as a Senior UX Designers and Head of User Experience. You may also develop into a Creative Director and UX Design Manager. You’ll have more responsibility for a team and will lead on big decisions, work directly with clients and manage contracts. 

Routes into a career into UX Design 

• Degree in Product Design, Graphic Design, UX Design, Industrial Design, digital marketing or software development 
• Good Growth Hub Flipside courses 
• Coursera UX Courses 
• Google UX Design Certificates
• Get Into User Experience Design — WYK Digital (It's What You Know.) 

Salary expectations 

Entry-level salaries range between £23,000 and £25,000. According to Glassdoor the average base pay for mid-weight UX Designer is £39,548 per year   

Experienced, high-level and consulting jobs can command £65,000 or more.    

Top industries to explore: 

• Tech/Digital  
• Creative agencies  
• Digital Media agencies  
• Public Sector  
• Health/Science  
• Publishing, media and broadcasting   
  
  Explore more via Good Growth Hub