WESTERN GOVERNORS UNIVERSITY
Developing Your UX/UI Design Skills
UX/UI Design Skills
User experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design are valuable professional disciplines that contribute to overall marketing strategy. UX and UI design skills are often in high demand and sought after by businesses and organizations in all kinds of industries.
This guide discusses UX/UI design skills, why they are important, and how to apply them in the workplace.
What Is UX/UI Design?
While there are many types of designers, UX and UI designers in particular are responsible for building and optimizing main points of contact that users and customers engage with. Whether it’s a web page, a mobile app, or a software program, UX/UI designers work to bridge the gap between what is being offered and what users need to do to access it.
“UX” describes a user’s overall experience with a digital product, service, or system. It considers the user’s level of engagement and enjoyment when navigating interfaces. “UI” involves the specific look and feel of interactive elements, including the way that those elements are organized. UX and UI professionals share the common objectives of satisfying user needs and efficiently guiding users to their goal.
Differences between UX and UI Design Skills
UX design skills call for a more well-rounded approach to user-centered design as a whole, while UI skills are more focused on particular UX aspects like information architecture. Many UX designers are trained in UI design, but not all UI designers may have the full skill set needed to excel in UX design.
UX designers tend to manage entire design processes, from conception and iteration to execution. Throughout this process, these designers employ hard skills in web and digital design and soft skills in user empathy and collaboration. UI designers typically spend more time on the details of user interfaces, including typography, menu and button placement, color schemes, and more.
Why Are UX/UI Design Skills Important?
In an age dominated by digital technology like smartphones and the internet, good UX and UI design is crucial for organizations to prosper. Experienced and creative professionals in the UX/UI field help make it possible for countless users to access the information, product, or service they seek.
UX/UI design skills can help to realize the following goals:
- Meeting user expectations. Proper application of UX/UI design skills fulfills user needs and ensures smooth experiences for users.
- Increasing brand exposure. Websites or apps that adhere to strong UX/UI design are more likely to attract more users, which will lead to better brand visibility.
- Improving customer loyalty. Attractive and appealing user interfaces can keep a customer base happy and more willing to engage with businesses.
- Informing user research. Skilled UX/UI professionals know to perform thorough user testing on design concepts before they go live. Understanding user behavior allows for iterative improvement.
What Are the Benefits of Having UX/UI Design Skills?
Individuals who are skilled in UX and UI may experience promising career opportunities. Some benefits include the following:
- Optimistic job outlook. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects overall employment of web developers and digital designers to grow by 16% from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. UX/UI designers can expect a similar job outlook.
- Competitive salary. The BLS states that the average annual salary for web and digital designers in May 2023 was $98,540. UX/UI designers make similar earnings, with their earning potential increasing as they acquire more and more experience.
- Remote work. Many employers have adopted remote or hybrid work policies over the last few years, with remote UX/UI design and other marketing positions being some of the most common. Working remote can offer more flexible schedules and better work-life balance.
- Wide selection of jobs. UX/UI design is prevalent in many industries, from IT and healthcare to retail and entertainment.
Examples of UX/UI Design Skills in the Workplace
UX/UI design skills are evident in many aspects of digital products and services. Some examples of how these design skills can be incorporated in the workplace include the following:
Visual Communication
UX/UI design elements like search boxes, “find” and “learn more” buttons, side bars, and menus comprise the visual communication on web pages, apps, and more..
Wireframing
Creating “mockups,” or models, of digital design assets is a crucial part of many UX/UI design jobs. Designers develop mockups and wireframes based on the results of usability testing and make improvements as needed.
Problem-Solving
This soft skill comes into play often, including when UX/UI designers brainstorm together with product managers, copywriters, art directors, and other relevant stakeholders to overcome creative roadblocks.
User Research
In addition to doing design work, UX/UI designers also dedicate time to researching how users respond to published assets. They may use software tools like Hotjar, UserTesting, and InVision to accomplish this.
How Can I Use UX/UI Design Skills?
Many—if not all—UX/UI design skills can be nurtured and used in various career roles, including the following:
- UX designer. UX designers practice fundamental and specialized skills in digital and graphic design on a daily basis. Some may focus on more specific aspects like UI design.
- User researcher. Some of the most common UX/UI skills can lend themselves to user research, including usability testing and conversion rate optimization (CRO).
- UX strategist. UX strategists are often trained in UX design and use a blend of leadership and research skills to set UX design goals and ensure a user-centered approach to marketing.
- Art director. These professionals must be familiar with UX/UI design as they lead teams of designers and guide the direction of creative design projects.
How Can I Learn UX/UI Design Skills?
WGU offers an online bachelor’s degree in UX design that teaches essential creative and strategic skills needed to succeed as a UX/UI designer. You’ll learn principles of wireframing, user testing, AI in design, user research, and more in a program designed with input from industry experts.
