UX design is an evolving field because of the digital revolution. Many companies develop web products to reach a wider customer base globally. Hence, UX experts are in demand since people want to use appealing and functional products.
The main work of UX designers is optimizing the interaction of users and web products. However, you can find designers who execute UI and UX roles perfectly. Hiring UI designers is essential since they make your interface more entertaining and easy to use.
Did you know there are several UX roles? Many people are only familiar with that of a UX designer, which can be quite limiting for someone who wants to pursue UX design. If you are a beginner or are interested in UX design, you must know more about the different potential roles you can perform in a web design business. Understanding each user experience role will help you decide the career path you want to follow.
This article offers a guide on the core UX roles you need to know about.
UX Designer
The role of a UX designer is to create web products that are easy to use, appealing, and accessible to users. Your work as a UX designer is to understand what your customers need and offer relevant solutions. Ensure you develop exceptional prototypes and test them before launching them to the market.
UX designers are also known as experience or interaction designers. These experts simplify the interaction of users with web products to provide seamless experiences.
To become a guru in UX, you need technical expertise in visual design, information architecture, content, branding, UX research, and customer support.
Let us explore the main duties and responsibilities of a UX designer.
• Carry out extensive user research through surveys, questionnaires, or interviews.
• Evaluate and identify problems from the user point of view.
• Develop user research reports, personas, and journey maps.
• Develop prototypes and wireframes.
• Create design user-oriented solutions that align with company goals.
• Perform user testing for product improvements.
Soft skills this role requires include empathy, critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. If you are a person who enjoys the design process from the start to the mockup, then you can give UX role a try.
Visual Designer
Another interesting UX role is a visual designer, also known as an Interface or Graphic designer. Visual experts focus on concept creation, which means generating ideas for a product.
As a visual expert, your work entails evaluating the client’s objectives and the branding approach. You must guide users to navigate the product easily and reduce user friction. Understanding the customer will help you use relevant design elements that satisfy the users.
Visual design requires you to be knowledgeable in graphic design, user research, user experience software, color theory, and typography, to name a few.
Here are a few tasks that visual designers execute in their role:
• Transform user experience objectives – e.g., through successful registrations, simple and accessible design elements.
• Develop an extensive library of styles, colors, and icons for the project.
• Implement branding strategies into product designs.
• Use color and typography to design appealing interfaces.
Visual designers are creative beings with an eye for good designs. Besides, visual design knowledge and expertise are crucial in creating balanced and appealing interfaces. This field is for someone who understands color theory and design principles.
UX Researcher
As the name suggests, a UX researcher is an expert who focuses on conducting user research. This type of research entails gathering qualitative and quantitative data about the users. The UX designers then use the information collected to guide their design decisions.
As a UX researcher, you must identify the problems that the product will solve once launched in the market. Before the design process begins, the researcher first empathizes with the target users to understand their needs. At the testing phase, the researchers also offer input on ways to improve the design mockup.
The following are some of the tasks you will perform as a UX researcher:
• Conduct user research through qualitative and quantitative methods, i.e., observations, interviews, card sorting, and surveys.
• Data analysis to generate important findings and develop proposals.
• Promote user-centered designs to the entire development team and stakeholders.
• Present user research findings to designers, product developers, and the marketing team.
• Participate in user testing and improving designs.
To become an expert in UX research, you need to be an analytical thinker, problem solver, and effective communicator. Having research experience is a plus since you will incorporate your skills in the new role.
Source: Unsplash
Product Designer
Product designers are individuals tasked with overseeing the entire development project from the design phase to the launch. The role of a product designer is not well known and has similar responsibilities to the UX designer’s role. The major difference is that the product designer focuses on the product fully.
Therefore, your major role is to help in design creation and crafting of the product’s objectives and roadmap. You must direct the entire development team on the appropriate design elements and features to include in the product.
Apart from focusing on the design, the product experts factor in long-term business objectives.
Moreover, as a product designer, you must ensure that design implementation is top-notch and per the stated deadline.
Let us look at some of the tasks you will execute as a product designer:
• Create a design roadmap.
• Oversee the entire product design.
• Collaborate with the development team, marketers, and stakeholders.
• Successful product implementation.
Product design requires you to have impressive design skills and expertise in the UX field. Apart from creativity and analytical skills, you must have the determination and the ability to solve complex problems.
Conclusion
UX design is a broad field that has many roles serving the entire design process. It is essential to identify one that aligns with your skillset and qualifications. Understanding the different roles helps you to get a clear picture of the path you want to follow. Whether you want to become a UX designer or a researcher, ensure you choose a role you are passionate about to deliver your best work.
