UX Designers are primarily concerned with how the product feels. A given design problem has no single right answer. UX designers explore many different approaches to solving a specific user problem. The broad responsibility of a UX designer is to ensure that the product logically flows from one step to the next. One way that a UX designer might do this is by conducting in-person user tests to observe one’s behavior. By identifying verbal and non-verbal stumbling blocks, they refine and iterate to create the “best” user experience. Unlike UX Designers who are concerned with the overall feel of the product, user interface designers are particular about how the product is laid out. UI designers create the tangible interfaces that users can see and feel.

They are in charge of designing each screen or page with which a user interacts and ensuring that the UI visually communicates the path that a UX designer has laid out.

UI designers are also typically responsible for creating a cohesive style guide and ensuring that a consistent design language is applied across the product. Maintaining consistency in visual elements and defining behavior such as how to display error or warning states fall under the purview of a UI designer. UI design creates the medium through which users interact for the experience. Of course, the lines between UI and UX designer are usually blurred depending on the company.

Work Environment

• UI/UX Designers work in an office or studio space, depending on their employer or, if they are self-employed, can work from home. They usually work with computers. UI/UX designers may be required to work long hours if they are on a strict deadline and may be required to produce designs within a quick turnaround period. UI/UX designers may either work as part of a larger design team, specializing in one particular aspect of design, or they may work alone, covering all aspects of a design project. As is the case in many creative industries, demand for these designers can vary according to client need.

Entry Level Education

• Bachelor’s Degrees in Fine Arts, Graphic Arts, Multimedia, Industrial Designs or related field.