In this series, SheCanCode takes a look at what qualifications and skills are needed for roles across the tech industry. We will also look at earning potential and the prospect of career growth as a software engineer, as well as pointing you in the right direction of companies and open job roles.
What is a UX Designer?
A UX Designer, or User Experience Designer, focuses on the end experience for digital users. They will ensure that ‘user experience’ is efficient and aesthetically pleasing when someone visits a website or app. They will look at accessibility, usability, interaction and the overall visual look.
Duties will vary from company to company, but most UX Designers can expect to meet with clients, design visual concepts, create user journeys, work on cross-platform applications to cover all user experiences (mobile, tablets and computers), redesign concepts based on feedback; amongst other elements.
Qualifications
Most companies will be looking for a degree for UX roles – computer science, graphic design, digital media, web design are all relevant degrees.
However, if you are competent or have different qualifications in HTML or other useful software, then a relevant degree may be less important.
If you’d like to build up more experience, then you can take a short course in UX to help boost your CV. The School of UX Design and General Assembly are just two organisations where you could enrol in a UX Design course to help you on your career journey.
Skills
As a UX Designer, an eye for detail and design are incredibly important, as you will have to make design decisions. You will also need to collaborate effectively with clients, developers, designers and the end users.
Being self-motivated, project management and time management skills are also important.
A knowledge of HTML and/or CSS is invaluable, as is an experience in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite.
Earning potential and career growth
The average base salary for a User Experience Designer in the UK is £53,947.
Starting salary for a junior role is typically between £19,000 to £25,000. Senior and more experienced UX Designers can expect to earn between £40,000 and £65,000.
There are a number of roles and areas of growth from a UX Designer. From a starting point as a Junior UX Designer, there is scope and opportunity to progress to a UX Designer and a Senior UX Designer. You could also move into management or more senior roles from here, such as a UX Specialist or UX Consultant.
