Our UX Career Guide Series:
- User Experience (UX) Overview <– You Are Here
- UX Skills & Tools
- UX Training & Education
- UX Career Path & Salary
- UX Portfolio & Resume
- UX Interviewing
Good design is the beating heart of every successful product.
As visual artist Frank Chimero puts it: “People ignore designs that ignore people.”
And that’s especially true in today’s digital reality. The need for intuitive, human-centric designs and interfaces is vast—fueling products across every industry, from manufacturing and banking to retail and healthcare.
So whether you’re adept at visual storytelling, have a knack for problem-solving, or empathize deeply with users’ pain points, the growing field of UX design presents an exciting opportunity to blend artistic intuition with technical expertise.
With 5,456 job openings listed on Dice as of September 2024 and 100 million UX-related roles predicted globally by 2050, the opportunities are out there—with the right knowledge, skills, and connections. Now let’s explore what these UX design roles truly involve and what it takes to succeed as a UX designer.
So, what is UX design anyway?
UX—short for “user experience” design—is a discipline focused on creating useful, meaningful, and enjoyable interactions between products and their users. While software engineers concentrate on writing clean code and optimizing performance, UX designers zero in on how users feel while interacting with technology.
What sets UX designers apart is their deep empathy for users. They’re constantly asking: “How would someone feel doing this?” or “What would be the simplest, most natural way for someone to achieve this goal?” This focus on human behavior guides every design decision they make.
Great UX designers also think holistically. They don’t just create a beautiful interface or a functional feature—they consider the entire journey of the user, from the moment they first encounter a product to how they feel after using it. Every interaction, no matter how small, matters.
For example, in a manufacturing environment, while a software engineer might focus on coding the control system architecture, a UX designer might create large, easy-to-read buttons for workers wearing gloves or error messages that are clear and actionable, preventing downtime on the production line.
Their unique ability to blend technical understanding with a creative approach makes UX designers essential for developing products that not only work—but work well for people.
What do UX designers do?
UX designer responsibilities might include:
- User research: Talking to and observing users to uncover their needs and pain points.
- Wireframing and prototyping: Sketching out how tech should look and function.
- Interaction design: Mapping out how users will navigate menus or complete tasks.
- Usability testing: Watching real people use the product to find areas for improvement.
- Visual design: Creating visual elements that are eye-catching and functional.
- Information architecture: Organizing content so it’s easy for users to find quickly.
UX designers often work in a hybrid or remote setting, with many companies offering flexible arrangements. The bulk of their time is spent conceptualizing and wireframing ideas using design software like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD. Another chunk of their day is split between usability testing on platforms like UsabilityHub or UserTesting and joining collaborative cross-functional meetings (like scrums or team check-ins) with developers, project managers, and marketers to ensure their designs align with the overall product strategy. Finally, troubleshooting and refining designs based on user feedback rounds out the rest of their time.
What makes a good UX designer?
So, what makes a good user experience designer? For starters, know that a traditional college degree is no longer a strict requirement on a UX design career path, as more and more employers place increasing stock in practical skills and hands-on experience gained through real-world projects.
To thrive in UX design, you’ll need:
- Technical skills: Proficiency in design tools (e.g., Sketch, Figma), user research methods, and prototyping techniques
- Analytical skills: Ability to analyze user behavior, conduct usability tests, and synthesize feedback into actionable design improvements
- Empathy and communication: Strong understanding of user needs and the ability to effectively communicate design choices to stakeholders and team members
- Continuous learning: Commitment to staying updated with industry trends, new design methodologies, emerging technologies, and professional growth opportunities.
Ultimately, what you need most to succeed in UX design is passion—can you envision yourself driving innovative user experiences and solving complex design challenges? If so, we have good news:
General Assembly offers UX design training to help you acquire all of these essential UX design skills.
Is UX design a good career choice?
Before you make your move, consider the pros and cons.
| Pros of a UX design career | Cons of a UX design career |
|---|---|
| Creativity: UX designers solve real-world problems using a mix of creativity and technical know-how, making their work impactful and rewarding. | Subtle impact: The end result of UX design work might not always be immediately visible or measurable, which can be disheartening for those seeking clear, tangible outcomes. |
| Career mobility: UX designers start at an average salary of $122,746, but can earn $129,443 as a senior UX designer or $146,312 as an information architect. | Shifting standards: UX design is a rapidly evolving field that requires continuous learning and adaptation to new tools, technologies, and methodologies. |
| Collaboration: UX designers work closely with developers, marketers, and product managers in dynamic work environments. | Subjectivity: Design is often subject to feedback from various shareholders that can sometimes lead to frustrating revisions. |
Still on the fence? Consider the experience of someone who’s been in your shoes before:
“A couple of years ago, I switched from general digital marketing to content design. I love using content and visual hierarchy to simplify complex journeys and ultimately give people information in the best way possible. I enjoy problem solving and collaborating, as well as being empathetic to the customer’s needs, so UX writing/content design is a great fit for me.”
Megan Williams, UX Design Bootcamp Grad
Why is UX design a growing career field right now?
If you’re eyeing a career in UX design, you’re in for good news: UX design is sizzling in 2024, topping Indeed’s 2024 list of the most in-demand IT jobs. As businesses strive to stand out in a digital-first world, user experience has become a key focus.
Here’s why UX design is so hot right now: Adobe’s research shows that over 87% of hiring managers are putting UX design at the top of their priority list. In fact, two-thirds of them have hired five or more UX designers just in the past year.
And it’s no wonder—design-led companies enjoy a 41% higher market share, 50% more loyal customers, and a 46% competitive edge. Plus, a Forrester report highlights that every dollar invested in UX brings back $100 in return.
The job market for UX designers is buzzing with opportunities. LinkedIn lists 8,694 UX design positions in the US, and the industry is on track to grow from $3.5 billion USD in 2017 to $7.2 billion USD by 2030, thanks to a hefty 12.6% annual growth rate. It’s clear: if you’re passionate about creating amazing user experiences, now is a great time to jump into the UX field.
Kickstart your UX design career.
General Assembly’s UX Design Bootcamp provides everything you need to build a career in UX design—from base knowledge and hands-on portfolio projects to mentorship and resume support.
Key benefits include:
- Full-time or part-time UX design training courses that range from two-evening workshops to part-time and full-time bootcamps
- Live, online instruction from UX experts working in the field
- Personalized mentoring, career counseling, and job placement support
- Access to UX design resources, events, and a robust alumni network
Since 2011, General Assembly has been a leader in the industry, continuously expanding its global partnerships. Leading companies such as Apple, Coca-Cola, and Mastercard collaborate with General Assembly for cutting-edge tech training and development.
Whether you’re a recent graduate, upskilling professional, or someone interested in a complete career change to UX design, our UX design training programs provide a solid foundation, tailored to your success.
Interested in making your UX design career real? Sign up for our next UX design info session to learn more.