What is a UX Designer?

All of us rely on computers or smartcell phones screens at some point in the day now, and both the way we use them and the relevant enjoyment we get from themdoing so can depend in a large part on the skills of UX Designers. Creating the best possible user experience playsis a hugely significant role in the modern world, and for commercial organisations the better that experience the greater the revenue.

Duties and responsibilities - What does a UX Designer do?

Skilled UX Designers will need to show competence in several important duties, including:

• Communicating with clients to understand their requirements
• The creation of various aspects of the end user experience, including storyboards, wireframes, and screen flows
• Manufacturing working prototypes for testing purposes
• Seeking and utilising user feedback, and reacting accordingly to opinions
• Establishing the quality of the user experience and streamlining it to the best effect
• Liaising at all times with senior management, clients, end users and stakeholders, often via presentations

Qualities needed for a successful UX Designer

By their very nature, UX Designers are passionate about their role, excellent at problem-solving and focused on the quality of their end-product. They are very organised, capable of working alone and as part of a team and they excel at time management. Working well under stress is a must in this role because there will be times when the pressure is on, and the deadlines are approaching.

A thorough understanding of the commercial implications of the work they produce is a must, as weill a good knowledge of general design principles and how they will impact upon the user experience. In some roles, a UX Designer’s duties will be incorporated with those of a UI Designer, so a grasp on the responsibilities of both positions can be an advantage.

UX Designers can transfer their skills relatively easily from one industry sector to another, so those with a background in retail, for example, will be suitablerealistic candidates for similar roles in the likes of financeconstruction, logistics, governance, transport and more. Many UX Designers have worked previously in roles such as Visual Designer, Front End Developer, Content Strategist and Back End Developer.

Understanding the Role and Value of a UX Designer in Australia

When you ponder the question, "What is a UX Designer?", think of them as architects of the digital experience. But what does a UX Designer do exactly? They are responsible for sculpting the intuitive interfaces and seamless experiences we often take for granted on our devices. While there's curiosity surrounding "What is a UX Designer salary?", it's clear from the industry's competitive pay scales that their expertise is highly valued. Many wonder, "Is a UX Designer paid well?" Given their critical role in ensuring user satisfaction, which directly translates to business success, the answer is a resounding yes. Australia, with its booming digital sector, prompts many to ask, "Is UX Designer a good job in Australia?". 

The rising demand for these professionals in the country indicates a promising career trajectory. If you're aspiring to join this field, you might question, "What do I need to become a UX Designer?". Apart from the skills mentioned, an innate curiosity, dedication to user-centric design, and continuous learning will set you on the path to success in this dynamic profession.

Qualifications and technical skills - How to become a UX Designer?

While some employers will focus more on experience than formal academic qualifications, others will look for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in one of several relevant subjects. Those subjects include computer science, visual design, information technology and web design.

Experience with any of several UX design tools will be important. Popular applications include Sketch, Axure, InVision Studio, Proto.io, Craft, Marvel, Figma, Framer and Adobe XD, and successful candidates will be expected to have knowledge of at least some of these.

Career development - What is the next step after UX Designer?

There are several roles that can become available to those with the relevant skills and experience, including several in senior management. They include the likes of Senior UX Designer, Lead UX Designer, Head of Design, Director of User Experience and Director of IT. The higher the level, the more likely will be the need to lead teams.

What is a UX Designer’s Salary and remuneration - How much does a UX Designer make?

If you’re questioning, is a UX designer paid well? The answer is, salaries for UX Designers are exceptionally good, even at the more junior levels. The higher the status, the more rewarding both salaries and benefits packages become.

If you're looking to hire or get hired in this domain, Michael Page can unlock a world of professional opportunities.