UX Design is one of the most promising careers in the world, offering aspirants to grow and acquire a host of skill sets from different worldviews and perspectives. By 2020, UX Design will help customer experiences overtake pricing and product in successful marketing campaigns. There is no better time to jump in on the wagon and become a UX Designer than now.
Unfortunately, the bad news is that becoming a UX Designer isn’t easy and being a good one- that takes skill. Successful UX Designers have some characteristics that set them apart from the rest. From technical skills to soft skills, psychology, engineering, and many more, UX is a field that overlaps with various design and non-design related disciplines which culminate together to provide the ultimate customer or consumer experience.
Here are the top few skills you need to become a good UX Designer:
1. Observation
- Â Are you able to see the world as it is and mentally break things down or simplify them?
- Â Are you able to sketch out your ideas on paper and iterate using real-life references?
- Are you able to draw in 3D and deconstruct 2D objects in 3D space?
If you answered yes to any of these questions or all of them, then congratulations – you have the inner makings of a good UX Designer. Drawing, sketching, understanding body or user-behavioral language and representational techniques like coloring and story boarding are essential principles of good observation.
2. Empathy
Empathy is when you’re able to connect to users on an emotional or personal level and can relate to their wants, need, and pain-points. It’s a sign of emotional intelligence and as a UX designer, creating experiences from a user-centric perspective is key to success.
3. Communication and Collaboration
UX Designers have to be good communicators and collaborators. As a professional, you must be a team player and be flexible to work alongside other departments. Being able to understand the UX side of things from a business perspective and sync up across various departments like engineering, graphic design and with non-UX team members will play a vital role throughout your career.
Communication skills also translate into the ability to be able to make others understand your project in a simple way. Another hallmark skill in UX Design is user analysis where communication skills play a key role in connecting with users and understanding product or service requirements from their perspective. Placing yourself in the shoes of your users and designing the product from their perspectives will distinguish you as a professional UX Designer from amateurs.
4. How to Level Up As a UX Designer
If you’re already inside the UX industry and want to learn ways on how to improve your skills, then the answer is straightforward. Begin with working on your representational skills and visual design habits. Study the way colours interact and learn how to simplify complex forms into basic shapes by sketching and doodling.
Next, stay updated on the latest industry news and trends by listening to podcasts and reading books on UX Design. If you are looking for mentorship, you may consider online certification programs such as the Acadgild’s UX, Digital Branding & Visual Design program
In summary, interact with your UX peers, get involved and work on your skills by attending online or offline classes, and practice, practice, and practice. The best way to gain hands-on experience is by working on real-life projects and if you’re breaking into the industry, applying for internships may just be your starting point. We wish you good luck!
