5 Essential Considerations Before Becoming a UX/UI Designer

5 Essential Considerations Before Becoming a UX/UI Designer

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Reason 1: It's Going to Take a Lot of Work
3. Reason 2: Conflicting Values
4. Reason 3: Getting Uncomfortable
5. Reason 4: Politics and Bureaucracy
6. Reason 5: Not as Creative as You Might Have Thought
7. Reason 6: Hustle Culture is Appreciated
8. Reason 7: Your Ideas Will Be Shut Down
9. Reason 8: Your Deadline for Projects Will Always be Yesterday
10. Conclusion

Being a UX Designer: Brutal Realities and Rewards

Introduction

Becoming a UX designer may seem like an exciting and glamorous career choice, but behind the scenes, the reality is much different. In this article, we will explore the honest truths about being a UX designer in the real world. This will help you make an informed decision on whether or not this is the right field for you.

Reason 1: It's Going to Take a Lot of Work

One of the first harsh realities of being a UX designer is that it requires a lot of hard work. With boot camps and other programs churning out designers at a rapid pace, the market is becoming oversaturated and noisy. This means you have to go the extra mile to stand out and be desired by potential employers. Landing your first job can be challenging and stretching, so if you're not prepared to put in the effort, you may want to reconsider.

Reason 2: Conflicting Values

While the title of a UX designer suggests a focus on users, the reality is that businesses prioritize growth over user needs. Designers must learn to balance both business objectives and user requirements. If you struggle with accepting the fact that generating revenue and paying back debts take precedence, you may find it difficult to thrive in this industry.

Reason 3: Getting Uncomfortable

To succeed in the ever-evolving field of UX design, you must continuously learn and acquire new skills. This may involve stepping out of your comfort zone and engaging with people, running workshops, and talking to customers. Upskilling and adapting to change are crucial for staying Relevant in the industry. If you aren't willing to learn and grow, you may struggle to keep up.

Reason 4: Politics and Bureaucracy

Managing stakeholders and dealing with office politics is a significant part of a UX designer's job. In addition to research, UI design, and running workshops, a substantial portion of your time will be spent in meetings and managing stakeholder expectations. When starting out, it may be challenging to gain confidence and have your ideas challenged. Knowing when to push back and when to go with the flow is essential. If managing stakeholders is not your strong suit, you may want to reconsider this career path.

Reason 5: Not as Creative as You Might Have Thought

Contrary to popular belief, UX design is not purely about artistic creativity. The field has matured, and the focus is now on efficiency, scalability, and usability. Many design Patterns have become standardized, and projects often have strict requirements and deadlines. While there are opportunities for creative problem-solving, such as converting visitors into customers or reducing drop-offs in sign-up flows, traditional forms of artistic creativity are limited.

Reason 6: Hustle Culture is Appreciated

In the tech industry, there is a prevailing culture of treating work as play. Passionate individuals who go above and beyond are highly favored by businesses. If you aim to advance in your career and make more money, it can be challenging to compete with those who invest more time and effort. While treating work as a nine-to-five job is not inherently wrong, it may hinder your progress in a fast-paced industry like UX design.

Reason 7: Your Ideas Will Be Shut Down

New designers often enter the industry full of excitement and ideas, only to have those ideas shut down by stakeholders. Building confidence and effectively communicating with stakeholders takes time and experience. If you don't plan on developing thick skin and learning to build stakeholder confidence, it will be an uphill battle for you.

Reason 8: Your Deadline for Projects Will Always be Yesterday

The nature of the UX design industry favors speed to market. Lean processes and short deadlines are the norm, especially in tech companies. If you tend to be a perfectionist or work at a slower pace, you'll need to adapt and work faster under higher pressure environments to meet expectations.

Conclusion

While being a UX designer comes with its share of challenges and harsh realities, it also offers tremendous rewards. From influencing and freelancing to building multi-million dollar agencies, the potential for growth and success is significant. If you're willing to put in the hard work, adapt to change, manage stakeholders, and balance business objectives with user needs, the opportunities in the UX design industry are abundant.