A UX designer works on websites, applications and other software to ensure that the user experience (how a user interacts with the system) is as smooth and efficient as possible, by analysing requirements of users and designing easy to navigate and user-friendly solutions. They are sometimes called UI (User Interface) Designers.

The Work

You could be:

• creating user stories and journeys, for example how a particular person might expect to use an online payment system, to analyse user behaviour
• using specialist wireframing software to design screen layouts and the most efficient steps users should take (user journey flows) to complete a given process
• presenting design concepts and user journey flows to clients, management and other team members
• conducting usability testing on design concepts and amending designs if necessary
• working on designs for multiple channels, including smartphones, tablets and computers
• developing prototypes using UX software tools and coding such as HTML, CSS and Javascript
• working as part of a project team with other analysts and programmers.

There is sometimes overlap between the duties of a UX designer, web designer and front end developer. Some employers treat each as a separate role and others combine them.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Pay rates vary widely, depending on:

• where you work
• the size of the company or organisation you work for
• the demand for the job.

The starting salary can be in the range of £20,000 to £24,000 a year. With experience, this can rise to £35,000 a year and senior or lead UX designers can up to around £60,000 a year, sometimes more.

If you work freelance, your income will vary, depending on the contracts you get.

Conditions

• You will generally work normal office hours from Monday to Friday, but might sometimes have to work weekends or evenings to meet deadlines.
• You might sometimes have to travel to visit clients and spend time away from home.
• You will spend most of your time working at a computer.

Getting In

• Entrants usually have a degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) in a subject such as graphic design, web design and development, digital media, interactive media or human computer interaction.
• Although not necessary, some Scottish universities offer postgraduate courses specialising in user experience design and human computer interaction.
• For entry to an HND course you normally require 1-2 Highers plus some subjects at National 5. For entry to a degree course you need 4-5 Highers.
• You may need to do a technical test as part of a job interview.
• Knowledge of web technologies is useful, for example: HTML and CSS; design and graphics software, such as Illustrator and Adobe Creative Suite; and coding languages such as Javascript.

There are jobs in almost all industries, including retail, IT, education, the media, central and local government, finance, the communications industry and health care. Jobs are advertised in the press and on the internet.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2019

3374

0.9 %

RISE

2024

3405

  United Kingdom

2019

54862

3.1 %

RISE

2024

56543

LMI data powered by EMSI UK

What Does it Take?

You need to have:

• excellent analytical skills
• strong problem solving skills
• creativity for developing ideas
• an excellent understanding of web technologies and standards
• excellent communication and presentation skills
• a good understanding of how people interact with websites and web applications
• an aptitude for logical thinking.

You need to be able to:

• listen to your client's ideas and interpret them
• influence people and decisions
• work accurately under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• understand your client's business needs
• work well as part of a team and individually
• keep up to date with new developments and technologies.

Training

• Training can be on the job with part time study.
• You would usually learn or update your skills in specialist software, for example, in UX design tools such as Axure and Balsamiq.

Getting On

• After gaining experience you can move into a senior role and then management, overseeing a team of analysts, designers and developers.
• You might learn more programming and scripting languages and move into a development role (see the Front End Developer or Web Developer job profiles).
• You could work freelance or do contract work (usually jobs lasting for a few months at a time).

More Information

If you are considering a career in IT why not take a look at the Tech Future Careers website developed by the Tech Partnership, the Sector Skills Council for Business and Information Technology? You will find the video case studies of workers and general information on the industry useful.

Video

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.