User experience (UX) designer
UX designers use research to understand their users and create websites, applications and software to meet their needs.
Typical Salary
£32,000 – £65,000
per year
Working Hours
37–39
hours per week
Day-to-day tasks
As a UX designer you'll:
- work with user researchers and service designers to understand user needs
- gather business requirements from project leaders
- design and test prototype solutions based on user research results
- write clear specifications and guidelines for developers
- use data and evidence from follow-up research to refine designs
- make sure designs meet accessibility standards
- explain design solutions clearly to stakeholders
Skills needed
- design skills and knowledge
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- complex problem-solving skills
- persistence and determination
- analytical thinking skills
- to be flexible and open to change
- the ability to use your initiative
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications
How to get into this role
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
Career progression
With experience you could move into a management job and supervise other designers.
You could also move into a development role if you've got experience of programming languages.
You could work freelance as a self-employed contractor for clients.