Recently, I had a conversation with a young person exploring career paths. We started talking about game design but quickly shifted to user experience (UX), and the questions they asked reminded me of how important it is to share advice for anyone interested in pursuing UX design. If you’re wondering what it’s like to be a UX designer, how to break into the field, or how to grow in your role, this blog is for you.
Below, I’ve compiled answers to the most common questions I’ve received about UX, based on my own experience, and will continue to update this article with more insights.
1. What is your typical day like as a UX designer?
No two days are the same in UX design. Since UX designers are responsible for the entire experience of a product, we need to ensure it’s cohesive, intuitive, and usable at every touchpoint. Some days I focus on user research—understanding user behaviors and pain points. Other days, I might facilitate a sketching exercise to gather ideas from the team and turn those concepts into a design solution.
There’s also prototyping and visual design, depending on the project’s stage. Meetings are scattered throughout my week, ensuring everyone on the team has a shared understanding of the product. A “normal day” is flexible, shaped by your skills, interests, and the needs of the project.
2. Do you stay late at the office?
No. Creativity tends to diminish after an eight-hour workday. I find that after a full workday, it’s time to recharge—whether that’s playing games, working on personal projects, or just relaxing. Maintaining a balance is important in this field to stay inspired and fresh.
3. Do you feel your skills grow over time in this role?
Absolutely. UX design forces you to become analytical and detail-oriented. Over the years, I’ve honed my ability to create usable designs, defend design decisions, and find compromises that work within realistic timelines. I’ve also become a better communicator, learning how to read body language and vocal cues to better understand people. UX design doesn’t just make you a better designer—it makes you more empathetic, meticulous, and confident, which translates into other areas of life.
4. Can someone break into UX without a degree?
Yes. Plenty of UX designers are self-taught, using online resources, books, and practice to build their skills. While a design degree can be helpful, it’s not a requirement. What matters most is your ability to understand user needs and apply design principles effectively. If you’re committed to self-learning, start with some foundational UX courses online and practice by working on personal projects or contributing to open-source initiatives.
5. Can someone without formal training do well in the long run?
Yes, if they genuinely care about improving people’s experiences when interacting with products. UX designers are most successful when they’re driven by empathy for users, rather than just focusing on financial gain. If your motivation comes from making lives easier, you’ll do well.
6. What qualities do you need to succeed in UX design?
In addition to having a strong portfolio, the key qualities that make a great UX designer are:
- Compassion: A love for people and their needs.
- Curiosity: A desire to learn and explore new solutions.
- Ethical principles: Understanding the impact of your design decisions.
- Open-mindedness: Willingness to take in feedback and compromise when necessary.
7. Are you happy with your compensation?
Yes. UX designers tend to earn above-average salaries, and I’ve generally been happy with my compensation. While pay varies by location, experience, and company size, UX is a lucrative field with opportunities for growth.
8. Do you see steady growth in this role?
Absolutely. UX design offers multiple paths for career growth. You could move into management, become a lead designer, or continue in an individual contributor role. The opportunities are varied, whether you want to work in-house, at an agency, or as a consultant.
9. What are the best resources for learning UX design?
Here are some excellent books and resources to get you started:
- Don’t Make Me Think by Steve Krug
- Lean UX by Jeff Gothelf
- Seductive Interaction Design by Stephen Anderson
- The UX Team of One by Leah Buley
- Microinteractions by Dan Saffer
- Designing for the Social Web by Joshua Porter
If you prefer e-learning, check out platforms like Skillshare or Udemy, where I also teach a class on digital product design.
10. What mistakes do design students commonly make?
One common mistake is forgetting who they’re designing for. UX design isn’t about making things look nice—it’s about removing friction from users’ lives. Another mistake is ignoring constructive criticism. Feedback can be tough, but it’s crucial for improving both your designs and your empathy toward others.
11. How do you showcase your UX skills?
A great UX designer listens, conducts thorough research, and documents their design decisions. Your portfolio should tell the full story behind each project, from user research to final designs, rather than simply showcasing pretty pictures.
12. What do you look for in a UX portfolio?
When reviewing portfolios, I’m looking for signs of design thinking and collaboration. Some key elements include:
- Clear explanations of your role on each project.
- An understanding of your target users and how you addressed their needs.
- How your design decisions met business goals and improved users’ lives.
- Curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to fail and learn.
13. How would you teach UX design in 8 weeks?
I’d have you observe people using products, practice prototyping, and use sticky notes and sketches to map out user flows. UX is about seeing the world through a user’s eyes, and practicing these techniques is the fastest way to learn.
14. What can you expect to earn as an entry-level UX designer?
Salaries vary depending on your location and experience. Use tools like Glassdoor to research salaries in your area, and always negotiate for fair compensation. Larger companies tend to offer higher salaries, while startups may offer lower pay with equity options.
15. How do you network as a UX designer?
Networking is about building meaningful relationships. Start by attending design meetups on platforms like Meetup.com or Eventbrite, and volunteer at design conferences. Focus on deep conversations, ask for contact details, and follow up. Networking is more about forming connections than handing out business cards.
Final Thoughts: Starting Your UX Journey
UX design is an exciting and fulfilling career path, driven by empathy, curiosity, and a passion for solving problems. If you’re interested in helping people interact with products in more meaningful ways, UX might be for you. Whether you’re considering a formal education or going the self-taught route, remember that the most important quality in a UX designer is a genuine love for people and a desire to improve their experiences.
Good luck on your journey!