UX Desginer job description

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This page details key information about the User Experience (UX) Designer job title. Keep reading to learn the main responsibilities, salaries and how to approach design recruitment.

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What does a UX Designer do?


User Experience Designers are responsible for managing the entire UX design process. As key members of your design team, they research, design and implement website or application designs to meet user needs.


Key responsibilities

The UX Designer job description can change depending on the business, product or service. Nevertheless, a typical day of a designer includes:

  • Leading all UX projects: Manage projects from inception all the way through to delivery.
  • Make updates to meet customer needs: Use expert knowledge of UX best practice to implement site and mobile app enhancements.
  • User research: Conduct user research (or work with a UX Researcher) to understand how best to create user-friendly design. 
  • Identify solutions to user problems: Leverage knowledge of user pain points to identify solutions. Refine designs to improve user experience of digital platforms.
  • Ensure a cohesive strategy: Work closely with different teams across the business to achieve your goals. Collaborate with product, engineering and marketing to ensure all designs are on brand.
  • Research the latest trends: Stay up to date with the latest trends in user experience (UX) design.


Skills and requirements

The ideal candidate will have the following skills and capabilities:

  • Minimum of 5 years in a web design role, preferably within the desired industry
  • A strong portfolio of UX and UI design projects, showcasing the thought process behind each
  • Excellent understanding of digital design principles
  • Proficiency in design software, including Figma/Figjam, Adobe suite, InVision, Hotjar or other similar tools
  • Strong communications skills with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders throughout the design process
  • Both creative and analytical thinking, with a proven ability in user research, wireframing and usability testing
  • A continuous learner, with an interest in the latest technologies

UX Designer salary expectations

Across the UK, the average salary for a User Experience Designer is:

  • London: £40,000 - £70,000
  • Manchester: £35,000 - £50,000

Pay depends on the location of the role, size of business and seniority you're hiring for. For more information about salaries, download our salary guide below.

Find out more
Bar graph showing UK UX designer salaries: £40K for juniors (red), £50K for mid-level (beige), and £70K for seniors (green).

When to hire a User Experience (UX) Designer?

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How to hire into your design team

Hiring managers can engage a UX Designer on a permanent or contractual basis. The right option depends on your current requirements.

We have specialist teams of permanent and contract recruiters who can support each unique hire. To learn more and discuss your options, request a call back.

Designers should be a permanent part of your business. Your brand's digital presence is in the hands of your designers, so it's important that they understand your business inside-out. That's why permanent recruitment is the most common option for digital design.

Companies usually hire design contractors to assist the permanent design team with project-based work. For instance, a company building a new application might engage a UX Designer on a fixed-term contract. In this capacity, they can support the build and allow the team to meet their deadlines.

For those designers who are more interested in the research element of the job, the UX Researcher role is a great move! A UX Researcher focuses on gathering data to make informed decisions about the design of a platform. They are able to understand target users' behaviours, pain points and requirements.

With enough experience in UX design, talent can pursue the Head of job title. This senior leadership role is responsible for leading the design and usability of a company's digital platforms. Responsible for managing and developing a team of designers, this role is the perfect opportunity to develop management skills.

FAQs

Yes, the demand for UX skills has grown significantly in recent years. With the majority of businesses now having to invest in apps as well as websites, UX Designers are instrumental to a brand's digital growth.

The path to becoming a User Experience Designer is simpler now than ever before. 10 years ago, it was common to graduate with a graphic design qualification, start your career in digital design and later transition into a UX role. Now, with the increased demand for UX design skills, universities also offer courses in UX. This has allowed for more entry-level opportunities.

It's never too late to become a UX Designer. For those looking to transition from a different role, there are many courses that can help you gain experience in UX. We recommend General Assembly for UX Certifications.

User interface (UI) design focuses on the aesthetics of a platform, crafting an impactful visual design. Meanwhile, user experience design focuses on identifying and solving user problems. A UX/UI Designer encompasses both of these skill sets.

On average, a UX Designer can expect a salary of £40,000 - £60,000. This can fluctuate depending on location, company size and years of experience. For more salary advice, download our salary guide.

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