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User Experience (UX) Designers are responsible for the look and feel of a product, website, or app. They work with teams of product managers, UI designers, writers, and developers to create high-fidelity screens and prototypes that represent how the product will look and function once it's released to the public. A UX designer is concerned with the entire process of acquiring and integrating a product, including aspects of branding, design, usability and function. The story begins before the device is even in the user’s hands.
Conducting user research
The initial stage in the UX design process is where the research (magic) happens. Generally, a UX designer will get a brief from the client or their manager asking them to do some project research.
Creating user personas
Based on extensive user research, UX designers might then create user personas. This is where you delve deeper into what tasks each persona wants to perform and why. Personas are key in the process.
Creating user flows and wireframes
UX designers use a range of tools to map out the user’s journey through a product, including user flows and wireframes. User flows are basic flowcharts that visualize the complete path a user takes when using a product, from the entry point right through to the final interaction. You can learn more in this introductory guide to user flows.
Prototyping and user testing
With the product layout mapped out, the UX designer will then create prototypes and run some user tests. A prototype is simply a scaled-down version of your product; a simulation that enables you to test your designs before they get developed. Prototypes range from the simplest of paper models to the more realistic, high-fidelity interactive prototypes which closely mimic the final product.
Visual design
While some UX designers will also specialize in visual design, it tends to fall under user interface (UI) design. One final point to make is that a UX designer’s work is rarely finished after the product launch. There will be refinements, small changes, new releases, feedback to gather and analytics to discuss with the team.
Wireframing and Prototyping
UX designers use digital tools like Sketch, Figma, InVision, or Adobe XD to create wireframes and prototypes.
User Research
Research skills are necessary to identify user needs. UX researchers use methodologies like diary studies, interviews, surveys, and more to learn about their target audience and build user personas.
UX Writing
UX writing is the crafting of UI copy that guides users through a product. Effective UX writing allows users to intuitively navigate a product and complete tasks with minimal friction. Appropriate labels also help users find the information they’re looking for.
User Testing
Experience with A/B testing, product analytics, and benchmarking is necessary to evaluate a product’s usability, accessibility, and usefulness. UXers must also be able to interpret their findings in a way that will inform product improvements.
Visual Communication
Designers use visual elements to evoke emotion, enhance recognition, improve product navigability, and convey or organize information.
User Interface Design
UI skills include color theory, branding, and typography. Designers must be able to harness UI design elements to make a product memorable and useful.
