Developments in web technologies have led to the emergence of new professions and new skills. For example, the UI Designer (User Interface) is a recent development in the web designer profession, particularly for tablets, smartphones, computers, tablets, connected televisions, interactive terminals, etc.
the profession of UI Designer (User Interface) is a recent development of the profession of web designer, particularly on tablets, smartphones, computers, tablets, connected televisions, interactive terminals, etc.
The tasks of the UI Designer
While the UX Designer’s mission is to meet the needs and expectations of users in terms of functionality, the UI Designer works on the visual appearance and rendering of an interface. Clearly, the UI Designer’s mission is to make online navigation easier and more intuitive. They create, design and optimise the user interface of a website or mobile application so that it is as harmonious, fluid and comprehensible as possible.
They improve the user interface by increasing interactivity with the web interface. Their job is to ensure a consistent user experience.
Their skills and knowledge
The UI Designer is a design professional at the crossroads of many disciplines: information architecture, information design, interaction design, user experience design, etc. The UI Designer must therefore be curious, creative and have an appetite for new technologies, which is a prerequisite.
This job requires functional skills, an excellent grasp of interface ergonomics and, of course, graphic design skills. Inevitably, the UI Designer has a good command of design software (Adobe suite, Photoshop, Indesign, Illustrator, etc.) and layout software.
As is often the case in the web industry, the UI Designer needs to be able to work as part of a team, collaborating effectively with other players with technical and commercial backgrounds to streamline the work entrusted to them. UI Designers know how to put across their ideas and justify their choices.
To become a UI designer, you can take courses in digital art, graphic design, computer graphics, IT and multimedia.
The Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design (Bac 3) offered by ESMA in Montpellier, Nantes and Toulouse is an appropriate and recommended option.
Graduates of the Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design can continue their studies at ESMA with the Master’s degree in Digital Design and Strategy(Bac 4) in Nantes and Montpellier.
Careers, salaries and job opportunities
This profession is becoming increasingly popular and can be practised within companies that operate a website, in digital agencies, or in the communications and marketing departments of organisations developing new communication and information media.
It is also common for UI Designers to work as freelance professionals. In this case, having a strong and well-structured UI design portfolio is essential to demonstrate expertise and convince potential clients.
Salaries vary depending on experience, responsibilities, and employment status. Early-career professionals generally earn toward the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced UI Designers earn closer to the median or upper end.
Salary overview
- Typical salary range: $70,000 – $130,000+ per year
- Median salary: ~$97,000 per year
With experience, UI Designers can progress into senior design roles, lead UI positions, or broader UX and product design responsibilities. UI Designers can progress to project manager, web agency director, information architect or artistic director.
