UX Design (UX = User eXperience) is a profession that takes into account and anticipates the expectations and needs of the user when creating a website or application. It is a recent development in the web design profession.
The ultimate aim is to make a website that is easy to use and, above all, effective and user-friendly.
THE ROLE OF THE UX DESIGNER
Creating functional and intuitive websites is the job of the UX designer, whose main task is to optimise a brand’s online platform (website, application, mobile site, etc.), taking into account users’ needs in order to make their experience and navigation as pleasant and practical as possible.
In short, they organise the graphic and textual elements so that the site is attractive and easy to explore, and creates emotion for the user. The UX Designer tells the story of the interface, creates logical links between pages and imagines how users might navigate.
The UX Designer imagines and designs solutions all day long, taking into account the client’s financial objectives and the needs of users. Their role is therefore a strategic one.
They come into play by adapting the look and feel of a digital project, centring it on the target user from the marketing research established beforehand. Sketches, wireframes, interface mock-ups in the form of plans, formalising interactions, defining the ergonomics of the final project – these are the stages in his mission.
SKILLS AND QUALITIES
The UX Designer must have the skills of analysis and synthesis, abstraction, adaptation (to changing technologies) and formalisation.
They are capable of managing projects and leading a team, often made up of developers and UI Designers, responsible for the user interface.
To be a UX Designer, you need to be creative and artistic, while drawing on your technical knowledge to create a functional interface that respects graphic codes and is pleasing to the user.
They work a bit like ergonomists, but in the world of Web interfaces.
Overall, the UX Designer must have a mastery of information architecture and interaction design, knowledge of marketing and digital communication strategy, the ability to listen, analyse and observe, and a certain ease in dealing with people.
CAREER AND DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
With the development of new technologies in everyday life, user experience is increasingly important and UX profiles are more and more in demand.
UX Design is therefore a fast-developing profession, and is proving to be a particularly attractive career choice for both young and experienced professionals looking for new opportunities.
Training in web design and integration is a minimum requirement.
These professionals are in demand in start-ups and large companies alike, as well as in web and communications agencies. It is also possible to work freelance as a UX Design expert.
The salary of a UX Designer varies from €2,500 gross per month (beginner) to €3,000 gross per month (executive). An expert can earn up to €70,000 gross per year.
AN ERGONOMIST
A UX Designer works a bit like an ergonomist, but in the world of web interfaces.
