User experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design offer a lucrative career option to students who are passionate about graphic design. There’s a high demand for UX/UI experts, and those working within this industry enjoy diverse and interesting work opportunities. Moreover, the pathway to a fulfilling UI/UX career can be fairly direct (as long as the candidate has the right approach and training).
Let’s take a look at why UI/UX is a valuable career opportunity for 2021 (and beyond) and how our new UX/UI design course can help prepare your students for better growth prospects.
What is User Experience (UX) Design?
UX design involves the creation of products that offer meaningful and relevant experiences to users. This includes designing the entire process of procuring and integrating the product, including aspects of branding, design, usability, and function.
What is User Interface (UI) Design?
UI design involves building interfaces in digital products, concentrating on appearance or style. This includes creating interfaces that are easy to use and enjoyable for the users.
UX Designers vs. UI Designers: What’s the Difference?
UX designers are responsible for creating the best experience for the user when they interact with a digital device or product. They are mainly concerned with analyzing users, understanding their behavior, and mapping a user journey that facilitates the user to complete their desired tasks with the least effort.
On the other hand, the key concern of UI designers is to analyze how a user navigates through a digital product. UI design is often considered a function of UX design, so you will see both terms being used interchangeably in job titles and descriptions. Sometimes, both fall under the responsibility of a product designer.
Occupational Outlook of UI/UX Designers
- UI/UX Designers are expected to grow 14.9% over the next 10 years.
- Around 59,414 UI/UX jobs were posted in the last 12 months.
- The median salary of a UI/UX designer is $90,881.
- UX design was one of the top five in-demand skills in 2020, which is likely to continue this year as Google has declared UX as a key ranking factor.
- The employment of UI/UX designers is likely to grow 8% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all professions.
- Demand for UI/UX designers is driven by the continued popularity of mobile devices and eCommerce.
What Skills Do Students Need for a Successful UI/UX Design Career?
A UX/UI designer needs to have a functional understanding of coding. They have to reflect the brand’s strengths and personality impeccably throughout the product interface. As the role combines elements of research psychology and digital design, a UI/UX designer needs focused training in both subjects to deliver quality products and services.
Some of the specialized skills include UX wireframes, user research, JavaScript, prototyping, Adobe Photoshop, and Visual Design. Typically, a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Graphic Design, Web Development, or related field is needed. People who enjoy bringing abstract concepts to life and collaborating with a team on creative initiatives are likely to perform well in the UI/UX design role.
Jobs and Companies that Hire UI/UX Designers
The top three industries that hire UI/UX designers are:
- Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Finance and Insurance
- Information
The top three employers that hire UI/UX designers are:
- Amazon
- Anthem Blue Cross
- Inner City Fund (ICF)
Why Should You Offer UX/UI Design Course?
In a report UX after Covid: What can we expect?, many industry leaders forecasted a greater demand for UX/UI and digital skills as businesses increase their online capabilities. In addition, companies are likely to gain a competitive advantage with better UX/UI design than their competitors.
According to John Dennehy, founder of Zartis (an IT recruitment company), many in-house and agency recruiters find it challenging to fill UX/UI roles due to a knowledge gap. Consequently, many UX/UI roles remain vacant.
Therefore, by training students in this field, you can provide them with ample opportunities to explore a lucrative and viable career option that will continue to grow as more and more businesses focus on online products and services.
To learn more about our new UI/UX Design course and how it can put your students on the path to success, get in touch with us today.