As a young professional or fresh graduate looking to venture into the world of design, you may have heard the term "user experience design" or "UX design" being thrown around. UX design is a crucial aspect of product development, and it involves prioritising user satisfaction by creating easy-to-use, accessible products.
The world of UX Design might seem a little daunting, but with the right information and guidance, you'll be well on your way to making informed decisions about your future.
What is UX Design?
UX design, or user experience design, is an essential component of creating digital products that are effective, efficient, and enjoyable to use. UX designers are responsible for creating interfaces for websites, apps, and other digital products by understanding how users engage with them and creating designs that ensure a positive experience. They are involved in every stage of the design process from research and analysis to testing and implementation.
UX Designers are responsible for creating seamless user experiences across digital platforms. Their work spans multiple industries, from e-commerce to gaming, and they play a crucial role in the success of any tech product.
Job Potential and Career Prospects in UX Design
You can pursue UX design by enrolling in a bachelor's degree programme in graphic design or relevant fields like computer science or information technology.
The demand for UX designers is growing as companies continue to digitize their operations, which has led to a steady increase in career prospects for professionals in this field.
As per industry trends, the average salary of a UX designer in India ranges between ₹3 lakhs to ₹15 lakhs per annum depending on the job role. With the increase in internet penetration and e-commerce growth in India, there is a significant surge in demand for UX designers across various industries.
UX Designer: Jobs & Responsibilities
UX design offers various job roles with varying responsibilities that cater to different interests and skill sets. Some of the job roles under UX design include:
- User Researcher: Conducts research on end-users and provides insights into their needs and behaviour.
- Information Architect: Designs the content structure and navigation of websites or apps.
- Interaction Designer: Designs interactions between users and products to improve usability.
- UI Designer: Designs the look and feel of digital products.
Here are some job prospects for fresh graduates and young professionals looking to break into the industry:
- Junior UX Designer
- Senior UX Designer
- Lead UX Designer
- UX Researcher
- Information Architect
There are also opportunities for specialisation in areas like accessibility or design research. You can also progress to management positions if you have strong leadership qualities.
UX Designer Salary Structure
A career as a UX Designer has lucrative earning potential with average salaries ranging from ₹5-6 lakh per annum to ₹ 15 - 18 lakh per annum, depending on the level of experience.
The following table outlines the average salaries of different job roles in UX design:
Factors Affecting UX Designer Salaries
The salary of a UX designer varies based on several factors such as experience levels, education qualifications/certifications obtained, location of work etc.
Experience
As expected with any profession or job role, experience matters when it comes to salaries. This applies more so to freshers who have no relevant work experience or less than 2 years' worth of experience. However, however most companies offer competitive packages for freshers looking forward to entering this field.
Education/Certification
UX design is a field where experience matters more than qualifications. However, having a degree or industry-relevant certification can give you an edge over your peers when it comes to salary negotiations.
A bachelor's or master's degree in UX design, computer science, human-computer interaction or a related field can help in earning higher salaries. Certified UX professionals also receive higher compensation.
Location
The city of employment is also an important factor that affects the salary structure for UX designers. Metro cities such as Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai are known to offer higher average salaries compared to other towns/cities due to the availability of tech giants/startups in these locations.
Company size
The size of the company also plays a significant role in determining the salary package offered to UX designers. Larger companies with bigger budgets tend to offer better compensation packages compared to smaller organizations/startups.
Skills Required To Be A UX Designer
To be a successful UX designer, you need to possess specific UX skills such as:
- Creativity and innovation
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Knowledge of design software such as Sketch, Adobe XD etc.
- Basic knowledge of coding languages such as HTML, CSS, Javascript
Upskilling Opportunities
If you’re already working in the industry and looking to further your career, there are several upskilling options available to you. Here are some of them:
- Certifications in specialised areas such as interaction design or user research
- Bootcamps that teach practical skills like coding and prototyping
- Master's programmes focused on UX design or related fields
Maximising your earning potential as a UX Designer
Becoming a UX Designer is an exciting and rewarding career path with ample opportunities for growth and development. By choosing the right education pathway, specialisation, and certification programmes, you can maximise your earning potential and advance your career.
WIZR offers expert guidance to aspiring UX designers on various certification programmes and financial assistance to pursue those courses.
FAQs
1. Can I pursue UX designing after completing class 12?
Yes! While having a degree in design or computer science may make you more competitive in the job market, it is possible to learn UX design skills through various online courses and workshops.
2. What are some specialisations within the field of UX Design that can increase my earning potential?
Specialisations such as accessibility design or design research can increase your earning potential within the field of UX Design. The increasing adoption of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning is also creating new job opportunities.
3. How can WIZR help me if I want to upskill in UX design?
WIZR is an ed-tech platform that offers career guidance and financing options for young professionals seeking career-focused upskilling and certification programs. You can explore various courses related to UX design on the platform and find financing options that suit your needs.
4. Who earns more: UX designer or graphic designer?
While both roles require creativity and design skills, the salary of a UX designer tends to be higher due to their focus on creating seamless user experiences.
5. Are there remote work options for UX designers?
Yes, many companies offer remote work options for UX designers now. Due to the nature of their work, it's possible to collaborate with stakeholders and teammates online effectively.
