Many people describe UX/UI (User Experience/User Interface) as psychology meets design; it can also be thought of ergonomics for programs. UX design is all about getting inside of a user’s head to create a final product that’s easy to use and that points users in the right direction. It involves psychology, design, code, business, and strong interpersonal skills. An app or website with good UX design will be easy to navigate, a user should know off the bat right where every button and menu should be.

In my experience, a lot of companies like to ask open ended interview questions. By the time you have an interview they will have seen your design portfolio and come to some sort of conclusion on your skill as a designer, so they’ll ask questions like “what’s your favorite product or design?” or “what do you like to use for inspiration?” Often they’ll also ask questions that are like small tests: “Take a look at this design, what would you change about it?” or “If a business decision is in conflict with a design decision which takes priority?” Complicated or trick questions are rare, so if you go into an interview with these kinds of questions in mind you’ll do great.

According to Glassdoor, the average UX designer makes an average of $85k per year in the US. This makes sense, though an experienced designer around here in LA can easily break six figures. New designers on average make around $40k-$60k depending on where you live and your qualifications.

The best place to start is with books and personal research, then moving on to courses like UX design bootcamps, then actually building wireframes and prototypes. It’s really important to start with understanding the base concepts of UX design (we’re here to solve design problems for users). Also try to pick up related skills, programming, design, and psychology are the big ones. Most of all don’t give up and keep absorbing new information.

UX Design Skills User experience design is a vital part of any development project, and there is a large range of skills involved in good UX design. Here are the most important skills for any UX designer to master. 1. Design Process 2. Graphic Design 3. Wireframes and Prototypes 4. User Research 5. Coding Skills 6. Information Architecture 7. User Testing 8. Visual Communication 9. Soft Skills 10. Understanding users’ pain points