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UX Designer

A UX designer shapes how people experience a product, researching needs and designing flows and interfaces that are clear, usable and helpful.

Part of the occupations cluster in the employment knowledge graph — connected to occupations, documents, hiring guides, career guides, country guides and employment law.

What a UX designer does

A UX designer focuses on how a product feels to use. The role covers understanding users, mapping their journeys, designing flows and interfaces, and testing whether the result is clear and easy to use.

It combines research, design and collaboration: gathering insight, sketching and prototyping ideas, working with product and engineering, and refining based on feedback. The balance of research and visual design varies by team and role.

Core responsibilities

  • Understanding user needs and behaviour.
  • Mapping journeys and designing flows.
  • Creating wireframes, prototypes and interfaces.
  • Testing designs with users and gathering feedback.
  • Working with product, content and engineering.
  • Applying accessibility and usability good practice.
  • Iterating designs based on what is learned.

Skills and qualities

  • Empathy and a focus on user needs.
  • Skill with design and prototyping tools.
  • An understanding of usability and accessibility.
  • Clear communication and presentation of ideas.
  • Curiosity and a willingness to test and learn.
  • Collaboration across disciplines.
  • A portfolio showing relevant work and process.

Typical employers and settings

  • Software product companies and technology firms.
  • Digital and design agencies.
  • In-house product and design teams.
  • Financial services and consumer-facing businesses.
  • Public sector and not-for-profit digital teams.

How the role is recruited

  • Roles are advertised directly or filled through design recruiters.
  • Screening centres on a portfolio alongside a CV, plus right to work.
  • Interviews discuss the portfolio, process and approach to research.
  • Some processes include a design exercise or whiteboard challenge.
  • Onboarding covers the product, users, tools and the team.

Documents involved

  • A job description outlining the design focus.
  • A CV and a portfolio showing process and outcomes.
  • An employment contract including confidentiality terms.
  • An offer letter confirming role, level and start date.
  • Right-to-work and identity checks as required.
  • An onboarding checklist for tools and team.

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For informational purposes only. This is neutral, educational guidance — not legal, employment-law, immigration, payroll, tax, financial or compliance advice, and not an interpretation of any law. It contains no salary or compensation data, no benchmarks or averages, no fabricated studies, surveys or case studies, and no software, vendor or provider rankings. Requirements vary by jurisdiction, industry and contract and change over time. Confirm all specifics with qualified professionals before acting.
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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What does a UX designer do?

They shape how people experience a product, researching needs and designing flows and interfaces that are clear, usable and helpful, then testing and refining them.

What skills does a UX designer need?

Empathy and a focus on user needs, skill with design and prototyping tools, an understanding of usability and accessibility, clear communication and a willingness to test and learn.

What is the difference between a UX designer and a graphic designer?

A UX designer focuses on how a product is experienced and used, while a graphic designer focuses on visual communication. The skills overlap, but their emphasis differs.

Do UX designers need a degree?

Not always. Many employers focus on the strength of a portfolio and process rather than a specific qualification, though some prefer a relevant degree. Check the job description.

How are UX designers usually hired?

Through direct adverts or design recruiters, with a portfolio and CV review and an interview discussing process and research, sometimes a design exercise, then onboarding to the product and tools.