A: "I'm a designer."
B: "Oh, you mean a graphic designer?"
A: "No, not exactly. I design experiences, like the ones you have when you use mobile apps. I do research to find out what the target users want and need, create user flows to guide them, make prototypes to test my ideas, and then improve them until they're just right."
B: "So, you're a developer then?"
A: umm….
Nowadays the term "designer" used to mainly refer to graphic designers, but with everything going digital these days, companies are also on the hunt for designers who can make products that look good and are easy to use. That's why we're seeing a rise in jobs like UI and UX designers.
If you're a graphic designer looking to switch gears and dive into the exciting world of UI/UX design, your background in graphic design surely gives you transferable skills, but there are some differences to note.
One of the most essential principles of UX design is prioritizing the user's needs above all else. This is because UX design aims to create products that are functional and user-friendly, rather than just visually appealing or communicative.
While graphic designers may prioritize aesthetics, UX designers prioritize the user experience and how they interact with the product. Their goal is to improve people's lives by designing with the user's needs in mind, rather than their own personal preferences.
So, what are some skills that are crucial for success in UI/UX design? Here are a few:
User research: This involves conducting user interviews, surveys, and usability tests to gain insights into what users want and need from a digital product.
Information architecture: Creating a clear and organized structure for the product, including navigation, menus, and content organization.
Prototyping: Building interactive prototypes to test and refine design ideas before finalizing them.
Visual design: Creating visually appealing designs that are consistent with the product's brand and style guidelines.
Collaboration: Working effectively with developers, product managers, and other team members to ensure that design solutions meet business and user needs.
If you're a graphic designer interested in transitioning to UI/UX design, there are plenty of resources available to help you develop the necessary skills. Finding a mentor or joining online courses, bootcamps, and workshops are all great options for gaining knowledge and experience in this field.
Additionally, it's important to build a strong portfolio that showcases your UI/UX design work and demonstrates your ability to solve design problems and create successful digital products.
Looking to switch up your career and break into the exciting world of design? Join us at Natuno Design Club #Vol 01: Destined for Design: How to Rock Your Career Switch! We've got two incredible speakers lined up to share their insights and inspire you.
Gugun, our talented UI Designer, will share his journey from graphic designer to UI Designer, while Dimas Wibowo, CEO of Natuno Design, will talk about his journey in building a design agency.
This sharing session is taking place on Thursday, March 9, 2023, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM WIB on Zoom. You won't want to miss out on this awesome opportunity to learn, network, and get inspired with other design enthusiasts. To secure your spot, register now at tinyurl.com/natunodesignclub01. See you there!
