Why I’m leaving UI for UX

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In my previous career, I was a digital art director trained in visual communications. But after recently completing a UX design course, I have decided to choose UX over UI design as my next career.

My coursemates and interviewers were surprised by my career decision. Many were curious about why I’d give up years of visual design training to be a junior UX designer. Will I regret my decision after a few months (or weeks) in the new role?

I’m still optimistic. Here are my considerations.

1. Soft skills vs technical skills

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Hey, check out this new design tool/plugin from ___________ !

As a UI designer, we are constantly trying to stay up-to-date with the latest new tool or software, like the highly anticipated InVision Studio and Sketch’s new prototyping feature. More and more software require you to sign up for a subscription instead of a one-time fee, meaning that UI designers will have to re-skill themselves constantly.

In contrast, UX skills can withstand the test of time. Soft skills, honed through user research and stakeholder collaborations, are transferable to future jobs.

In an article by the World Economic Forum, 5 million jobs will be lost before 2020 due to artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation. To survive in the workplace of the future, the article states that “emotional intelligence, adaptability, and a willingness to learn” are the most important skills.

While UI design may still help you develop soft skills in creativity, I believe that UX trains you more holistically.

2. User needs vs aesthetics

Necessity is the mother of invention.

The above is an English proverb that describes how the “primary driving force for most new inventions is a need.” It seems like the old saying is still relevant today.

Rather than knowing what color or font my client or their wife/cousin/nephew/neighbor likes, I am motivated to present qualitative and quantitative data that supports my design decisions.

3. Better career progression

4. More resources needed to practice UX

5. UX is not limited to a digital outcome

6. Once you’ve UX-ed, you‘re never turning back