8 answers
Adilay
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
26
Questions
Asked
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What is it like working in a tech field like User Experience Design/Research?
I'm really drawn to psychology, but I also might be interested in working in tech. What kinds of things do these people do? Pros/cons of the job? Outlook?
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8 answers
Clara Osburg
Management Consulting
2
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Clara’s Answer
Hi! I can share one interesting career option if you enjoy considering bigger business problems and working with people: consulting! Several of the big consulting firms have UX/UI groups. The great thing about consulting is that you get to change projects a lot, and many people find that appealing especially at an entry-level point in their career (a.k.a, an early point in their career, right after college, for example.)
One thing to think about when you look in a career in tech is whether you are interesting in learning some coding languages. Having a coding skill set can help, and certainly doesn't need to be a formal computer science degree. That said, there are also plenty of paths forward without learning to code extensively.
If understanding how people think and interact with products (digital or even physical) is the biggest thing that interests you, I would look into human-centered design, and perhaps even industrial design. In engineering, we often talk about human-machine-interface. Try Googling those terms, and see if any of those topics sound interesting!
One thing to think about when you look in a career in tech is whether you are interesting in learning some coding languages. Having a coding skill set can help, and certainly doesn't need to be a formal computer science degree. That said, there are also plenty of paths forward without learning to code extensively.
If understanding how people think and interact with products (digital or even physical) is the biggest thing that interests you, I would look into human-centered design, and perhaps even industrial design. In engineering, we often talk about human-machine-interface. Try Googling those terms, and see if any of those topics sound interesting!
Thanks for the advice.
Adilay
PAUL KATES
Sales
8
Answers
Livingston, New Jersey
Updated
PAUL’s Answer
The success of any business or enterprise hinges on customer experience. While the design, build, and launch phases of a product or service are important, it's the customer's experience that truly counts. Even if a product looks great or works well, a poor customer experience can deter future purchases or use. In my own experience, ensuring a positive customer experience is key to fostering trust and confidence in my customers towards my solutions.
I might consider that, thank you.
Adilay
James Linsell-Fraser
IT Architect
10
Answers
Manchester, England, United Kingdom
Updated
James’s Answer
Adilay, my view is that technology is only as useful as the way in which you interact with it. That is the role of a UX/UI advocate is to identify how people view and interact with the tools (technology) to accomplish their task or objective.
User Experience designers put the human psyche at the heard of technology design - Afterall you can make the most outstanding and sophisticated technical solution possible, but if you cannot interact with it well or understand the output it makes, what is the point?!
You may be familiar with the basics of computing and information technology such as how a program is coded, how it calls and orchestrates other programmes, how those programs run on platforms, how those platforms communicate and how the data (or information) input and then output are all key objectives of a SYSTEM. This is where you need 'design thinking', to work out what the human is to do with the system and what that experience is like and how it is interacted with. Then design that system as if it were a journey - you start somewhere and end somewhere else and you want to do it in the most efficient way and meet many other objectives or experiences along the way.
Think like you are offering someone directions in the street to get somewhere - you qualify where they want to get to, you may understand or observe specific things about them (perhaps they are disabled or hard of hearing or distressed?), then you help them by explaining in as simple terms as possible the route they should take, what to avoid and possible options along the way. Well that is all there is too it when it comes to designing an IT system, but your instructions and direction is to the end user or the programmer telling them how to code the routines and advising what the end user should experience along the way.
As you identified, a key component of this is research - on the people (users), the situation, the need, the organisation and the goals of all - so coming with use cases, ideas, points of view, lessons learned etc. to any new situation adds weight and credibility to your abilities.
What of that is not fundamentally all about human psychology?!
So if you love people, what makes them tick, how to understand them and deal with complex situations, then you may well enjoy being a Designer because you put people at the heart of what you do, and if you cannot see the value or the point in something that is designed, then it probably has limited value.
UI/UX roles are becoming increasingly popular in all industries. I am not a UX/UI designer but I am a Technology Architect, so I appreciate good design thinking, clear outcomes and a well thought through journey to understand what will add value to a user or an organization.
User Experience designers put the human psyche at the heard of technology design - Afterall you can make the most outstanding and sophisticated technical solution possible, but if you cannot interact with it well or understand the output it makes, what is the point?!
You may be familiar with the basics of computing and information technology such as how a program is coded, how it calls and orchestrates other programmes, how those programs run on platforms, how those platforms communicate and how the data (or information) input and then output are all key objectives of a SYSTEM. This is where you need 'design thinking', to work out what the human is to do with the system and what that experience is like and how it is interacted with. Then design that system as if it were a journey - you start somewhere and end somewhere else and you want to do it in the most efficient way and meet many other objectives or experiences along the way.
Think like you are offering someone directions in the street to get somewhere - you qualify where they want to get to, you may understand or observe specific things about them (perhaps they are disabled or hard of hearing or distressed?), then you help them by explaining in as simple terms as possible the route they should take, what to avoid and possible options along the way. Well that is all there is too it when it comes to designing an IT system, but your instructions and direction is to the end user or the programmer telling them how to code the routines and advising what the end user should experience along the way.
As you identified, a key component of this is research - on the people (users), the situation, the need, the organisation and the goals of all - so coming with use cases, ideas, points of view, lessons learned etc. to any new situation adds weight and credibility to your abilities.
What of that is not fundamentally all about human psychology?!
So if you love people, what makes them tick, how to understand them and deal with complex situations, then you may well enjoy being a Designer because you put people at the heart of what you do, and if you cannot see the value or the point in something that is designed, then it probably has limited value.
UI/UX roles are becoming increasingly popular in all industries. I am not a UX/UI designer but I am a Technology Architect, so I appreciate good design thinking, clear outcomes and a well thought through journey to understand what will add value to a user or an organization.
That's all great info, thank you!
Adilay
Kelsey Pasley
Technology Consultant
2
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Kelsey’s Answer
Consider embarking on a rewarding journey in the realm of business and technology consulting! This field is in high demand, where your firm is entrusted to tackle the most challenging business and tech issues of a client. The key to success lies in your ability to empathize, listen, and narrate compelling stories to uncover the optimal experience or outcome for the users of the systems or business processes you're co-creating with your client.
A typical entry level job into this promising career path could be roles such as a business analyst, system developer, system configurator, or system tester. Given your interest in design, you might find the role of a business analyst particularly appealing. In this role, you would chart a user's journey through a new system or outline a fresh business process for your client. Together with your team, you'd implement these concepts to revolutionize the way your client utilizes technology or operates their business.
Advantages of this job include the opportunity to work on a variety of projects in your early years, spanning different industries. It's an ideal environment for lifelong learners who thrive on people interaction.
On the flip side, working for a consulting or professional services company might mean you don't always get to choose your assignments. So, if you have a precise vision of your career path, be sure to communicate this during the recruitment process and as a new hire.
Reflecting on my personal experience, when I joined my company fresh out of college, I didn't have a defined vision of my future role. I knew was that I wanted a challenging job that offered plenty of room for exploration and growth. I knew enjoyed working with people and technology. This career path has brought me immense satisfaction, and it might do the same for you!
Check out this list of companies who do this type of work: https://www.greatplacetowork.com/best-workplaces/consulting/2022
A typical entry level job into this promising career path could be roles such as a business analyst, system developer, system configurator, or system tester. Given your interest in design, you might find the role of a business analyst particularly appealing. In this role, you would chart a user's journey through a new system or outline a fresh business process for your client. Together with your team, you'd implement these concepts to revolutionize the way your client utilizes technology or operates their business.
Advantages of this job include the opportunity to work on a variety of projects in your early years, spanning different industries. It's an ideal environment for lifelong learners who thrive on people interaction.
On the flip side, working for a consulting or professional services company might mean you don't always get to choose your assignments. So, if you have a precise vision of your career path, be sure to communicate this during the recruitment process and as a new hire.
Reflecting on my personal experience, when I joined my company fresh out of college, I didn't have a defined vision of my future role. I knew was that I wanted a challenging job that offered plenty of room for exploration and growth. I knew enjoyed working with people and technology. This career path has brought me immense satisfaction, and it might do the same for you!
Kelsey recommends the following next steps:
I might be interested in that, thank you.
Adilay
Ryan Brisentine
Software Engineer
1
Answer
Nashville, Tennessee
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
Understanding the psychology of your users is a critical aspect of user experience design. It's all about recognizing how users engage with your product, a process heavily shaped by their unique perceptions and personal experiences. As a product designer, it's crucial to grasp the varied personas you're crafting for, and the complex systems they're likely to interact with. This knowledge is the cornerstone of developing a product that is instinctive and user-friendly.
Never underestimate the importance of accessibility in design. It extends beyond the physical interaction with the software, delving into its understandability and intuitiveness for the user. Follow accessibility standards set by trusted organizations like the Nielsen Norman group, who provide exhaustive guidelines for crafting accessible designs.
Bear in mind, a superior user experience goes beyond an attractive interface. It's also about fostering a space where users feel acknowledged and at ease. This leads to a product that is not just utilized, but cherished.
Here's to you succeeding in your pursuits!
Never underestimate the importance of accessibility in design. It extends beyond the physical interaction with the software, delving into its understandability and intuitiveness for the user. Follow accessibility standards set by trusted organizations like the Nielsen Norman group, who provide exhaustive guidelines for crafting accessible designs.
Bear in mind, a superior user experience goes beyond an attractive interface. It's also about fostering a space where users feel acknowledged and at ease. This leads to a product that is not just utilized, but cherished.
Here's to you succeeding in your pursuits!
Thank you!
Adilay
Vamshee Gunturu
Principal Engineer
187
Answers
Chandler, Arizona
Updated
Vamshee’s Answer
Given your interest in psychology, you might find a career in User Experience (UX) Design/Research rewarding. This field values knowledge in human psychology, behavior, and design thinking, making it an ideal choice for someone like you.
The job prospects in this sector are promising. Statistics indicate a rising demand for UX designers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 23% growth in employment for web developers and digital designers, which includes UX designers, from 2021 to 2031. This growth rate is significantly higher than the average.
For more detailed information on UX Researcher and UX Design roles and their future prospects, you can refer to the following links:
https://www.coursera.org/articles/what-is-a-ux-researcher-how-to-get-the-job
https://maze.co/collections/ux-ui-design/what-is-ux/
I hope this information proves useful to you. Best of luck with your future career path!
The job prospects in this sector are promising. Statistics indicate a rising demand for UX designers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 23% growth in employment for web developers and digital designers, which includes UX designers, from 2021 to 2031. This growth rate is significantly higher than the average.
For more detailed information on UX Researcher and UX Design roles and their future prospects, you can refer to the following links:
https://www.coursera.org/articles/what-is-a-ux-researcher-how-to-get-the-job
https://maze.co/collections/ux-ui-design/what-is-ux/
I hope this information proves useful to you. Best of luck with your future career path!
Thank you for your help.
Adilay
Michele He
Technology Consulting
2
Answers
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Updated
Michele’s Answer
UX designers are the creative minds that shape the user interactions and interfaces we engage with daily. Their work is driven by empathy, always considering the needs and experiences of the people who will ultimately use their products. I've had the privilege of collaborating with several UX designers, developing mobile apps and virtual reality environments. It's a fulfilling career path that brings immense satisfaction and is absolutely worth pursuing.
Thanks for your input!
Adilay
Marisa Fitz
CareerVillage.org TeamPartnerships Manager
21
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Marisa’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team
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