Pathway Overview
Why UX/UI Design?
- Creative impact
- Meaningful work
- Job security
- Desirable pay
The need for creative minds in UX/UI is growing with the use of web and mobile devices. Visuals grab attention while user experience increases retention. UX/UI combines design, human psychology, problem-solving, and business all in one. UX designers use research to create personalization along with user feedback. UI designers focus on how a product functions and feels. Anyone with the passion can be successful. Not only is there longevity, but an option to freelance while earning a desirable salary. Lastly, you have a chance to make a lasting impact in more than one way.
Please note: UX and UI may be listed separately or combined in job postings. Some postings may use the term ‘web designer.’ Refer to specific postings for differentiation between UX and UI skills needed.
Pathway Certifications
*Notes: Since experience is the primary requirement for UX/UI roles, there are no required certifications. Some certifications/courses may be free of charge.
| Certification | Definition/Purpose | Associated Roles |
| Adobe | Adobe Education Exchange: Adobe XD, Web UI UX Design. | For design roles or tasks. |
| ACE | Adobe Certified Expert: Adobe Creative Suite / Cloud (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) | For design roles or tasks. |
| CSM | Certified ScrumMaster | For roles associated with product management tasks. |
| PMI-ACP | PMP Agile Certified Practitioner | For roles associated with product management tasks. |
| Sketch | Sketch Master | For design roles or tasks. |
| UX | User Experience Certificate | Offered by various providers for UX roles or tasks. |
| UI | User Interface Certificate. | Offered by various providers for UI roles or tasks. |
In-Demand Skills
Ultimately, your ability to land a specific role will come down to your experience and proficiency in the skills below as well as your willingness to continue learning.
This list encompasses the UX/UI design field as a whole.
UX/UI Design Skills
- Agile methodologies and processes
- Basic marketing concepts
- Product management
- User-centric design research
- Visual prototyping and wireframing
- Adobe, Keynote, Storyboarding, etc.
- User interface deployment
- Web prototyping and development
- HTML, CSS, GitHub, Bootstrap, JavaScript, jQuery
Transferable Skills
- Adaptable
- Creative
- Curious
- Passionate
- Empathetic
- Humble
- Organized
- Strong communication
- Strong business acumen
- Detail-oriented
- Patient
- Research driven
- Strong presenter
- Strong collaborator
- Strong storyteller
Job Descriptions
*Note: Below is a basic guide to kick-start your exploration of UX/UI Design roles, not a complete list of all options and paths within each level.
Entry-Level:
UX Designer
With a passion for user advocacy, influence the product direction via user journeys, interaction flow, wireframes, prototypes, and pain-point problem solving. Collaborate with product management and user research. Launch new products while enhancing existing ones. Tags: UX/UI Developer, Learning Experience Designer. See Product Designer.
Relevant Certifications: ACE/Adobe, Sketch
Previous Roles: Freelance, Graphic Design, Project Management
Future Roles: UX/UI Designer, Researcher, Writer, Design Consultant
UX Researcher
Drive impact through various research tools and approaches to create actionable and measurable goals to ensure accountability throughout the development lifecycle. Effectively communicate findings to leadership and stakeholders to suggest, document, and implement new and improved approaches and methods. UX researchers may oversee research and/or partner with other researchers. Tags: User Experience.
Relevant Certifications: ACE/Adobe, Sketch
Previous Roles: Sociology/Psychology/Social Sciences, Product Research
Future Roles: Content Developer, Product Designer, Design Consultant/Freelance
UX Writer
Collaborate with designers, engineers, product managers, legal teams, etc. Responsible for writing web and mobile products. Features may consist of error messages, UI notifications, tool tips, empty states, translation issues, etc. Advanced writing, editing, and project management skills for a broad audience. Tags: Senior UX Writer, Technical Writer, UX Content Strategist, UX Writer II.
Relevant Certifications: ACE/Adobe, Agile/Scrum
Previous Roles: English/Journalism, Freelance Writer
Future Roles: Product or Web Designer, Senior Writer
Web Designer
Design and plan web and landing pages using the most up-to-date tools and resources. Collect, analyze, and summarize data and trends. Test and verify interface functions. Work with other teams to ensure smooth product changes, secure systems, and updated web platforms. Tags: Digital/Staff Designer, Jr. Web Designer.
Relevant Certifications: ACE/Adobe, Sketch
Previous Roles: Art design, Junior Web Designer, Graphic Design
Future Roles: Product Designer, Senior Web Designer, Design Director
Mid-Level:
Creative Director
Conceptualize small and large-scale campaigns to develop UX/UI design, often for website development teams. Work to create mood and storyboards, develop and direct graphics, and communicate with clients or teams and make changes based on feedback. Knowledge of digital and social platforms and best practices. Strong collaboration and communication skills are a must. Tags: Art Director, Creative Services, Digital Art Director.
Relevant Certifications: ACE/Adobe, Sketch
Previous Roles: Art/Graphic Design, Design Consultant/Freelance, UX/UI Design
Future Roles: Senior Designer, Senior Art Director
Product Designer
The product designers focus on business requirements.They not only advocate for users, but also for the best interests of a company or organization. They ask questions during the design process to align with the goals of a business. Tags: Digital Product Designer, Product Development Specialist. See UX/UI Designer.
Relevant Certifications: ACE/Adobe, Sketch
Previous Roles: Content Developer, Junior Product or Web Designer, Art/Graphic Design, UX/UI Design
Future Roles: Creative Director, Senior Product Designer, Design Director, Design Manager
Senior UX/UI Designer
Oversee the entire user experience and design by facilitating research. Build and conceptualize with design teams and orchestrate the testing of usability. They are innovation-seekers and strong collaborators who can effectively communicate with all. Tags: Senior Designer, Principal Designer.
Relevant Certifications: ACE/Adobe, Agile/Scrum, Sketch
Previous Roles: Creative Director, UX/UI Design, Design Freelance, Product Designer
Future Roles: Design Director, UX/UI Consultant
UX/UI Architect
Architects work with other products, UX/UI, and engineering teams to build a roadmap for updating products and architectural frameworks. Develop and maintain standards and best practices and mentor others. Evaluate and/or recommend tools, technology, and processes. Tags: UI Architect, UX Architect, Digital Architect.
Relevant Certifications: ACE/Adobe, Sketch
Previous Roles: User Analyst/Research, UX/UI Design
Future Roles: Lead Architect, Senior Architect, Consultant, UX/UI Director, Creative Director
UX/UI Consultant
Lead for user-centered design solutions to deliver high-quality products and standards to clients. In collaboration with others, consultants develop, produce, and integrate wireframes, user flows, information architecture diagrams, and prototypes. Produce and manage design assets and proper implementation. Tags: Technical Solutions Consultant, Sr. UI/UX Developer Consultant, Development Consultant.
Relevant Certifications: ACE/Adobe, Sketch
Previous Roles: Graphic/Information Design, UX/UI Design
Future Roles: Lead Consultant, Senior Manager User Experience, UX/UI Director
Senior Level:
Creative Director and VP
This role requires a design background, attention to detail, and the ability to lead a design team. Needs passion, drive, and hands-on style to be the driving force behind design plans. The role requires business acumen, and the ability to present to stakeholders and upper leadership, as well as coach project leadership. Tags: Executive Creative Director, Director of Design, Design Director, VP of Design, VP of Product.
Relevant Certifications: ACE/Adobe, Agile/Scrum, Sketch
Previous Roles: Art Director, UX/UI Design, Design Consultant
Future Roles: Senior Creative Director, Head of Design, UX/UI Director
UX/UI Director
As an expert in wireframes, visual flow, and prototypes, collaboration skills need to be top notch. Work with designers, engineers, producers, artists, and other teams to produce high-quality products. Throughout the process, they monitor and provide feedback for desired outcomes for UX design approaches and UI style guides. Tags: Director of UX/UI, Head of Design.
Relevant Certifications: ACE/Adobe, Agile/Scrum, Sketch
Previous Roles: Senior User Analyst/Researcher, UX/UI Design, Design Consultant
Future Roles: VP of Design, Chief Design Officer (CXO), Senior Director
