The Harsh Reality of Being a UX Designer

[@delicious_seabass]

I've been a UX designer for like 20 years now, give or take. Here's some additional advice: As a beginner, you need to learn very quickly that you aren't designing for yourself, you're designing for the client/stakeholder/company and the users. If you want a fancy project to put into your portfolio, that's great, but work on it in your spare time. Secondly, if you want to be highly valued, you must be multi-skilled. If all you can do is talk about UX, but you need someone else to translate your ideas to visual designs, I wish you the best of luck, but you won't last long. Third, you should have an excellent understanding of the platform and tech you're designing for. Go use the device, read the guidelines, and test your work on it. Fourth, you should be able to communicate with devs as well as you communicate with the business unit. Learn the lingo, learn some programming in your spare time, learn what libraries they are using, what limitations they have, how much work is involved. And lastly, don't go to a company that doesn't understand or value UX or UX design. You may find yourself either doing work you didn't sign up for, or worse, doing work no one asked for. Also one big red flag to watch out for: If you ever find yourself working on marketing material, just GTFO and find a new job.

[@ivik1978]

I like the way you think 😊

[@GeorgeGarciaobi-gueygarcia]

thats funny! the term UX has not existed half of what your are claiming. I would love to see your resume. Is probably bloated up like George Santos

[@delicious_seabass]

@@GeorgeGarciaobi-gueygarcia That's cute! You think UX only came about when you first heard about it.

[@robp.3920]

​@@delicious_seabass Technically you're both right. You're talking about user experience in general. He's talking about UX as per designing websites and apps

[@swhite802]

​​@@GeorgeGarciaobi-gueygarcia UX dates 1988. And it has barely evolved as a discipline in the last 20 years that I got to personally witness - jmo

[@ABSVabeautifulsunsetvlog]

The biggest thing is letting go of any ego and understand that it’s a job, you’re not trying to change the world. Maybe because I’m older (42) I understand that jobs are simply that, we have hobbies to bring meaning to our lives, jobs simply provide a lifestyle. Once you can understand and embrace that you’ll be much better off in life generally. And that doesn’t mean that you have to hate your role, but people who go in looking for roles that are going to bring meaning to their lives are really setting themselves up because for most people life simply doesn’t offer that.

[@aahilalwani5019]

That's a really good take, I am going through something like that, thanks for this comment! I should think about this.....

[@taniatoday.sketch]

I'm 34 and coming to the same conclusion... On top of that, I also realized that as long as I have the word "designer" in my title, I'm never taken seriously. Just a coocoo artist. So I’m changing my job to a more corporate (read: serious) one, but I’ll remain a designer at heart 🖤

[@ronnydelacruzYT]

@@taniatoday.sketch hey Tatjana, I’m 31 and I’ve been considering changing my medical assistant career to UX designer. Do you have any advice before I embark on this new journey?. 🙏🏽

[@alexanderbrooks7634]

THIS IS THE TRUTH.

[@taniatoday.sketch]

@@ronnydelacruzYT, nice channel! You are likely to succeed as a UX designer ;) Just don't expect it to be as cool as it seems. It also depends on the industry for which you are going to design. However, based on my interactions at design conferences, regardless of the industry, everyone agrees that design is rarely a priority for a client, especially during times of crisis. People want to save money and usually give up on design as “not essential”. It is very difficult to explain that NOT investing in design will cause problems in the future. Only 5% of companies realize that. Disclaimer: I’ve been in design for 12 years. Maybe it's just a burnout :)

[@gaminwithgc]

After recently leaving a job as a product design manager, this is the video that I wanted to make. KZbin is littered with "How to become a UX Designer without an education" and "A Day in the Life of a UX Designer" and they're very often not at all accurate to what the job entails. One of the first books I purchased way back was "Articulating Design Decisions" and it's one of the first books I recommend to young designers or prospective UXers. Thank you for making this video!

[@StarrriKnight]

Thank you, just added this book to my Audible library!

[@gaminwithgc]

@@StarrriKnightyou’re welcome :)

[@neaa1928]

I’m very interested in going into product design/industrial design in school! I’d love to hear about your experience and career path if you don’t mind sharing! I’ve been scavenging and looking everywhere for realistic accounts of what this career field is like alongside how well designers are able to pivot into other paths! Thank you for the book recommendation as well :)

[@ReDrac]

First job as a UX designer in a product team for almost a year now. One thing i found very necessary is asking questions. Even if its a dumb question, even if you might know the answear, ask to get the full picture, dont leave anything unansweared. The same principle is applied when youre explaining a design for handoff or in a meeting. In short, being a critical thinker and communicating clearly.

[@me3zz]

If it requires critical thinking, that eliminates a lot of the population from the applicant pool

[@VishalPaswan-uy9xk]

​@@me3zzLoL

[@subhadipdey2003]

I am graphic designer by profession. and I am surprised by the fact that we graphic designers face the exact same thing in our daily lives and it is frustrating some time, but when you love your job, it doesn't matter.

[@AndresTheDesigner]

Absolutely 💯 When you love what you do, nothing can stop you.

[@asimpleguy2730]

Honestly, if you swapped the video title with "The Harsh Reality of Being a Developer" it would still be 100% correct. I think all the problems shown in the video are in common to a lot of knowledge workers

[@jonirojonironin5353]

@@asimpleguy2730 Do programmers really do many presentations?

[@danyt41]

No

[@danyt41]

@@jonirojonironin5353No

[@abcdefu3198]

I know I’m much more of a UI designer than UX, and there’s nothing wrong with that, but sometimes people make it seem like there is. UI involves research as well, it’s a lot more than just making an interface pretty. There has to be reasoning behind your visual design decisions as well, otherwise there’s no need for it. I wish people would start emphasizing the importance of UI just as much as UX because at the end of the day they go hand in hand.

[@LorettaBangBang]

as more of a UX designer, I feel you and totally respect your work! I would just never get to a point where I could produce outstanding UI so we need both

[@Elizabeth-mf3dn]

Omg agreed. Honestly I feel like you end up doing both anyway - no one really does wire frames they go straight to high fidelity which means you are changing workflows and CTAs etc in the UI which also effects the overall design

[@vickyb5683]

I think the issue is that designers have fought for UX to be a thing, ultimately a small company will prioritise a pretty pixel designer foremost. So many skills go into visual design, if you are a UI designer without anyone officially doing more UX type work (research, testing, low fidelity ) and you are having to make extra considerations on the fly using secondary research and your own iterations, probably with shitty specifications, then it is seriously heavy lifting. Its not just making things look nice. I guess designers have made "just UI" a thing to try to give the work they do behind the surface veneer a voice and a process? Unfair to bash visual design along the way though.

[@taniaalexieva]

If you get attached to ideas easily and can’t let them go and work with restrictions unless you’re confident these restrictions actually apply you won’t be happy in UX design. I see a lot of designers that get stuck when their ideas get rejected and they deliver something they don’t like or even believe it’s ugly - often out of frustration that they were rejected. You need to be able to separate your work from yourself and then you’ll be a (potentially)good UX designer that can work with different requirements and restrictions without feeling suffocated and actually deliver original solutions.

[@__jake.m]

The funny thing is, these "harsh realities" of UX design is making me more excited to learn more about it. Let's see where things take me. Thank you, Andres!

[@Yaanle]

Same perspective here! I believe "if you do what's easy, your life will be hard. but if you do what's hard, your life will be easy.

[@jasoncasimiro5732]

Andres, I absolutely love this! The reality is UX is a challenging but rewarding field. Part of the fun is figuring out these solutions for your client, and being able to navigate through the hardships is something you need to come to terms with in this field. I agree that it may not be "right" for certain people, but people also need to know that it comes down to your mindset and how you view UX. If you're stuck on thinking that UX is an easy gateway to a high paying job, you need to bring yourself to reality because what ever these bootcamps are telling you is not true. You need to put in the work and push through the hardships to be successful in this field (and many others TBH). There's no shortcut to greatness, only hard work and commitment. Appreciate you releasing this video man, and happy new year to you! Let's all keep growing and getting better.

[@AndresTheDesigner]

Always appreciate your thoughtful comments Jason! It's true! Things that are worthwhile are often challenging. And your mindset can have a huge impact with how you view UX. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! 🙏🏼

[@tjjohnson927]

Bootcamps aren’t guaranteeing anything or saying there’s some easy way to high paying roles

[@jema5039]

Dude u sound cringe it’s just a job & another employee number. Boot camps work & theres ppl who jobs are chill. The hustle & bustle bs talk is corny & not realistic.

[@HardlyTalk]

This is absolutely spot on and timely. The hard stuff about ux/ui field. Being a professional who started out as a researcher and then transitioned into design I can tell you it's the small things that appear useless that mostly end up messing up a design project. Things I have found out and that are still a problem are 1. Communication: This is a huge and important aspect of a UX project from the research stage. How you communicate with stakeholders, within teams, your decisions is important. Proper, well structured communication helps you smooth out major issues and all be on the same page with your expectations. As a designer it's your duty to communicate your thoughts, decisions especially when it comes to making trade-offs articulately. A good pointer is to break down information in a way that is digestible for everyone, using jargons that you don't bother explaining is the quickest way to cause chaos.

[@davec8473]

I have 10+ years experience in UX. I was thinking about making a video about 'all the things you didn't know you had to be as a UX designer: User researcher Copy writer Negotiator Project manager Graphic designer Presenter Diplomat etc etc :)

[@AndresTheDesigner]

Awesome list! Thanks for sharing

[@bluebruce77sg]

Are your video uploaded? I wish to view

[@davec8473]

That's very nice of you but no, I never created this video. I ended up making a gaming channel instead xD@@bluebruce77sg

[@CookieMonstro21]

I’m lucky to say the least as to how I came into UX. I was an artist turned graphic designer turned brand specialist turned brand consultant turned customer service expert turned web designer turned project manager turned UI Systems turned UX Librarian turned UX designer turned UX Lead. It’s a process but you have to build knowledge across a lot of fields to get where you want to go. I can’t speak for everyone but my own experience, but for most the entrepreneurial route is the fastest way to get jobs from friends, family, local professionals where you can bring your knowledge to help them. Once you gain that experience, you’re a consultant on your resume, which can help land job roles. Every market is different, been doing this for 15 years. I’m blessed, grateful and humbled where I am today. For those struggling, go out there and build case studies out of ordinary small businesses and use that to build your portfolio. Stop waiting around for the best job, you’ll never get it! The best job is doing it gorilla style and learning and applying and establishing yourself. Network network network. Build wisdom and experience and continue to self develop. School is archaic and technology advances faster than what books can teach you. Best of luck. You got this!

[@Elizabeth-mf3dn]

You sounds awesome I’m also an artist turned graphic designer turned product designer :)

[@lifeofjaya989]

That was so darn good advice I wish you could see and feel this slow clap Start a ch

[@rishabhshrm24]

I think ux design helped me improve my communication skills as it requires to discuss more with stakeholders which i could not have achieved without this profession.

[@shubhamanand2687]

Hi bro i am aspiring Ux designer can we connect?

[@mada_mada_]

The points you have presented are relevant to all creative professions, not limited to UX. As a landscape architect with a decade of experience, I can vouch for the similarities. It appears that the essence lies in the work itself, the level of enjoyment, and the team dynamic. When confronted with such challenges, a positive and cohesive team environment can make the task more manageable.

[@breu.design]

Okay so why not labelling the video "UI/UX is not for everybody, here's why" instead of the clickbaity, dramatic headline "Don't do xyz" that literally pops up everywhere right now? Other than that, amazingly produced video with a lot of original, fresh elements that tell a great story. Good job on that, Andres.

[@AndresTheDesigner]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@zerodesu5248]

As an experienced multidiscipline designer, I have been experiencing it for a decade. Sometimes it's stressful and frustrating. I love to design and I have a passion for learning how people think. Sometimes people don't know our roles are solving the problem, they just give us their solution (extra big logo, neon color to button, etc). I took six months to educate people about user research and focus on the target user, but people still pushed faster to finalize the product ... Most of them are the organization or team culture issues ... Anyway, I am just venting...Good sharing!

[@m_wayne946]

Just wanted to say thanks Andres,I was clueless last year when I want starting with Ux your "How I Became A Self-Taught UX Designer In 3 Months" video gave the guide and will power to do it. I am currently working on my 2nd case study and I am hoping I will get a job soon.Thank you so much Andres you r a G.

[@AndresTheDesigner]

Wow! That's so awesome! Congratulations on your progress! 👏

[@Beelaim]

Extremely challenging job, alot of debates. And also always having to reassure people that we are doing the right thing. This is especially hard when going head to head with someone with a firm belief that their way is the best. But without anything to back that thesis up. This a big one for me personally , alot of struggles back and forth.

[@Monkeybehindthekeyboard]

Im in the same boat rn, it's deflating. Preconceived solutions are the worst

[@ESPN.A.Smith_20]

I’m definitely feeling the effects of being a self taught UI/UX Designer. I’m a junior who’s been struggling to find meaningful work. I did a UX internship 3 years ago and it was the last relevant design role I’ve had. I’ve lost count of how many interviews, design challenges I’ve done, portfolio improvisations, etc. Basically, I’ve come to grips that by the end of Q1, if I can’t find anything design related, I’m waving the white flag.

[@mrjean9376]

Go to data science 👌

[@m.j.9935]

Never quit, never surrender. You can do other work to keep the bills paid, but keep practicing and applying

[@1sleepyguy42o]

@@mrjean9376 Ive heard even worse things about the data science job search. Do u have any experience in the data science job search, I'm personally curious. It seems like people noticing these jobs are hiring more has made a huge amount of composition, somewhere between 100 applicants per one job posting

[@gustavolepe741]

Same here. Taught myself but could find a job in 4 years. At the end I went to a boot camp and that was enough. Now I’m a senior Ux. But that boot camp was my last chance. Fortunately for me. It did work

[@jacouilledefripouille9076]

So it doesn’t give a chance for extra work to learn UX? I’m a old senior designer, but it seems useless to learn UX?

[@TheHoodieGuy13]

Spot on. That's how it is. Although you kind already mentioned it in the "design by committee" part, I'd add that you have to be okay with losing some battles and be able to choose which battles are worth fighting for. Also you have to accept that some things that some stakeholders want to see in your designs, are not up for discussion and it's not necessarily their fault. For example, if someone from marketing wants several areas for ads on the website, those areas have to be there. Why? Well, those ads might actually be a pretty good source of income for the company. Or those ads are linked to some key results they have to work on. Doesn't matter at this point if it's not really good for the user. Yes, a bigger discussion around that topic with some higher-ups is probably a good thing. But maybe it's just not worth the energy because it's just a few ads and they don't distract too much. So, be prepared for a lot of frustrating moments, so you can cherish all the good stuff 😁

[@AndresTheDesigner]

That's a great perspective! Choosing what battles are worth fighting is spot on! Thanks for sharing your perspective. 🙏🏼

[@djmixx07]

As always, great content for experienced and aspiring UX Designers from Andres. Working on a project for clients is great because most of the time you have time to do UX research and you have a say in the process and the timetable you present to your clients. What's difficult in my experience is when joining an existing design team with an established product design already in place, especially if the existing UX/UI design sucks. Because pushing your thoughts and methods, especially when you are new to the team, takes a lot of influential skills and effort to have them listen to or follow your ideas.

[@AndresTheDesigner]

Thank you my man! 🙏🏼 Ah, this is a GREAT point. Change management. Thanks for sharing!

[@didilarusa]

Omg this is me right now and I feel so frustrated that i'm starting to think about looking for another job. I don't know if i'm being too lazy or just putting my happiness first haha.

[@MenaceTheMary]

I'm an independent artist who does a lot of commission work and I feel like this video gave me a lot of relatable insight into what it's going to be like as a UX designer. I'm sure it varies from place to place and depending on who you work for and how aware they are of the process. I run into several of these issues too with just some of the regular work that I do and I'm often working with just one person. People don't understand me and what I'm trying to explain because it's their first commission. People have these ideas in their heads of how they want their product to look but the colors clash or the overall design is bad. I've had to learn to set my ego aside sometimes and just do it or find inoffensive ways to be assertive. If it's really bad I'll sit down with my client and say "hey, this will be perceived this way because of this design choice you made" or "This might not be that great to look at because the colors you chose will put strain on the viewer's eyes." and I find most people will understand, of course, some don't. I'm sure with several eyes on me in a company setting would greatly impact how the design looks. I've seen movies and collaborative works that were produced by several people and it can easily get disjointed if there's no structure to keep everyone on track. I've had to learn that collaborating in general has to be give and take and people are happiest when they feel heard even if their ideas don't make it into the final product. I'm currently in the beginning phases of learning UX design through Google's courses and while they are informative I still appreciate videos like this and all the other content out there that help me get an idea of how everything actually works. I love learning from people and getting in on different points of view even if it challenges my own. Thank you so much for taking the time to put yourself out there.

[@ayololuwaolalekan6096]

Love this❤

[@RiSkyNick]

The presentation part doesn't sound so bad if you enjoy the work of designing, and you're able to talk about why you designed something the way you did. Presentations only seem daunting when I don't like the work, or have no passion for the results.

[@rachelhow]

The video is so well produced! Top notch quality here, Andres! Thanks for sharing your POV with the community :)

[@AndresTheDesigner]

Thank you Rachel! 🙏🏼 means a lot! Like design, my videos are a form of creative expression. 😁

[@fatemehmokhtarabadi6549]

Can't agree more! I think you just told the truth of what it really is gonna look like when you work as a UX designer. Some people might like this job in theory; but as a designer, your job includes things other than UX itself. Soft skills like presenting, story telling, communication and teamwork are game changers. They're as important as your UX skills, if not more (especially if you're working remotely).

[@NicholasBurgher]

Love that you included this scripture at the end! It's definitely foundational for ux designers, who are doing all they can to serve others by delivering great products. If it was just about money, we've got a problem, and we make design decisions that serve the business over people. Doing it as unto the Lord really changes the reason behind the design! I love that Andres. I'm a UX designer living in Texas. I am completely contract right now but have the luxury of meeting teams in person. I hope to find something more full time in the future. I find my current role is landing somewhere in the middle between project manager and ux designer/front end developer. Trying to navigate the path I'm going. Praying to do what God wants first.

[@AndresTheDesigner]

Glad you noticed the scripture at the end 🙏🏼👀 God bless you Nicholas!!

[@KEVWITHTHESS]

PHD student here! UX design has caught my interest over the last couple months, specifically UX research. Previous jobs I've held have all primarily been customer facing - from retail, to manufacturing facilitating customer returns in short. I can emphasize how important voice of the customer is. I've had the opportunity to develop strong soft skills through retail. Example, Empathy, sympathy, emotional intelligence, communication, etc. Lastly, I would like to specialize in UX research, I am taking statistics for research, quantitative research and qualitative research in my PHD program. I believe a lot of companies make a terrible mistake of skipping the research part of product or service development - I hope to change that. Lastly, and correct me if I am wrong, alot of UX researchers may face pressure to ignore the results of the research conducted due to various reasons, so I think one in that position needs a strong backbone to stand on their results.

[@davidlloren]

After 10 years, I can tell you empathy isn't as big a deal as listening, being ego-less, and identifying the difference between assumptions. I feel we should stop seeing ux design as a job and more as a skill set.

[@badfairyy]

@@davidlloren interesting perspective

[@sensibleactuality]

Some cases .. UX Researcher will NOT be allowed to do a single step of basic research or testing... PM will tell you what he wants... And you would be expected to follow him literally.

[@swhite802]

​@@sensibleactuality true that

[@Elizabeth-mf3dn]

@@sensibleactualityomg so right 😂

[@Alexandra-ek6bb]

I've been a designer for 16 years. We will always need production teams (execs, project managers, developers, designers, QA) , but the worst thing invented was a design TEAM to work on the SAME project. Usually, you have one Lead is supposed to make the final design decisions, but often there's a lot they don't know, or if they do, they're spending their time having instructing, critiquing and redoing other designers' work (and who enjoys doing that?). Design is a mix of best practices, methodologies, skill, and subjective preference. Multiple designers working on the same project is like multiple artists working on the same painting. The result is a lot of design inconsistency and average quality work. The junior designers don't know any better and don't mind, but it's totally frustrating for experienced designers. I will always do my best work as a sole designer.

[@AndresTheDesigner]

🤣 Totally. As they say, "too many chefs in the kitchen." Have you tried working freelance on smaller teams/projects where you're the primary designer?

[@Alexandra-ek6bb]

@@AndresTheDesigner Glad you asked. I'm currently working as a contractor - the only designer on a product team, and it's working out great!

[@Raaawrrrrr]

@@Alexandra-ek6bb Quick question: Freelancing to me seems so far away unattainable and kicks up some anxiety. So many issues come to my when thinking about it. Any way how to fix that? Thanks.

[@Alexandra-ek6bb]

@@Raaawrrrrr Agree. Thats why I'm not a freelancer. I'm a W-2 Contractor, which I prefer to being a full time employee. Less security, but more freedom and variety of projects.

[@Raaawrrrrr]

@@Alexandra-ek6bb Hey, thanks for taking the time to respond. Appreciate you. Is this something that foreigners can do? I'm not American.

[@JeffSoundjack]

Thanks for the video, lately I’ve seen several design influencer talking about the challenge they faced and warning viewers they should think twice before starting a career like this. I guess many people though design was a lucky and easy job escape and that clients, team workers, bosses would follow their lead once working on the project. But l feel like the reality as always been like you describe, designers never choose a product solution they only make propositions… Proposition that can be taken or refused for many valuable or unfair reasons by the one who decide (with money).One thing is for sure if you don’t know how to let go and move on when a project didn’t go your way, you’re not gonna last…

[@alfred.designs]

Definitely agree with everything you mentioned in the video! Debates have been the hardest for me because sometimes you fight about even the smallest details. It is a continuous learning process for me in articulating my design decisions.

[@AndresTheDesigner]

Yup! It can definitely be frustrating. Definitely recommend buying that book! 🙌🏻

[@JaxsonJordan]

I think the word/perspective of “debating” is the product of being in tough/non-ideal design culture. Discuss instead of debate. Designing in the professional context is about communication and finding compromise while advocating for the user. This kind of communication is such an underrated skill set.

[@hardboiled2000]

Nearly 5 years in, it doesn't get easier, in fact, the more doors you open with experience, the more you have to learn, especially the soft skills you mention, managing stakeholders, expectations, cross functional teams, developers, users, finding the right users, having enough time to design, presenting, having the processes in a department for success, up to date design pattern knowledge, front end knowledge, web design knowledge, app design knowledge, web interface application design, mapping, interviewing, research repositories, having to use evidence for promotion, personal portfolio, case studies!!!!. It's so broad and deep and take commitment to get to a point where your head is above water. Real grind but a great payoff when you nail something and you improved an experience.

[@AzumaRikimaru]

switch to business analysis and consulting

[@Elizabeth-mf3dn]

Exactly but that’s why we make the big bucks

[@keithgardner3112]

As a UX Designer / Digital Product Designer of 15+ years, I 100% agree with description. What about Design Thinking, being Agile, having a thick skin to take criticism on design feedback. Sketching , getting ideas out of your head, and and… But I love it!

[@s559tja]

For me, the worst thing about being a UX designer is having to deal with other UX designers.

[@AndresTheDesigner]

🤣 lmaooooo

[@gpeg3076]

It hard to design for other designers. I'd rather design for someone with little design experience and appreciates the work done rather than one who will always find something to pick at. It makes us better but in the end the client won't care about such details.

[@s559tja]

@@gpeg3076 I meant more in the sense of finding most designers to be completely insufferable and thinking the work we do is actually important at all. It's just a job, people don't care about users out of altruism and I wish designers would stop pretending they're passionate and empathetic. Remote working has been great because it means I can just get on with the job without having to listen to some asshat talking about dark patterns or inclusive design for the millionth time.

[@daipayanbhattacharjee3137]

LOL! so true. I have found it easier to get stuff done while working with developers, product managers or clients. They usually function in "this works, this doesn't" mode totally rooted in reality. Whereas designers will usually go in circles with terms like empathy maps, journey maps, process maps, task maps, all with a bunch of colourful post-its on walls for something which is usually pretty straight forward.

[@RobertoVillaLobby]

Good piece of no-nonsense advice here. As a long term graphic designer I'm used to these "downsides" and exclusive from the occasionally Frankenstein project I don't really see them as downsides. Presenting your work and convincing people about the "why" in your design can be quite fun. I'm going for it 😌

[@MoyzonRecords]

Hey, very interesting to watch this video. About my experience working around 6 years as UX/UI and now Product Designer (I also started as Graphic/Motion Designer from 2012) I have worked in a different companies, with different people and 1 important part was moslty is your co-workers. Your team. Like are you 1-2 designers only or more? For me it was always a problem to explain ideas for so many different people, even to a client. I mean it felt like I am 1 vs 10 people. What I discovered mostly based on my experience I just love working on 1 Product, focus on it and not switching between different projects and clients. Currently where I work, we have around 10 designers, we have 1 huge product and I Love everything we do. The way we work together even with PM and developers is a game changer. So mostly it all depends on your team and company and what exactly you are doing. I have many different stories and other things to explain but I think everything comes with experience. I can say now for me being a Product Designer is much better and more interesting than I used to do before like UX/UI with different clients and everything was on me. Now we have a bigger, better team where we can think together on ideas, goals and other. We can focus only on our Product and don't switch between projects, clients. While working as Product Designer you really care about your product and everyone is so friendly like a huge family helping each other, which you can't find mostly by working with clients because we just care to deliver some final designs and switch to next client. Here it's totally different. It's hard to explain all work flow in a short description, but if people will want. I can give more info about that. Thanks!

[@AndresTheDesigner]

Ah Yes! The people you work with have a huge impact on the overall experience! Thanks for sharing your story! 🙏🏼

[@mohamedhdeib9237]

This is spot on, I love it! What I would add is the need to be able to take critisizm and be delicate in giving it, a very underrated skill

[@AndresTheDesigner]

THIS is such a great one! 🔥 Thanks for sharing!

[@Elizabeth-mf3dn]

Yes that is at the top of the list

[@andresramirez4469]

I was doing the ui/ux design course on coursera. Now that you mention all this it makes me not want to do it anymore. I have never done a role that involves presentations or debates and i dont see myself doing that sort of thing. Worse is that it doesn't appeal to me. Its a real bummer because i was looking forward to pursue something in UI/UX but now my future remains uncertain :(. I dont know what to do now

[@haticesahra]

What did you do?

[@annaj.6577]

You have just described literally every kind of job which requires collaboration and feedback

[@AndresTheDesigner]

Well, collaboration and feedback is a huge part of a UX designers job 🤷

[@RusAnderson]

I've been in this field for 27 years. Unless you own the product you will very rarely see your design "go live" as you originally created it. There will always be at least one person that dictates the final product no matter their level of experience. Even if you have many years of experience and come with solid research, are a champion debater and presenter there is always someone that will ignore all of that simply to put their mark on the product. The best way I have found to keep my sanity is to present all of the research, designs, etc. but know that in the end whatever the client wants, that's what they get. Sometimes they will blame failure on you even when you know that it was their changes that was the cause. So, have thick skin and be prepared to fight that battle if it make sense. Recently I designed a product and presented it to the client. They loved it, but had a few ideas to "make it better". I made the changes and presented it and they hated it and said "I hired you for your expertise, I need you to come with your best ideas". I ignored the comment because I knew the problem and they didn't push any harder. At least their checks cleared.

[@MyHeartBeatsBackwards]

R U a freelancer or U working in a company ?

[@RusAnderson]

@@MyHeartBeatsBackwards Both

[@Elizabeth-mf3dn]

OMG I know exactly how you feel lol especially that last bit 😩😩

[@sstrike9279]

Such a crap client...

[@Rafael-pj4zc]

The points about debate and terminology apply to many professions. These really boil down to being a clear and effective communicator. A lot of jobs, especially in tech, come with jargon you'll have to learn. And you'll always have a boss or a client who will need to understand your decisions and thought process behind your work.

[@sibylle_]

Spot on. This has been my life in the web industry for the past 18 years. Excellent advice on learning to articulate the importance of user research, design, content, clean code or whatever best practices fall into your area, as you will spend a lot of time explaining these things to people who do not have a design or development background.

[@meowmaru2366]

Yes! Articulating design decisions is an awesome book! Thanks for sharing the reality behind the doors. I think business acumen is another thing rarely talked about but is going to be very helpful for UX designers. At the end of the day, businesses need to make a profit or impress investors, and most of the product requirements come from these perspectives. Understanding the business perspective, helps me to grasp on underlying goals of each design project, "debate" with my business stakeholders/clients, and discover opportunities areas that serve both UX and business goals.

[@meowmaru2366]

In my experience, when I can convince people, or better yet, prove that my design proposal will serve business goals, getting buy-in is usually not a problem. Of course, the business goals I am talking about are not just cold numbers, user engagement or satisfaction can also be a goal.

[@mangochan88]

Thank you for this video. I’ve been looking to get into UX design and have had a hard time understanding what a UX designer actually does. This gives me a better understanding of it. I definitely do still want to pursue it. Thanks for the video! Also, you have a great smile

[@AndresTheDesigner]

Of course! Thanks for the kind comment 😁

[@yiranshan349]

somehow the debate part makes me can't wait to become a UX designer.

[@AndresTheDesigner]

You psychopath 🤣 🤣 🤣 (kidding)

[@k0mmunicat0r]

I've been designing digital designs for 11 years now... your are pouring your heart.... HUGS

[@tayirnull1567]

I agree with the things you have mentioned in the vid 👍 My biggest weakness definitely has to be presenting. It is something that I have to work on the most when I become a Ui designer, professionally.

[@AndresTheDesigner]

Ah, totally get where you're coming from. Definitely recommend reading Articulating Design Decisions! Once you get better at presentations, it can be really fun!

[@nenpan]

I’m 17 years old and I’m about to graduate high school. I’ve always been into art in general, drawing and sketching in my free time but most of all I’ve always had a thing for tech. For the better part of the last five years, I’ve spent my time dreaming of becoming a UI/UX dev with a lot of friends helping me along the way. I’ve done multiple courses and internships to up my high school portfolio for a college scholarship. In summary, wish me luck😂

[@felm.974]

I think my biggest weakness is articulating and presenting. I have worked as a web designer, then UI/UX designer for 13 years and thankfully, have never had to present, my bosses have usually don't that, I just discuss things with the dev team but that's all, I would be terrified if I had to present specially because of my accent lol :/

[@AndresTheDesigner]

I hear a lot of people struggle with this! I would recommend spending some good time and money on presenting classes and teachers!

[@la_702]

Thanks for making this video! I think writing needs to be included in here under the umbrella of communications - presenting and writing. Also the mental aspect of it - being able to deal with (or find the peace with) illogical design decisions made by committee/clients and how to adapt to/work with short timelines and agian be at peace with a less than ideal design based on restrictive parameters.

[@AndresTheDesigner]

Absolutely Lara 🙌🏻 Writing should definitely be included. Thanks for sharing

[@Lyubovstrauss]

Thank you for the truth. I agree with what you said. I have two UXUI design certificates and have never had experience in the field. I learned the process and worked with a group of people on a school project for several hours. Our team consisted of three people, not designers, but we disagreed on the design decision. I have been a Marketing Graphic Designer for fifteen years. I was the only designer working with the project manager and marketing team. The marketing team respected my decision because they didn't know about design.

[@sunelleswanepoel3300]

Ux design is definitely still a career I want to persue. This video confirmed everything I expected from working in the industry. I'm still a student. One thing I did notice from doing ux/ui design work is: - It's important that you have a basic understanding of the coding softwares needed to develop the app/website even if you plan on only working on the design team.

[@firefly1883]

Hey go for it, I went from web design to UX and it is better to put rhyme and reason behind design. Who likes shooting arrows in the dark? 😂

[@AndresTheDesigner]

Absolutely 💯 Having an understanding of how software works can be invaluable. Especially since you'll be working hand in hand with developers.

[@eileen9584]

balancing between what I know is the right research to do to inform the design - and the timeline/ deadlines that typically compressive my work into almost nothing. It's a constant struggle to have the 'very reason you hired me' research be recognized as critical to success and have it calculated into delivery dates for the product. - I promise you at the end it will actually save time and create a better product!!! Too many recruiters and HR people who simply do not know what UX is or what it brings to the table, and in 2022 to say that so many tech co-workers do not understand the UX design role should be embarrassing for them. Hiring managers know ( usually) and so much gets lost when uninformed people muck up the recruiting and hiring process. but, at the end of the day, I love this work.

[@kicknight]

100% agree with all the points, especially Debates are pain in the ass sometimes. I work in agency so sometimes even if we do all those must have elements (user research, benchmarks and so on) it's not enough because client is not even understanding what are those things are for. So you have to start from fundamentals like what is design, why we work like that and so on (please remember that this client came to you in the first place but still don't get those fundamentals). Long story short, be prepare to have presentations about basic ux elements what they are, how they work and explained in a simplest way possible.

[@AndresTheDesigner]

Right!? I can totally relate. Thanks for sharing 👍🏻

[@santiago4591]

This is so right!! Knowing how to fight back in an assertive way all the revisions of stakeholders and people who think that they have the correct answer is crucial.

[@zaitunpeace]

Hi Andres. You have a very balanced , calm and modulated voice. Ever thought about doing a voice over , documentary series or podcast? Your voice is gold. Take care and nice video.

[@vittorianesse]

Been through the wringer for 30 yrs already as a graphic designer, so my biggest concern is being bored by data if I can’t see any patterns. The way I see it nothing can stop me because I live for solving problems. I may even retire and do it as a hobby for non-profits!

[@MojeZycieWSkrocie]

Sir, from the title I thought you were gonna say we're gonna be replaced by AI very soon, haha. Nah all these points I know about already. And even though I am still a junior and haven't had my first job in the industry yet, these are points that make me even more excited going further, especially presentation. Yes, it'll probably be tiresome but I am looking at it as a way to strengthen my communication skills.

[@AndresTheDesigner]

Glad to hear it!! Wishing you the best of luck on your UX journey!

[@MojeZycieWSkrocie]

@@AndresTheDesigner Thank you!

[@gpeg3076]

Everyone questions and analyzes everything we do, but no one questions the mechanic or architect. But it is important to remember it's not YOUR design. It's for someone else.

[@AndresTheDesigner]

Very true! 👏🏼

[@williamosmar4357]

I just came across your video and you are AWESOME ! I actually just did a research about UI/UX design because I'm applying for a university now and I'm still figuring out if this Digital Designer is perfect for me. I know UI/UX design is scary but I'd still GO for it. Thank you for sharing this video. I'm subscribing to your channel just now.

[@monicas3028]

Thanks for the great insights! I also really liked the tone of your video-- it was the reality, but it wasn't too harsh to feel as if it was scaring me off ☺ I've just graduated from a UX design course, currently job hunting, but decided to watch this video anyway. Glad to know that I'm still up for the challenges.

[@AndresTheDesigner]

Awwww, I appreciate that! That's the tone I was going for. I wasn't trying to scare anyone, just trying to be honest. Glad it helped!

[@djdean365]

Hey man, I pay very close attention to your content and it's very well explained and has been very helpful in my ux journey, your changing lives out here. Thanks for more great content!

[@AndresTheDesigner]

Hey man!👋🏼 Thanks for the kind words! Helping you in your UX journey is why I do what I do! 👏🏼

[@juankiefer6493]

The problem with working in design is that most people do not respect designers.

[@andrearin8383]

I'm not that big into presentations and I pretty much hate the concept but the thing with me is that if I believe in the product I'm helping to work on/design, then I have no problem with presentation because I can usually be pretty confident knowing that what I'm working on can change a product for the better.

[@markburdancer]

Thank you for the honesty but nothing but death is stopping me from my career change

[@AndresTheDesigner]

WOW. Love the energy. 🔥

[@robertopatron2132]

The most common thing that I found on my career as UX Designer, is the misunderstood of what a UX Designer should be. Most of times companies think that UX Designers are some kind of artist with a exceptional taste for choose colors, typography, layout for have a result of beautiful screens

[@user-fi6hg8vq6c]

I’ve been trying to land a “design” job for the last 6 months. I have over 5 years of design centric work experience. Starting to think I made a mistake or this chapter of my life is over

[@emilyemslee]

I'm glad I found your channel! I'm still transitioning to UX design, your video really put things into perspective....and I love everything I hear! Can't wait to join the industry one day🤩

[@KalanaMeneripitiya]

Most people in their roles as UI /UX designers doesn’t know how to do research on target customers, user personas and pain points, but end up advising on them to clients or teams. Be open, let your ego and list and keep absorbing information before processing ✌️

[@SecretEyeSpot]

This makes so much sense. I see this from a user end when new apps come on the market. A business that's centralized through it have so many issues with it, but cannot make any changes because the designers skipped town after the product was built.

[@Harthikreddyy]

This kinds of videos are great for people that are still figuring out what path they want to take in life

[@bertatnetcentric6074]

Intuitive Design: Eight Steps to an Intuitive UI by Everett N. McKay is also a great book to give you a frame work to argue design decisions. I loved it.

[@AndresTheDesigner]

Thank for the book recommendation! Will definitely add this to my wishlist!

[@thomasdahl2232]

You are absolutely right. Often you end up doing very amputated versions of a UX process when working for a bigger company, which makes you a glorified web designer that makes pretty much the same page over and over. There is also a meeting tradition that is totally out of controll. You can not do a good job if filling your every day with 80% meetings. There is also an absolut trust in general statistics and absolutism.

[@AndresTheDesigner]

Hate the meeting tradition! 😤😭

[@selinov]

I've been in Digital Product Design / UI Design / UX Design / whatever we're calling it this week for 15+ years. This video is real talk. I can't tell you how many people contact me and think that UX Design = "work from home & play in Figma all day with my design coworkers!" 🤣 My time as a senior-level product designer is… 20% pushing pixels 20% coding front-end components and token sets 20% sitting in meetings 20% convincing people that my idea is valid 20% convincing people to do what is valid, not the fastest

[@Eliza_Stew]

2.5 years into first design role. Sole on the team. Everything is all about fastest - not best results.

[@AndresTheDesigner]

🤣 "whatever we're calling it this week" DUDE, seriously!?! I appreciate your comment man.

[@NicolaMihaita]

Bro I am designing User interfaces for 15+ years and I taught that I was a UX/UI Designer.. Time changes..I just found out that I am a Graphic Designer..feeling depressed

[@vineelvin1197]

Do you do the coding too?

[@TranquilWanderer]

Still sounds better than teaching 😂

[@AlexsandrCody]

Thank you for sharing your experience and opinion! I think you pointed out some important point for the enthusiast who wants to go into UX/UI. For me this video was useful and interesting.

[@love-ed3vj]

But this is not just for ux/ui designers this is something that it applies with every job that has to do with clients. If you like to do your own thing you can create something basic and let the clients choose from something. But if you want to work to something more personal for you client you have to forget what you what and listen what your client whats. When I listen their wants and forget my wants, clients were coming the one behind the other because they are satisfied. I am not saying to not say you opinion you have to guide them until on point and then listen to their opinions and wants. You need to find the right balance something that you learn after a lot of experience.

[@bkgurrll2947]

I've been a full-time, in-house graphic designer for over 10 years for B2B companies in Manhattan and the pay still isn't as up to par or as high as a UX/UI visual designer or a product designer. I could be in that field for 3-4yrs and already make substantially A LOT more than a primary graphic designer. So I'm thinking of transitioning to that lane. Taking courses and getting freelance gigs to build a portfolio. At this point in my life, I do this to pay bills, but I want a remote position that pays well so I can get a better place of living and build up my 401K. I live in NYC, so getting a modern apartment with decent space is so expensive.

[@yacbdgurrll5566]

Thank you for sharing as I have decided to move in this direction! I’m excited to see how this will impact my life! ❤❤

[@sonia230898]

I'm a building architect who's frustrated with the industry and planning on shifting to ux/ui, all the things you've mentioned in the video is part of my current everyday. This makes it actually seem hopefully that the transition won't be as jarring as i was expecting

[@abbey4065]

Exact comment I was looking out for, trying to transition from building architecture to product design, hoping it won’t be as jarring

[@sonia230898]

@@abbey4065 good luck with your journey! It would be fun to compare notes 😁

[@jordanrhodes8503]

I started in like 2020 (the end of the world lol). I was lucky to have family to support me through my process. I really need to get better at presentations. Sometimes it seems like an extra/unnecessary step... But it's really not. If you can't explain why you've designed what you've designed, then you're often times going to be looked past. If you're holding a position, and you can't explain, you will probably be replaced. Because someone out there can, and will articulate their design.

[@leonstrydom1]

The impression I got from this video is that it's missing the word "freelance" in the title. I 100000% vouch for every point mentioned in the video, but it's within the context of my experience of working with small, crap places/clients. -- Them seeing you as a pixel-pusher...story of my freelance/client-side life.

[@AndresTheDesigner]

Ah, I see! Thanks for the feedback! I’m sure the “cons” can vary in larger companies. But I think for the most part, some of the points I mention can still apply.

[@lifeofjaya989]

So, whats in between this career and graphics? I already design for fun (logos, insta post, app mockups, etc..) ? Im just trying to find that middle ground. Is there a middle ground career that incorporates everything? Thanks I love this video?

[@jay-chan2284]

I am currently getting my bachelor's degree for Graphic Design and Media Arts and I was looking at the pros and cons about UI/UX design. I felt that UI design is more for me in terms that i wanna learn more of how to layout websites, logo, apps etc. when you mentioned you have to present your work I got alittle nervous cause I'm more of a visual learning and I feel that I can explain myself a bit better, idk if that counts lol I just want to explore my options and brush up skills,work with people, and work on various projects. Atleast that's my main goal that I'm looking for in UI/UX. I am not sure if that is the right mindset I need for this career path. But the ideas and the creativity behind UI/UX does interest me alot especially to get the idea of how advertising works.

[@Elizabeth-mf3dn]

Take some entrepreneurship classes - it really helped me present in large groups and deal with different personalities, that is something you’ll do everyday in product design

[@jonescd76]

If you're training to be a graphic designer, because its the creative problem solving that ticks your boxes - great. UX design is dull as dish-water and to be honest, you're doing it already. As a graphic designer, it will cross your path, but its not the be-all and end-all. A graphic designer will walk the dog, pick up after it, wash it and dry it. UX simply pets it, and brushes it's fur.

[@hyacinthdibley2420]

I use the term "digital product designer" rather than just "product designer". If we're being fair enough, the physical products came first...so, yeah. This is a great video. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@Rich-NH]

Yeah, “debate” is a euphemism for blocking and intense resistance. Stakeholders will often fight hard over the tiniest details. It zaps your energy on a consistent basis.

[@AndresTheDesigner]

Right!! 😭 Sometimes it's just a gamble on the type of client/team you work with. I've had great experiences for the most part.

[@MrAluntus]

Excellent points, Andres. Really good summary of what makes this job challenging.

[@chris_noswe]

Design by committee is definitely a headache, and passion killer, so that's why I'm trying to steer my career into not having to work in those sorts of companies - companies that want the design (or the entire product or service) to be done as quickly as possible but also wants to critique it, add to it, add features or remove things all throughout the process of me working on it. It almost made me fall out of love for design all together. Almost.

[@snakepliskin2432]

Its more important to be a well rounded designer and learn all aspects of design process from print, video, web, UI/UX, etc. You'll be alot more marketable and future proof yourself down the line.

[@e.m.jackson671]

Thanks I’m actually going to school right now to learn web development and design.. I really appreciate your transparency and insight! I look forward to joining the workforce!

[@AndresTheDesigner]

Can't wait for you to join the workforce! 🙌🏻 Best of luck!!

[@ramonhynson9336]

I feel like it goes the same way where industrial designers get mixed in with digital product designers. At it's core we pretty much have the same design principles

[@Monkeybehindthekeyboard]

I think you're missing the part where we have to continually advocate for UCD processes, strategically building relationships, and navigating the million directions requirements come from. Edit: And also dealing with preconceived solutions, facilitating workshops + design sprints

[@JaguarVisual]

Love that bible verse you put in the end brother!

[@AndresTheDesigner]

Glad you caught that Justin 😁

[@Deth_Rex]

I Started learning UX Design for the past 10 days ( I Know It's a short period ) and I stumbled on this video and I was ok with every thing But the last one omg i was not expecting that I guess I'm goin to start working on that thanks for this great video

[@gabriellahong314]

It's important to understand what are and are not design problems and the impact they have on end results, that business people would care about. I don't think enough designers understand that good design doesn't always mean good business... Generally and ideally yes, but you need to be the one to connect those dots and bridge that gap for people to trust you and your process.

[@AndresTheDesigner]

Absolutely! Sometimes good design can leads to worse business metrics. That's why we see these "dark UX patterns" where the designs are sh*t and "conversions" are really high.

[@Cigodesign]

I am not a designer and I have been studying behavioral economics. I would like to start this path with a private master. Do you think coming from an economic background may be a disadvantage for me? Do you know other succesful designer who were not designer or graphics? Talking about the content of the video, I may be crazy, but basically I have seen every point you discussed as a positive reason to be a UX Desiger. I think discussions and debates are positive and pleasant. At least, you do not spend all the time on the pc. At the same time, presentations has to do with soft skills and communication skills. Thank you so much.

[@MasterFloop]

Your first point hit so hard for me lol working at a Fortune 500 company I have noticed that all of my design work has been very design my commitee and it is truly the most frustrating thing.

[@AndresTheDesigner]

Ahhh 😤 super frustrating indeed!!

[@IamanAntiAtheist]

After watching the video I understood that UX is never going to Escape from me:), i will become a UX designer in sha Alloh❤️

[@emberN]

YAS!!!!! this is a must video. i would love to strongly agree in research. research like it's life itself and you have to know how to manage yourself or else someone else will manage you. you would need to be a strong leader-servant and have a good head on your shoulders. you need to know how to do intrapersonal communication skills to the point that you can manuver different people in different ways. it's almost like orchestrating your best friend's wedding over and over again from 0. you would also need to love hearing people out as part of your research and not just consuming the knowledge you have but also to give credit where credit is due to keep your network clean. can't just be satisfactory mindset, you need to have the relentless drive but not belligerent. phew i think i said too much. it's hard work but when it's good it's GOOOOOOOD!

[@Blinaka]

It's perfect, I was interested in design and programming and to improve even more I always wanted to work that way.

[@pleasestop1760]

Youre body language is on point,any suggestions on courses or individual to help improve on this?

[@AndresTheDesigner]

Sometimes I'm like what do I do with my hands 🤷 😂 I would just watch public speakers you admire and try to remix their movements in your own way in the mirror. But there's probably better advice somewhere else on KZbin. LOL

[@vanguard7379]

The biggest tip I can give is always have evidence for your decision making, whether it be data, user insights, external research and findings or anything else of credibility. If a client or business ignores the compelling data and reasoning to do or not to something, you have a larger problem.

[@AndresTheDesigner]

💯 Absolutely agree