What Does a UX Designer Do?
A UX Designer creates intuitive, user-friendly experiences across digital platforms. They work to understand user behavior, needs, and motivations through research and translate those insights into wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity designs. Their goal is to ensure users can navigate websites, apps, and software easily and efficiently.
They collaborate with cross-functional teams, including developers, product managers, and content strategists, to design solutions that align with both business objectives and user needs. UX Designers conduct usability testing, iterate based on feedback, and often contribute to the design system and overall product strategy.
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UX Designer Core Responsibilities
- Conduct user research, surveys, and interviews to gather insights
- Create wireframes, prototypes, and mockups based on user journeys
- Collaborate with product and engineering teams to define design specifications
- Develop interaction designs that support usability and accessibility
- Test designs through usability sessions and iterate based on feedback
- Translate findings into design decisions and improvements
- Maintain consistency through use of design systems and style guides
- Advocate for users by identifying pain points and suggesting solutions
- Stay current with design trends, tools, and techniques
- Participate in agile development cycles and sprint planning
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency in UX design tools (Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch, InVision, etc.)
- Understanding of HTML/CSS and design handoff to developers
- Knowledge of usability principles and interaction design
- Experience with prototyping and user testing
- Familiarity with accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG)
Soft skills
- Empathy and user-first thinking
- Strong collaboration and communication
- Attention to detail and organization
- Adaptability to fast-changing project requirements
- Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
Educational requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Graphic Design, Psychology, or a related field
Certifications
Certifications are not required, but UX certifications (e.g., Nielsen Norman Group, General Assembly, UX Certification Program) may enhance a candidate’s qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience designing for web and mobile applications
- Familiarity with front-end development principles
- Background in behavioral psychology or human factors
- Experience working within a product team or agile environment
- Comfort working with large-scale design systems
National Average Salary
UX designer salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for an UX Designer is:
$94,670
Sample UX Designer Job Descriptions
When it comes to recruiting a UX designer, having the right job description can make a big difference. Here are some real-world job descriptions you can use as templates for your next opening.
Example 1: Junior UX Designer
Position overview
A Junior UX Designer supports the product design team by contributing to user research, creating wireframes, and assisting with usability testing. This entry-level position is ideal for recent graduates or career changers with foundational design skills and a desire to grow in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
Responsibilities
- Assist in the creation of wireframes, mockups, and simple prototypes
- Participate in user research, note-taking, and data synthesis
- Support senior designers in testing and iterating designs
- Help maintain design documentation and component libraries
- Collaborate with developers to understand implementation needs
Requirements
Hard skills
- Basic proficiency in Figma, Adobe XD, or similar tools
- Understanding of usability and user-centered design principles
- Familiarity with design systems and responsive design
- Willingness to learn basic HTML/CSS concepts
Soft skills
- Attention to detail and a growth mindset
- Strong communication and openness to feedback
- Collaborative and proactive team attitude
- Passion for solving user problems through design
Educational requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Design, HCI, Psychology, or a related field
Example 2: Mid-Level UX Designer
Position overview
A Mid-Level UX Designer plays a central role in designing product features and experiences. They apply research insights to create wireframes, prototypes, and polished interfaces, balancing user needs with business goals.
Responsibilities
- Design user flows, wireframes, and functional prototypes
- Conduct user testing and apply feedback to refine designs
- Collaborate with product managers and developers
- Ensure design consistency through adherence to style guides
- Participate in sprint planning and design reviews
Requirements
Hard skills
- 2+ years of UX design experience
- Proficiency in design tools (Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD)
- Experience with responsive design and accessibility principles
- Ability to synthesize research into actionable designs
Soft skills
- Strong time management and project prioritization
- Effective communicator and cross-functional collaborator
- Curious and user-focused mindset
- Ability to advocate for design decisions with data
Educational requirements
Bachelor’s degree in UX Design, Psychology, or related field
Example 3: Senior UX Designer
Position overview
A Senior UX Designer leads major product design initiatives, shaping experiences from concept to implementation. This role combines strategic thinking with hands-on execution and mentoring of junior team members.
Responsibilities
- Define and lead end-to-end design for high-impact features
- Translate business and user goals into detailed wireframes and prototypes
- Conduct and interpret usability tests and user interviews
- Maintain and evolve design systems across platforms
- Mentor junior designers and guide design best practices
Requirements
Hard skills
- 4+ years of UX design experience
- Advanced proficiency with UX tools and prototyping
- Deep knowledge of accessibility standards (WCAG)
- Strong portfolio showcasing complex, successful design projects
Soft skills
- Strategic thinker and user advocate
- Leadership in cross-functional settings
- Excellent storytelling and design rationale presentation
- Analytical and empathetic problem solver
Educational requirements
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in UX, HCI, or related field