User Experience and Human Nature
While so many people are worried about technology replacing human contact, there is an element that that is being overlooked. Even though it seems that people are growing apart as they grow more dependent on their devices, the need for human touch has actually evolved rather than declined. Every app or program that you use on a daily basis whether via your phone or computer, has been carefully developed and tested by another human. Although that sounds like an obvious statement, take a moment to look a little deeper.
Your experience with each of these forms of software has been made possible by people who specialize in creating the best and most user-friendly means to accomplish your task at hand. If connecting with people via technology sounds intriguing, consider what it means to be a user experience designer, or UX designer.
The Human Side
As a UX designer, the main goal is to create the best possible interaction between a specific program and its potential user. This requires the human touch of
- Empathy – understanding where your user is coming from and what his needs are
- Feedback – testing the software with user studies, prototypes, and mockups
- Communication – writing skills that engage and guide the user seamlessly through the program
- Visual Enjoyment – creating a positive and engaging experience
In addition to the personal touch with the user, a UX designer has much communication with other people to gain more interaction acumen as he collaborates with teams like production and engineering for the best output possible to please the user.
The Technological Side
Of course, there is no getting around the fact that UX design and technology go hand in hand. It is the pathway for computers and humans to communicate effectively to achieve a certain goal. Making this communication a comfortable and enjoyable experience is the ambition of any successful UX Designer. Having a degree in software engineering or media design, as well as a passion for computer interface, round out the overall required skills for this profession. Understanding wireframes, prototypes, and computer language make you invaluable on this front. Understanding how the technology side works will help with knowing how to adjust and adapt to your user’s needs and correct any pain points associated with the software you are working on.
Supply and Demand
As technology continues to grow seemingly new by the second, the need for the best people to coordinate the flow of information between man and computer is ever in high demand. You can find a challenging career in this field from sea to shining sea on this continent, as well as worldwide. A ux designer salary averages over $100,000 a year nationwide with the top paying city being San Francisco offering over $134,000.
If you have a passion for computers and a heart for people, this career path really puts them both into play for you. Having exceptional programming skills coupled with good communication and creativity make you a prime candidate for a relevant career path that promises to only grow more necessary and exciting.