I face this question almost daily when someone asks me what I do for a living. I usually say I’m a designer, and some people are satisfied with that. However, others are more curious and ask what “kind” of design I do—graphic, interior, fashion? When I mention that I’m a UX Designer, the immediate reaction is, “Okay, so you’re in IT.”
In certain instances, I find myself simply affirming their assumption, as I am hesitant to delve deeper into the subject. Some individuals may not possess a thorough understanding of UX Design, and engaging in a lengthy explanation seems futile. However, the time has come to address this question more comprehensively: Is UX Design truly a part of IT?
First and foremost, UX Design, an abbreviation for User Experience Design, stands in contrast to IT, which represents Information Technology. In essence, UX Design is a creative field founded upon fundamental design principles. As UX Designers, we engage in meaningful discourse with users to gain insight into their needs, frustrations, and goals. Additionally, we must remain cognizant of market trends within the industry of our product, while also familiarise ourselves with the business side of things, such as its goals, budgetary considerations, and ultimately, how design can contribute to cost savings or increased revenue generation. Furthermore, we must establish effective lines of communication with technology, enabling us to determine how best to implement our ideas, extract pertinent data, and effectively collaborate with the individuals responsible for transforming our designs into functional realities.
Furthermore, our daily work routine involves the utilisation of various tech tools, including but not limited to Figma, Sketch, Jira, Invision, Miro among others. Acquiring an understanding of the capabilities and limitations of these technologies is crucial, as it enables us to substantiate our design decisions. Moreover, UX Designers must account for factors such as responsiveness, accessibility, performance, and compatibility across an array of devices and operating systems.
While it is true that UX Design encompasses elements of creativity, psychology, and aesthetics, it undeniably relies heavily on technology to actualize these designs. Collaboration with developers, engineers, and other IT professionals becomes imperative, ensuring the successful implementation of design concepts and the creation of end products that effectively cater to user needs.
Consequently, we can confidently assert that while UX Design may involve aspects traditionally associated with artistic fields, it is intrinsically linked to the realm of technology. In this capacity, UX Designers operate as conduits, merging creativity with technical proficiency to craft experiences that resonate with users. Our expertise lies not only in the visual appeal of a design but also in its functionality and usability, making the collaboration with IT professionals essential.
In conclusion, UX Design can be described as the creative facet of IT. It is the synergy between design principles and technological expertise that enables us to deliver exceptional user experiences. Thus, the answer to the question at hand is a resounding YES—UX Design undeniably belongs to the realm of IT.
Written by: Rafael de Rezende Basso
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