The field of user experience (UX) is ever-expanding, with new roles emerging all the time. Until recently, a UX designer was a Jack (or Jill) of all trades, with a variety of skills. However, nowadays, there is such thing as a UX specialist, which is a much more specific role.
Increasingly, companies are seeing the value in hiring specialists. But how do you get into this career? Page Flows reveals all in this guide.
What Is a Specialist UX Designer?
You probably already know what a UX designer does. However, what is a specialist UX designer?
While UX designers can take on a variety of roles, a specialist does only one. This may be UX research, usability testing, Information Architecture, or interaction design.
What unites all of these roles is a deep expertise. Whatever they specialize in, a UX specialist can provide valuable, expert insights and solutions. They may work on a single project or collaborate with other specialists to form a team. Often, UX specialists serve as consultants.
There are pros and cons to being a specialist. It’s not for everyone, but it can be highly rewarding.
UX Generalist vs. UX Specialist
Every UX designer needs to decide whether they want to be a specialist or a generalist. To make that decision, you need to know more about each role.
Most companies hire generalist designers. This role involves a variety of activities, which may include the following:
- User research
- Information Architecture
- Visual design
- Interaction design
- Prototyping
Of course, these all involve vastly different skill sets.
A specialist UX designer is much more specific. They are more common in larger companies that can afford multiple specialists. There are two main types of specialists: researchers and designers. However, you could break ‘design’ down into a variety of sub-specialties.
Pros and Cons of Being a UX Specialist
Like every role, there are pros and cons to being a UX specialist. While making your decision, make sure you weigh up the advantages with the disadvantages.
Pros
Being a UX specialist has some benefits, especially for the designers themselves. This includes:
- Expertise: Gaining in-depth experience in something you enjoy. You can focus all of your time on learning a particular thing.
- Better projects: Companies that hire specialists usually place great value on their projects. They may also have higher budgets. As a result, you have more freedom.
- More time: Instead of stretching yourself too thin, you have ample time to work on your projects. You are only focusing on one thing, after all.
- High value: As a specialist, you become a rarer job prospect. As a result, you may enjoy higher salaries with reduced competition for roles.
There are also advantages for companies thinking of hiring UX specialists.
- Better quality: You obtain an expert instead of hiring a designer who is stretched too thin. You don’t have to settle for an amazing designer who is okay at research.
- Better outcomes: The specialist can focus on the task at hand without juggling other responsibilities. As a result, you could enjoy a higher quality outcome.
- Efficiency: Specialization can speed up the project. Two specialists can work on separate tasks simultaneously.
- No conflict of interest: Often, designers are too close to their own designs. With a specialist, the designer does not do the testing. As a result, there is less conflict of interest.
Cons
There are, of course, several disadvantages.
- Less variety: As a specialist, you end up working on the same thing all the time. Thus, you gain less experience across the board.
- Less input: Your role can prevent you from experiencing other activities. For example, you might be a skilled researcher with a few great design ideas. However, your input for that part of the project is less important.
- Fewer jobs: Although there is less competition for roles, there are also fewer roles altogether. This is because each one is highly specialized, and fewer companies hire specialists.
- Difficult to switch: It’s easy to specialize when you’re a generalist. However, if you become a specialist, it’s much more difficult to switch back.
There are also some disadvantages for companies, too.
- More employees: You need to hire more employees to cover all your bases.
- Less flexibility: When a new project comes in, you can assign a generalist anywhere. However, with a specialist, you don’t have this flexibility.
- Bubbles: Specialization can sometimes create artificial barriers between researchers and designers. With a lack of communication, the project can suffer.
How To Become a UX Specialist
If you want to become a specialist, the process isn’t too difficult. In fact, becoming a UI/UX specialist isn’t too dissimilar from becoming a generalist. There is just an extra step: specializing.
Here’s how to become a UX specialist from the ground up.
Learn the Basics
Start with a solid foundation in your chosen field. Take a course in user experience and read up on principles like usability heuristics. You could even study for a degree in Human-Computer Interaction or Graphic Design.
If you’re passionate about a particular sub-specialty, you could even pursue a specialty degree at this stage.
Diversify Your Skills
Although you plan to specialize eventually, it’s a good idea to have some base knowledge across all areas. Make sure you have at least a foundational knowledge of user research, wireframing, usability testing, and so on.
Depending on your specialist area, you should also consider learning how to use various design tools. Check out Adobe XD, Figma, Sketch, and Webflow.
Gain Experience
Theory alone will not help you land a job. Instead, you need as much practical, hands-on experience as possible. Seek our internships, freelance projects, or entry-level positions, even in tangential roles. Collaborate and network with others in the field to learn from them.
You can also take on your own projects in your spare time. If you see a piece of bad UX, create a fake case study of how you would tackle the problem. It’s all practice!
Create a Portfolio
All UX designers need a portfolio. Assemble a strong portfolio to show off your skills and projects, including the fake ones. Your portfolio should reflect your expertise, but it should also show off your personality.
Make sure you highlight the best case studies to show off your skills and how you tackle problems.
Specialize With Purpose
Identify the areas of UX you want to work in, and that play to your strengths. No matter what sub-specialty you go for, you should choose something that you enjoy and care about. Otherwise, you’ll quickly get bored.
Remember, being a UX specialist is a continuous learning journey. Stay curious, embrace challenges, and actively contribute to the community if you want the best out of this field.
What To Look For in a UX Specialist Job Description
As a UX specialist, you must know your worth. You should search job boards to find the right for you. Here’s what to look for in a UX specialist job description.
Clearly Defined Responsibilities
Any job outline should define the responsibilities clearly. If a job posting requests a specialist but lists many responsibilities, avoid it. Seek details on how the role will work and who you will be working with.
Emphasis on Your Specialty
It sounds obvious, but there’s no point in applying for a job with a different specialty. However, you can often find job descriptions that really showcase that you’re onto a winner. It might contain language that underscores the company’s commitment to finding a specialist in your field. Look for specific keywords.
Collaboration and Communication Skills
Effective collaboration is a crucial part of UX. A good job description should mention working closely with various teams. You should know how you will fit into the company and how you will work with your colleagues. Often, job descriptions will emphasize communication skills.
Skills Requirements
You don’t want to end up doing a job where you’re out of your depth. Look for alignment between your expertise and the qualifications the employer seeks. This may include proficiency in certain design tools, experience with specific methodologies, or other qualifications.
Forward Thinking
A forward-thinking job description may highlight the importance of an iterative design process. This suggests a company culture that values feedback and continuous improvement. As a result, you may find the work more rewarding because you’re creating the best digital products possible.
Inclusive Design and Accessibility
According to UsableNet, In 2020, claimants filed over 3050 lawsuits against websites for their lack of digital accessibility. Fostering an inclusive world is important. Some job descriptions may emphasize the importance of inclusive design and adherence to certain standards. A commitment to accessibility shows that the company values diversity and inclusivity.
Understanding of Industry Trends
Crucially, the job description should show that the company has an understanding of industry trends. For example, mentioning emerging technologies suggests that the company values innovation and a proactive approach. Look for language that encourages continuous learning and professional development.
Company Culture and Values
Pay attention to any indications of the company’s values and culture. This will tell you if the organization prioritizes staff well-being, user experience, innovation, or other characteristics. By paying attention to the language, you can find a company that suits your needs.
Enhance Your UX Knowledge with Page Flows
If you’re interested in user experience, becoming a UX specialist can be a highly rewarding experience. It allows plenty of space for professional development and working on the things you love.
If you want to find more design information, you can learn from proven products with Page Flows. Get started today to access our growing library of user flow recordings and stay up-to-date with the latest trends.
