Web developer jobs for UI and UX designers will continue to be in high demand in 2019 and beyond. The need for designers who can help improve the user experience on the digital platforms is growing rapidly with the increased usage of mobile device. That’s good news for anyone trying to explore new career opportunities. The other piece of good news is that almost anyone can become a UI/ UX designer.
What Do UI Designers Do?
While you will often see UI and UX used interchangeably, there is a difference in the two roles. UI stands for user interface and UX is the user experience for any website or online environment. UI is more concerned with the design and look of a website, while UX focuses on improving usability. UX designers are more concerned with ease of navigation and other such practical considerations. While the primary focus of the two fields is different, there are also plenty of crossovers.
Both UI and UX developers will continue to be in demand for the foreseeable future. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for web developers will grow at a rate of 27% from 2014 to 2024. This is much higher than the average rate of growth for all occupations. In the U.S., the average annual salary for junior UI developers is $59,489, according to the 2018 Glassdoor Salaries Report. For senior UI designers, the average annual salary is $99,072. With all these advantages, it’s not surprising that CNBC rated UI design as are one of the top jobs in the U.S. for 2017.
Skills You Will Need to Become a UI Developer
Almost anyone can become a UI developer. There are no age limitations or special qualifications needed to train in the field, according to Careerfoundary. Online UI developer courses typically last from three to six months and you can complete the coursework at your own pace. You can take UI/ UX online courses from any location, so long as you have access to a computer and an internet connection.
Many online courses are designed as boot camps, and throw you into real projects to learn and apply the basic skills. There are some skills that can help you to succeed in your career as a UI developer. These combine technical skills with an artistic vision, along with a willingness to continue to learn and grow. Some of the skills that employers are looking for in UI designers are listed below:
- Be willing to learn and grow. UI/UX design, like all web development fields, is growing and changing all the time. You need to be able to change with it, and stay ahead of the curve.
- Learn the languages. Technical skills like proficiency in Java, HTML5, JavaScript and CSS will help you in getting hired.
- Learn to use design programs like Sketch as well as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Sketch is only available for Mac users, so an Apple computer may be a better choice for you if you want to become a UI designer.
- Immerse yourself in UI. There’s a wealth of material available online, making it easy to learn from the best in the field.
- Become a generalist. Branch out into neighboring fields like UX and web development. These will help you become a better UI designer.
- Soft skills like teamwork, communication, leadership and project management can help you succeed in this field.
Other good read: The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a UX Designer
