Product, UX, or UI Designer: Which Career to Choose in 2024?
When I first delved into the field of design in 2020, I was unfamiliar with the various professions associated with this expertise. Upon some research, I noticed that the job title that stood out the most was that of a UX/UI Designer: responsible for crafting interfaces for web projects, ensuring optimal, smooth, and intuitive user experiences. It dawned on me later that this was a fusion of two distinct roles, UX Designer and UI Designer.
Unfortunately, in the realm of freelancing, specializing in either UX or UI can limit potential clients by half — it’s like shooting oneself in the foot. The same applies to academia and entering a company; this error of creating a dual-role is commonplace and hinders the ability to offer added value through specialization.
Then, in 2023, I applied for a Product Designer position without fully grasping the scope of the role. While the tasks seemed very similar to those of a UI Designer, during the interview, I couldn’t answer the question, “Do you know what a Product Designer is?” Naturally, I was rejected, but it taught me a valuable lesson and sparked my curiosity to explore the world of Product Design.
With all this accumulated knowledge, I feel equipped to help you make an informed choice for your expertise: ensuring a good user experience, crafting compelling interfaces, or shaping an entire product? I unveil the career to choose for 2024.
1. UX Designer, the Psychologist of Interface Creation
The UX (User Experience) Designer acts as the psychologist of the digital world, delving into a profound understanding of user behavior to create intuitive and engaging interfaces. As a freelancer, the life of a UX Designer can be complex, involving the education of clients on the significance of user experience. However, in a corporate setting, this expertise becomes more seamless, with dedicated teams for user research and user-centered design.
Social interaction is a key element of the UX Designer role, requiring close communication with end-users, clients, and team members. Empathy is a crucial skill for understanding user needs and frustrations, ensuring the creation of interfaces that genuinely meet their expectations. In summary, choosing to become a UX Designer in 2024 means embracing user psychology, with a balance between the complexity of freelancing and the fluidity of the corporate environment.
2. UI Designer, the Digital Artist
The UI (User Interface) Designer positions themselves as the digital artist, shaping the visual appearance of interfaces to create aesthetically pleasing experiences. Compared to UX Design, the role of a UI Designer may be more accessible to master, but it requires a deep understanding of design rules, visual trends, and constant digital cultural awareness.
As a freelancer, a UI Designer must stay constantly updated on design evolutions, as the speed at which visual preferences change is astonishing. Skills in graphic design, mastery of design tools, and daily vigilance are essential. In a corporate setting, the UI Designer contributes to creating a consistent visual identity and strengthening the brand through attractive interfaces.
Choosing the path of a UI Designer in 2024 involves mastering visual design, coupled with constant vigilance to stay atop digital design trends, whether working freelance or as part of a corporate team.
3. Product Designer, the Versatile Architect
The Product Designer occupies a unique position by combining aspects of UX and UI Design, forming a holistic role that goes beyond merely creating interfaces. As a freelancer, the Product Designer is highly sought after as they can offer comprehensive expertise, from user experience design to the creation of visually appealing interfaces. In a corporate setting, this professional plays a central role in the product development process, contributing to the creation of a comprehensive and cohesive vision.
The Product Designer requires a broad range of skills, from user research to visual design, and an understanding of the technical aspects of product development. Social interaction is also crucial, as the Product Designer must collaborate closely with development, marketing, and product management teams.
Choosing the role of a Product Designer for 2024 means embracing exceptional versatility, both in terms of technical skills and collaborative abilities. Whether as an independent freelancer or a key member of a corporate team, the Product Designer embodies the versatile architect of digital solutions.
4. Which Career to Choose in 2024?
Considering the fast-paced developments in the design field, the choice between UX Designer, UI Designer, and Product Designer depends on various factors.
Why Choose UX Design?
UX Designers excel in understanding users, shaping intuitive experiences. It’s the ideal choice if your passion lies in user psychology, research, and creating seamless journeys.
Why Choose UI Design?
UI Designers focus on the visual aesthetics and graphic aspects of interfaces. Opt for this role if you have an affinity for visual creativity, design trends, and mastery of design tools.
Why Choose Product Design?
If you seek total versatility, combining user experience design with visual creation, Product Designer is the optimal choice. They excel in the overall understanding of products and can play a central role in the development process.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal preferences, your appetite for diverse skills, and your vision for the future of design. All three domains offer exciting opportunities, and success lies in merging technical expertise with creativity. Whether you choose UX, UI, or Product Design, 2024 provides a fertile ground for ambitious designers.
Personally, observing the recent dynamics of the sector, I find that the role of a Product Designer offers a perfect blend of user experience and visual design. This versatility has allowed me to navigate successfully in an ever-evolving environment, and I firmly believe that Product Design will continue to be at the forefront of trends and innovations in digital design in 2024.
