UX/UI Designer: Everything About the Profession, Responsibilities, and Trends
11.04.2025
UX/UI design is no longer a niche field – it’s now one of the most in-demand professions in the digital industry. Yet despite its popularity, there’s still plenty of confusion surrounding it – from mixing it up with other types of design roles to uncertainty about which skills actually matter.
In this article, we break down who a UX/UI designer is, what they do, the skills they need, and how the profession is evolving today.
To help us dive deeper into the world of UX/UI, we spoke with Vlada Zdorovenko – Senior UX Designer at Tesco Technology and a UX/UI design instructor. Her portfolio includes projects for Sber, Kia, Nissan, and more than 10 years of experience across design, CX, education, and marketing.
In this article:
1. Who Is a UX/UI Designer and Why Do Companies Need One
2. Responsibilities and Workflow
3. Core Principles of UX/UI Design
4. How UX/UI Designers Differ from Other Types of Designers
5. Essential Tools for UX/UI Designers
6. Pros and Cons of Being a UX/UI Designer
7. What Skills Does a UX/UI Designer Need?
8. Salaries
9. How to Become a UX/UI Designer
10. UX/UI Designer Roadmap
11. UX/UI Design Trends in 2025
12. Where and How to Find a UX/UI Designer
13. How to Land a UX/UI Design Job
1. Who Is a UX/UI Designer and Why Do Companies Need One
2. Responsibilities and Workflow
3. Core Principles of UX/UI Design
4. How UX/UI Designers Differ from Other Types of Designers
5. Essential Tools for UX/UI Designers
6. Pros and Cons of Being a UX/UI Designer
7. What Skills Does a UX/UI Designer Need?
8. Salaries
9. How to Become a UX/UI Designer
10. UX/UI Designer Roadmap
11. UX/UI Design Trends in 2025
12. Where and How to Find a UX/UI Designer
13. How to Land a UX/UI Design Job
Who Is a UX/UI Designer and Why Do Companies Need One
We live in a world of digital products, where the look and usability of interfaces determine everything – from first impressions to long-term user loyalty. How easy and enjoyable it is for someone to interact with a website or app plays a huge role in whether they choose to stay, return, or recommend the product to others.
A key player in this process is the UX/UI designer – a specialist responsible for ensuring the user experience is smooth and intuitive, and that the interface is visually clear, aesthetically pleasing, and easy to navigate.
What Is UX/UI Design in Simple Terms
UX/UI design is a whole field within digital product development that covers both how things look and how users interact with them. It blends two approaches – and this is often where confusion starts: what's the difference between UX and UI?
- UX (User Experience) is all about usability – how easy it is for a user to understand how the interface works, how quickly they can find what they need, and whether they can reach their goal without unnecessary steps.
- UI (User Interface) is all about appearance – colours, fonts, buttons, icons, layout, and overall visual style.
One can’t work well without the other – a beautiful but clunky platform is frustrating, while a functional but messy interface can turn users away.
Why Companies Need UX/UI Designers
UX/UI design is a tool that directly impacts business results – it helps increase conversion rates, boost sales, reduce churn, and improve customer loyalty. A UX/UI designer helps companies speak the same language as their users, removing barriers between the product and the person using it.
Here’s what a UX/UI designer typically does:
- Studies user behavior and audience needs.
- Analyses competitors and current user flows.
- Designs user journeys.
- Builds the product’s information architecture.
- Creates prototypes and conducts UX and UI testing with real users.
- Develops the visual side of the interface, like choosing fonts, colours, and design elements.
UX/UI designers are needed in almost every industry – from large IT companies to startups, from banking platforms to marketplaces. Any product that involves user interaction needs thoughtful UX/UI design, whether it’s a mobile app, website, CRM system, or even the interface of a smart device.
Responsibilities and Workflow
The role of a UX/UI designer sits at the crossroads of creativity, analytics, and technology. It’s all about building digital products that are intuitive, user-friendly, and leave people with a positive impression.
Core Responsibilities of a UX/UI Designer
A UX/UI designer isn’t just a creative – they’re also a researcher, analyst, and communicator. Their goal is to design an interface that’s easy to use, visually appealing, and helps users accomplish their goals without friction.
Along the way, they take on a wide variety of tasks:
- UX research. Understanding user behavior and needs through interviews, surveys, and data analysis (using tools like Google Analytics or Yandex.Metrica). The result? Insights into user pain points, motivations, and the creation of user personas.
- User flows and journey mapping. Mapping out how users move through the product. Designers identify pain points and shape user journeys based on emotions, expectations, and potential obstacles.
- Information architecture. Structuring the product: which screens and sections are needed, how they connect, and how users will navigate the interface.
- Prototyping. Creating wireframes and clickable prototypes. These help test key scenarios early, before moving on to final visuals.
- UX testing. Testing prototypes with real users, gathering feedback, and spotting weak areas. Tools like Maze, Lookback, and Google Forms are often used for this.
- UI design (visual interface). Choosing fonts, colors, icons, and the overall visual style. Designers create all interface elements – buttons, cards, forms – with the goal of making everything feel clear, polished, and accessible.
- Design system creation. Building a consistent set of components and guidelines to keep the product visually and functionally cohesive at every stage.
- Collaboration with developers. Handing off mockups and specifications, supporting the implementation process, and reviewing the final product to ensure it matches the original design.
- Responsive and adaptive design. Making sure the interface works smoothly across all devices – from smartphones to desktops – with proper responsiveness and cross-platform consistency.
- Post-launch analysis. Tracking how users interact with the live product, spotting drop-off points, and identifying areas for improvement. This might lead to fine-tuning certain elements or even a full redesign.
UX/UI Designer Workflow: Key Stages
The interface design process can typically be broken down into seven main stages:
- Research and Data CollectionAt the start of a project, the designer gathers information about the target audience, competitors, and the product itself. They explore who the product is for, what problems it solves, and what similar UX/UI solutions already exist. This leads to building a user profile – including demographics, behaviours, interests, and goals.
- Competitor AnalysisLooking at competitor interfaces helps identify what works and what doesn’t. This reduces the risk of repeating common mistakes and can reveal opportunities to stand out with unique design solutions.
- Information Architecture and User JourneysAt this stage, the designer structures the app or website – defining what sections are needed and how they connect. They also create a Customer Journey Map – a visual representation of the user’s path from first interaction to completing a goal (like making a purchase).
- PrototypingThe designer builds a wireframe – a skeletal layout showing key elements and structure. Based on this, a more detailed prototype is created with colours, text, and visuals. These prototypes are made clickable, so users can "try out" the interface before it’s fully built.
- TestingThe prototype goes through usability testing with real users. This helps identify weak points and refine the interface before launch. Both quantitative and qualitative methods can be used in the process.
- Visual Design (UI)Now the focus shifts to the look and feel. The designer selects a color palette, styles buttons, fonts, icons, and other elements. A design system is created to standardise components and ensure consistency across the entire product – especially important for large-scale platforms.
- Ongoing Support and ImprovementThe designer’s job doesn’t end at launch. They continue gathering feedback, monitoring user behaviour, and making improvements. This might include interface tweaks, updates, or even full redesigns as new features are added or user needs evolve.
Core Principles of UX/UI Design
There are some key “rules” that guide good UX/UI design:
- User-centred thinkingGreat UX starts with empathy – understanding the user’s goals, pain points, and behaviour. Without that, even the most visually appealing interface can fall flat.
- Simplicity and clarityThe interface should be intuitive. The less effort it takes for a user to interact with a product, the higher their satisfaction – and the better your conversion rates. A clean UI/UX interface reduces cognitive load and guides users naturally through the product without confusion or hesitation.
- ConsistencyDesign elements should be uniform across the product – from buttons to typography. Consistency builds trust and makes navigation easier.
- Visual hierarchyGood design guides the user's attention. Important things should stand out right away, while secondary elements shouldn’t distract. Colour, size, and contrast all help prioritise information.
- ResponsivenessThe design should work equally well on all screen sizes – from mobile phones to desktop monitors. A smooth, device-friendly experience is a must.
- FeedbackThe system should “talk” to the user. Animations, loaders, confirmations, and error messages create a sense of control and engagement.
- TestingDesign is a hypothesis. It should be tested with real users, using data and behaviour analysis to refine and improve the interface.
- AccessibilityThe product should be usable by everyone. This means considering contrast levels, keyboard navigation, text scaling, and alternative descriptions for screen readers.
How UX/UI Designers Differ from Other Types of Designers
The main difference between UX/UI designers and other design roles is their focus on user experience and interaction logic. Unlike web designers, UX/UI professionals don’t just work with websites – they design interfaces for all kinds of digital products. For example, product designers often take on a broader scope, covering everything from research to business strategy. To make things easier, here’s a quick comparison table:
Essential Tools for UX/UI Designers
No UX/UI designer can work without a solid toolkit. Here are the go-to tools used across different stages of the design process:
- Figma. One of the most powerful UX/UI platforms – and a must-have for any designer. Figma is used to create interface mockups and maintain UI/UX kits, develop UI components, build design systems, and create interactive UX prototypes. It supports real-time collaboration, quick iterations, and easy design testing.
- FigJam. Figma’s companion tool, designed specifically for UX tasks. FigJam is great for building user flows, journey maps, and structuring digital products before the visual design begins. It’s an interactive whiteboard that helps map out logic, user scenarios, and hypotheses visually.
- Miro. A popular tool for structuring ideas, running collaborative workshops, and analyzing user experience. Especially helpful during the research phase and when building out user flows and scenarios.
- Maze / Useberry / Playbook UX. Specialised platforms for UX testing and validating design hypotheses. These tools help run usability tests, conduct A/B testing, and gather feedback from real users. Designers use them pre-launch to catch weak points and make improvements early.
- Sketch. A vector-based design tool, most often used on macOS. Sketch is great for creating UI components, mockups, and style guides. Still considered a standard in some studios – especially when paired with Zeplin for handoff.
- Zeplin / Avocode / Figma Inspect. These tools streamline handoff between design and development. Developers get exact specs – spacing, dimensions, colours, fonts – reducing errors and making implementation smoother.
- Google Analytics / Hotjar. Analytics platforms that help UX/UI designers understand user behaviour – where people click, how long they stay, and where they drop off in the funnel. This data is essential for informed design decisions and interface improvements.
Additional Tools:
- Notion. A digital workspace for storing UX research, guides, checklists, and documentation. Great for organising workflows and team collaboration.
- XMind / Whimsical. Tools for mind mapping and visualising user flows and interaction logic before prototyping. Useful for planning product structure.
- Icons8 / Storyset. Libraries of icons and illustrations that bring clarity and personality to the interface. Helpful for building a cohesive and visually engaging UI.
- Google Fonts / Adobe Fonts. Font tools that help with readability, hierarchy, and overall look and feel of the product. Choosing the right typefaces is key.
- Stark / Contrast. Accessibility check plugins. These ensure your interface meets accessibility standards for contrast, scaling, font size, and color – a must for inclusive design.
Pros and Cons of Being a UX/UI Designer
Like any profession, UX/UI design comes with its own set of advantages that make it exciting – and challenges that are worth knowing upfront.
Pros of a UX/UI Design Career
There are advantages:
- High demand and job securityUX/UI design consistently ranks among the most in-demand roles on the market. Companies are investing in intuitive and user-friendly interfaces because success often hinges on a smooth digital experience. Even as AI and automation evolve, human empathy and design thinking remain irreplaceable.
- Room for creativityUX/UI isn’t just about wireframes and layouts – it rewards creativity, especially when it comes to UI elements, visual style, and animations. While research is a core part of the job, the visual side always requires inspiration and a good eye for aesthetics.
- Variety in day-to-day workA single project might include UX research, UI design, behavioral analysis, prototyping, user testing, and mobile adaptation. This variety keeps the job interesting and helps you grow across multiple skill sets.
- Flexible work formatsMany UX/UI roles offer remote or hybrid schedules, making the field ideal for those who want to work from home or travel. You can start your career as a junior UX/UI designer from anywhere in the world.
- Clear career pathThe UX/UI field offers a well-defined progression: from junior to middle to senior levels. As you build your skills, you can grow into roles like UX analyst, product designer, or even design team lead.
Cons
There are some challenges to be aware of:
- High responsibilityUX/UI designers have a direct impact on business metrics. Your design decisions can determine whether users convert, register, or stay with a product. Mistakes in the early stages can lead to lower conversion rates – and costly consequences.
- Balancing creativity and analyticsThis job requires constant switching between visual design and product logic. One moment you’re in Figma, the next in Google Analytics – toggling between creative ideas and A/B test results is part of the role.
- Handling feedback and making compromisesNot all feedback is constructive. Sometimes you’ll need to defend your design choices, and other times, adapt based on client or team input. Soft skills and emotional resilience are key.
- High competitionThe number of entry-level designers is growing fast. For junior specialists, the competition can be tough especially for freelance projects or full-time roles.
- Heavy workloads and multitaskingIn some companies, a designer is expected to wear many hats: researcher, UI developer, analyst, and even project manager. This can slow down growth and lead to burnout if the workload isn’t managed properly.
Challenges UX/UI Designers Face Today
Here’s what Vlada Zdorovenko, Senior UX Designer at Tesco Technology, has to say on the topic:
- Vlada ZdorovenkoSenior UX Designer at Tesco Technology | Visiting Lecturer UX/UI designBalancing business goals and user needs remains one of the most challenging areas in design. Designers often find themselves caught between advocating for the user and meeting business goals, which can sometimes conflict with each other, especially in revenue- or cost-cutting-focused environments. Demonstrating the return on investment (ROI) of design initiatives to stakeholders who may view design as an afterthought is an ongoing struggle that requires designers to align their work with measurable business impact.
Another challenge is keeping up with the rapid evolution of technology. With AI-powered design, Agentic AI and Physical AI emerging as game-changers, design professionals must continually upskill to stay ahead of the curve. The demand for designers who understand data science, AI ethics, and behavioural psychology is growing, making interdisciplinary knowledge more valuable than ever.
Finally, as data-driven design becomes the norm, designers are expected to be data literate — interpreting analytics, running A/B tests, and using insights to make informed decisions. This shift requires designers to move beyond traditional design roles and embrace a more hybrid skill set.
What Skills Does a UX/UI Designer Need?
To succeed in UX/UI design, you need to grow both hard and soft skills.
Hard Skills
- UX/UI interface design. A strong grasp of information architecture, clear user flows, and thoughtful interface structure is the foundation of high-quality UX/UI design.
- Prototyping and visualisation. UX/UI designers build interfaces step by step: starting with wireframes, moving to mockups, and finishing with interactive prototypes. Tools like Figma or Adobe XD help bring these to life and make them testable with real users.
- Usability testing. The ability to conduct usability research and interpret results helps designers improve user experience and ensure the product is intuitive and effective.
- UI design fundamentals. Understanding typography, layout, and color theory is key to creating visually appealing designs. A designer must know how to use UI elements to guide user attention.
- Proficiency with design tools. A UX/UI designer should be comfortable working with tools like Figma, Adobe XD, Photoshop, and others.
- Basic frontend knowledge. Familiarity with HTML/CSS helps bridge the gap between design and development – and ensures your designs are implementable in code.
- Analytics and marketing awareness. UX/UI designers should understand user behaviour, be able to collect and analyse data (using methods like JTBD, personas, CJMs), and align their design decisions with business goals.
Soft Skills
- Empathy and user focus. A UX/UI designer must be able to step into the user’s shoes – understanding their needs, frustrations, and desires. This mindset is key to creating intuitive and user-friendly experiences.
- Communication and teamwork. You’ll need to clearly communicate your ideas to developers, clients, and marketers, respond to feedback, and defend your design decisions with strong reasoning.
- Adaptability. Projects and requirements change fast. Designers must be flexible – able to revise hypotheses, adjust designs, and find compromises without sacrificing quality.
- Creativity. Strong visual instincts, creative thinking, and the ability to find original solutions help make a UX/UI design not only functional, but memorable.
- Patience and attention to detail. Details matter. Something as small as a font weight or button padding can affect user behavior. Being meticulous and polishing every element sets professionals apart.
- Presentation and justification. It’s not enough to create a design – you also need to confidently present it and explain why your solution works best.
- Ongoing learning. UX/UI is one of the fastest-evolving fields. With new tools, frameworks, and trends emerging constantly, staying curious and committed to continuous learning is a must.
Salaries
We’ve gathered up-to-date salary data for UX/UI designers worldwide over the past year – based on information from Indeed, Glassdoor, and HeadHunter. The table below shows average figures. Keep in mind that a UX/UI designer’s salary can vary depending on the company, region, experience level, and specific role.
Based on information from Indeed, Glassdoor, and HeadHunter.
How to Become a UX/UI Designer
UX/UI design is a field where creativity, psychology, and technology come together. One of its biggest advantages? You can enter the profession from almost any background
You don’t need a technical degree or coding skills to get started. What matters more is a genuine interest in digital products, curiosity about human behaviour, and a willingness to learn.
With the right mindset and approach, it’s absolutely possible to build a UX/UI design career from scratch.
Best Places to Learn UX/UI Design
Online Courses and Bootcamps
The most popular path for beginners is taking a UX/UI design course. These programs typically take 8–12 months and help you learn the profession, build a portfolio, and prepare for the job market.
- Google UX Design Professional Certificate (Coursera). This programme covers foundational UX concepts, including user research, wireframing, and prototyping, and is designed for beginners.
- DesignLab's UX Academy. A comprehensive online bootcamp that combines self-paced learning with mentorship from industry professionals, focusing on practical skills and portfolio development
- Interaction Design Foundation (IxDF). It offers a wide range of self-paced UX design courses, supported by industry experts like Don Norman.
- CareerFoundry UX Design Program. It provides a mentored online curriculum with a focus on job readiness, including portfolio projects and career support.
University Degree Programmes
For those seeking an in-depth academic experience, several universities offer specialised programmes in UX/UI design and related fields:
- Carnegie Mellon University. The Human–Computer Interaction Institute offers undergraduate and graduate programs focusing on the intersection of design, technology, and human behaviour.
- University of Washington in Seattle offers programs in Human-Centred Design and Engineering, emphasising user research and design methodologies.
- University of California, Berkeley provides a Master of Information and Data Science program with a specialisation in User Experience Design.
- University of Waterloo in Canada. The Stratford School of Interaction Design and Business offers programmes that blend design, technology, and business strategies.
- Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands provides programs in Industrial Design Engineering, focusing on user-centred design approaches.
When selecting a programme, consider factors such as curriculum relevance, faculty expertise, industry connections, and how well the program aligns with your career goals. Engaging in practical projects and building a robust portfolio are crucial steps in establishing a successful career in UX/UI design.
Self-Education
If you’re learning on a budget (or just prefer a self-taught route) here are plenty of free and accessible ways to build your own UX/UI learning plan:
- Watch free courses on YouTube. Great channels include AJ&Smart, Jesse Showalter, Flux Academy and DesignCourse by Gary Simon.
- Read books on UX/UI design.
- Practise with real-life projects. Try redesigning existing apps or websites, participate in online hackathons, design challenges, or portfolio-building marathons.
- Add concept projects to your portfolio. Even if you don’t have clients yet, showcasing your process and thinking matters.
Best Places to Learn UX/UI Design
To grow professionally, it’s essential to stay inspired, follow trends, and learn from real-world designers.
Blogs & Platforms:
- Nielsen Norman Group – foundational UX research, principles, and best practices.
- Smashing Magazine – articles on UI, web design, usability, and front-end development.
- Medium – especially UX Collective, UX Planet, and Bootcamp.
- Behance & Dribbble – explore top UI/UX portfolios and creative inspiration.
- UX Collective – deep dives, case studies, and industry trends curated by real designers.
- A List Apart – thoughtful takes on design, accessibility, and web standards.
Essential UX/UI Books for Beginners
The must-reads:
- “Don’t Make Me Think” by Steve Krug.
- “The Design of Everyday Things & Emotional Design” by Don Norman.
- “Designing with the Mind in Mind” by Jeff Johnson.
- “About Face” (originally “The Inmates Are Running the Asylum”) by Alan Cooper.
For UI & visual design fundamentals:
- “The Elements of Color” by Johannes Itten.
- “Making and Breaking the Grid” by Timothy Samara.
- “The New Typography “by Jan Tschichold.
To dive deeper into the field:
- “The Elements of User Experience” by Jesse James Garrett.
- “Lean UX” by Jeff Gothelf.
- “Value Proposition Design” by Alexander Osterwalder.
- “Rework” by Jason Fried.
- “Burn Your Portfolio“ by Michael Janda.
How UX/UI Designers Can Stay on Top of Trends
UX/UI design isn’t a field where you can learn once and then coast. To stay competitive, you need to keep evolving – tracking changes in user behavior, interface trends, and emerging tools.
Here’s what Vlada Zdorovenko recommends:
- Vlada ZdorovenkoSenior UX Designer at Tesco Technology | Visiting Lecturer UX/UI designRegularly reading blogs and articles from reputable sources such as the Nielsen Norman Group or Smashing Magazine provides insight into emerging trends and best practices. Actively participating in communities like the Interaction Design Association (IxDA) and attending events like conferences or design and UX meetups helps to gain knowledge and network. Engaging with the UX community on LinkedIn and Medium helps to exchange ideas and learn about emerging trends. Additionally, experimenting with new tools and methodologies in my work ensures that I am actively applying and understanding the latest developments in the field. And of course, additional training through courses and seminars is also important.
UX/UI Designer Roadmap
If you're just starting out in UX/UI design, there are a few common ways to kick off your career:
- Learning by doing and building a portfolioIt’s not enough to study theory – applying what you learn through real or practice projects is key. These early works form the foundation of your portfolio – your most important tool for landing freelance gigs or an entry-level role. Even conceptual projects can showcase your skill level, design thinking, and how you solve user problems.
- Internships and your first company roleAfter completing a course or bootcamp, look for internship opportunities. Many companies are open to hiring junior or trainee designers, especially if you already have a solid portfolio and a grasp of UX/UI fundamentals.
- FreelancingFreelancing can be a great launchpad – if you’re comfortable finding clients on your own, learning by doing, and managing full project cycles independently. It requires strong self-organisation and the ability to adapt quickly to different challenges.
How Your Career Can Grow
UX/UI design offers two main growth paths:
- Horizontal: broadening your skill set.
- Vertical: deepening your expertise and moving up the ladder.
Horizontal growth (expanding your skillset)
- Transitioning from UX/UI to product design.
- Learning HTML/CSS and front-end development.
- Exploring animation and motion design.
- Branching into service design, voice interfaces, or AR/VR.
Vertical growth (career advancement)
- Junior UX/UI Designer handles basic tasks with guidance from senior designers.
- Mid-Level Designer works independently, tackles more complex problems, and interacts with clients.
- Senior UX/UI Designer leads projects, makes strategic decisions, mentors junior teammates.
- Lead Designer / Head of Design drives product or design strategy at the company level.
Alternative Career Paths for UX/UI Designers
A background in UX/UI can also lead to other roles:
- Product Manager – if you enjoy thinking about the product as a whole.
- UX Researcher – ideal for those who love digging into user behavior and analytics.
- UI Developer – for designers with coding skills who want to move closer to development.
- Instructor or Mentor – for those passionate about teaching and supporting new designers.
- Studio Founder – if your long-term goal is to build a team or start your own design business.
What Drives Career Growth?
- Portfolio & real-world experience. The more strong case studies you have, the more trust you'll earn from clients and employers.
- Continuous learning. Staying up to date with tools, methodologies, and industry practices.
- Networking. Engaging in design communities, events, and conferences.
- Soft skills. Communication, presentation, and teamwork matter just as much as technical ability.
- Adaptability. Being open to change, ready to learn, and proactive in taking initiative.
UX/UI Design Trends in 2025
Vlada Zdorovenko shared her thoughts and insights on the future of UX/UI design. Here's what she believes will shape the profession in the years ahead:
1. The evolution of AI
In 2025, AI is no longer just about generating images or copy – it’s becoming more autonomous and integrated into the real world. Designers are now working with Agentic AI (systems that make decisions on their own) and Physical AI (intelligence embedded into physical environments), which means rethinking how digital products interact with both users and their surroundings.
- Vlada ZdorovenkoSenior UX Designer at Tesco Technology | Visiting Lecturer UX/UI designAI systems are no longer just tools but active participants in the design process. They unlock a new level of human-AI collaboration (human-in-the-loop), allowing designers to create more intuitive, dynamic experiences.
These technologies are making it possible to design more intuitive and dynamic user experiences powered by large-scale data and real-world interactions.
2. Automation of routine and a shift toward strategy
AI is increasingly handling repetitive, template-based tasks – like generating wireframes, conducting initial user research analysis, and even running basic usability tests. This frees designers to focus more on strategy, creativity, and solving complex user problems.
- Vlada ZdorovenkoSenior UX Designer at Tesco Technology | Visiting Lecturer UX/UI designAutomation allows designers to focus more on higher-level creative decisions, strategy and problem-solving rather than repetitive execution.
3. Collaborative creativity: human + AI
AI isn’t replacing designers, it’s enhancing them. In 2025, it’s seen more as a creative partner, helping generate ideas, refine concepts, and analyse feedback in real time.
- Vlada ZdorovenkoSenior UX Designer at Tesco Technology | Visiting Lecturer UX/UI designAI-powered tools assist in concept generation and real-time user feedback analysis, acting as creative partners rather than replacements for human ingenuity.
4. Multimodal interfaces
Screens are no longer the only point of interaction. Voice commands, gestures, and physical interactions are playing a bigger role, pushing designers to rethink navigation, structure, and how users move through digital experiences across different mediums.
- Vlada ZdorovenkoSenior UX Designer at Tesco Technology | Visiting Lecturer UX/UI designFor designers this means rethinking interface design beyond screens — ensuring seamless transitions between visual, voice, and physical interactions.
5. Ethical and inclusive design is no longer optional
As AI-driven design faces increasing regulation, issues like transparency, data protection, bias reduction, and accessibility are becoming central to the design process. In 2025, creating fair, inclusive, and responsible experiences isn’t just good practice – it’s a requirement.
- Vlada ZdorovenkoSenior UX Designer at Tesco Technology | Visiting Lecturer UX/UI designWith increasing regulation of AI at the legislative level, design teams need to focus on transparency, trust, mitigating bias, and data privacy to ensure fairness, and inclusivity in AI-powered products.
6. The fusion of AI and human empathy
Even as automation advances, empathy, intuition, and strategic thinking remain at the heart of meaningful design. In 2025, the most impactful user experiences are built not just with data, but with a deep human understanding layered on top of AI-driven insights.
- Vlada ZdorovenkoSenior UX Designer at Tesco Technology | Visiting Lecturer UX/UI designThe synergy between the power of artificial intelligence and human creativity will lead to more efficient and meaningful user experiences in the near future.
Where and How to Find a UX/UI Designer
There are several ways to find a great UX/UI designer – and your best bet is to combine a few of them for broader reach and better results.
Job Boards
Post your opening with a clear description of responsibilities – such as UX research, UI design, working with AI-driven interfaces, analytics, and testing. This is especially important when hiring junior designers to avoid role confusion.
Popular platforms include:
- LinkedIn Jobs
- Indeed
- Wellfound
- Remote OK
- Working Not Working
- Toptal
- We Work Remotely
- Jobspresso
- Remotive
Portfolio Platforms
Don’t just look at visuals — review case studies carefully. A strong portfolio should explain what problems the designer solved, how they approached the work, and the reasoning behind their decisions. This helps you assess both UX thinking and design maturity.
- Behance
- Dribbble
- Carbonmade
- Cargo
- Coroflot
Conferences and Meetups
Networking at industry events is a great way to connect with designers who are genuinely passionate and stay up-to-date with trends.
- Interaction by IxDA
- SmashingConf
- Figma Config
- OFFF Festival
- UXDX
- Design Matters
- Awwwards Conference
- Adobe MAX
- UX London
Outsourcing
A good solution for short-term projects like redesigns, MVPs, or launching a new product. You get a complete UX/UI outcome without committing to hiring in-house staff.
Outstaffing
The designer works directly with your team but is officially employed by a third-party provider. It’s a flexible way to bring in expertise without long-term obligations.
IT Recruitment Agencies
If you don’t have the time or resources to screen candidates yourself, consider working with recruiters – especially those specialised in tech and digital talent. Agencies like Lucky Hunter can help you find vetted professionals faster.
How to Know If a Designer Is the Right Fit
According to Vlada, there are three key qualities to look for when choosing a UX/UI designer:
- Vlada ZdorovenkoSenior UX Designer at Tesco Technology | Visiting Lecturer UX/UI design1. Problem-solving skills
A strong problem-solving mindset is essential, as UI/UX design revolves around creating meaningful product UX/UI solutions to user challenges. The ability to understand user needs and develop effective design solutions is crucial.
2. A portfolio that tells a story
A well-structured portfolio that showcases not only final designs but also the design process, including research, iterations, and user feedback integration, demonstrates the depth of the designer’s thought.
3. Flexibility and a growth mindset
Adaptability and a commitment to continuous learning are vital given the rapidly evolving nature of the tech industry. Designers who stay updated on trends and are open to experimenting with new tools and methodologies are invaluable.
How to Land a UX/UI Design Job
Finding a job in UX/UI design isn’t just about experience – it’s also about how you present yourself. To succeed in interviews, it’s important to understand what signals hiring managers are actually looking for.
Portfolio: The Designer’s Power Tool
A strong portfolio is the most important thing you can bring to the table. It should show not just your final visuals, but how you think, how you solve problems, and how you handle real constraints.
What makes a great portfolio?
- Context: Show the goal, your solution, and how it impacted the outcome.
- Process: Include your workflow – from research to testing, not just the final mockups.
- Prototypes: If possible, link to interactive prototypes (Figma, Notion, Webflow, etc.).
- Relevance: Leave out old work that no longer reflects your current level.
- A clean, focused portfolio with 2–3 solid case studies is far better than 10 random screenshots. Whether it’s a mobile app concept or a full UI/UX website redesign, case studies should clearly explain the problem, your approach, and the impact of your design choices.
What to Include in Your UX/UI Resume
Your resume should be concise, well-structured, and focused on skills and results. Rather than listing job duties, talk about the impact you had on the product and key outcomes.
Include:
- Core tools: Figma, Miro, Adobe XD, etc.
- Key skills: User research, prototyping, usability testing, UI design.
- Experience: What you worked on, your contributions, and measurable results.
- Links: Portfolio, LinkedIn, personal site, or Notion-based resumes.
Where to Find UX/UI Job Opportunities
You’ll find design roles across general job boards, design-specific platforms, and online communities:
Popular platforms include:
- General job sites: LinkedIn, Indeed, Wellfound, Remote OK, Workable, Glassdoor.
- Design-focused job boards: Dribbble Jobs, Behance Joblist, Design Jobs Board, Smashing Jobs, UX Jobs Board, We Work Remotely (Design section).
- Freelance platforms: Upwork, Freelancer, Contra, Toptal, DesignCrowd, Working Not Working, 99designs.
- Communities & Slack/Discord groups: Designer Hangout, ADPList, Friends of Figma, UX Design Community (Discord), Designership, Women in Tech Slack.
UX/UI Design Test Tasks
Design tasks are a standard part of many hiring processes. They help assess not just your style, but also your approach to solving design problems.
Common types of design tasks include:
- Designing a mobile app screen or feature.
- Creating UI for a simple use case.
- Mapping out a user flow for a specific scenario.
- Conducting a mini-audit of an existing interface.
- Building an interactive prototype in Figma.
- Suggesting UX/UI improvements for a real product.
- Designing a product card or checkout screen.
- Creating a small fragment of a design system (buttons, forms, typography).
What Hiring Managers Look For in Interviews
In UX/UI interviews, hiring teams typically focus on three key areas:
- Your understanding of the UX process – from research to testing.
- Your business thinking – how your design decisions connect to real outcomes.
- Your soft skills – collaboration, communication, and how you handle feedback.
Final Thoughts
A great UX/UI designer is someone who understands people and knows how to turn complexity into clarity. If you’re looking for a designer who can strengthen your team, improve product metrics, and create interfaces that actually work — reach out to us. We know where to find the best.
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Alexandra Godunova
Content Manager in Lucky Hunter
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