Why I don't like the term UX Designer

One of the first topics I introduce in every UX class I teach is you can't design a user's experience. You can only create the elements and touchpoints that come together to create an experience. A user's relationship with a product, either good or bad, is partially determined by the history they bring to that interaction and partly by how the elements you created work to help them achieve a goal.

This is why I don't like job titles like UX designer. UX isn't a thing you do. UX and design are broad disciplines, and the term UX designer really doesn't tell you anything. By comparison, take the title doctor. When doctors describe their work, they generally describe it in terms of their specialty, "I'm a pediatrician," "I'm a gynecologist," "I'm a veterinarian." A designer who specializes in branding has a very different job and skill set than a designer who specializes in creating interfaces for a mobile application. They may have some of the same foundational skills, but UX and design are the disciplines, not the job.

and don't get me started on the term UI/UX designer...

Hope Frank

Global Chief Marketing, Digital & AI Officer, Exec BOD Member, Investor, Futurist | Growth, AI Identity Security | Top 100 CMO Forbes, Top 50 CXO, Top 10 CMO | Consulting Producer Netflix | Speaker | #CMO #AI #CMAIO

5 个月

Kelsey, thanks for sharing! How are you doing?

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Carolyn Sorrell

Professional Copywriter

5 年

It's too vague.

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Ryan Barthel

Dad & Ecom Business Owner

5 年

buzz words

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Benjamin Monlezun

Currently Product Manager with Metwork, X-McKinney Health, Apple, Worldspark Studios [Web3], Riot Games, Amazon, Mattel’s Hot Wheels, Aetna, Sphero, LEGO

5 年

So what do we call ourselves if a specialty, like a type of doctor, is needed? Not to be obtuse. I struggle with my own description, job rec, title, etc. and so does every single company I’ve ever interviewed for a job. Including my current one. LOL

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Mitchell Acevedo

Sr. Graphic Designer, Brand @ ICON

5 年

UX is comprised of multiple disciplines that one person simply cannot do. It’s like asking a Architect to not only design the building, but the electrical and mechanical engineering as well. This just isn’t realistic; companies constantly hire mediocre people who have no focus, all to save money.

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