A complete guide to hiring a UX Designer
By
Masum Parvej
November 22, 2023
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As you are reading this blog I’m assuming you’re a visionary person who have a digital product or planning to build one. You have the vision, the team, and the ambition. But there's a pivotal piece missing - a skilled UX Designer who can turn your ideas into a great user-friendly user experience.
You’ll find thousand of options- google made it easy. Amidst this crowd, finding the one who aligns perfectly with your vision, needs and budget is no less than finding a needle in a haystack; If you tried to hire one before, you know this. But fear not, for this article will guide you, how to find the gem.
As you read on, you'll discover the differentiation between similar roles, the key qualities to look for, the questions to ask, where to find and the strategies to finding a UX Designer who doesn't just fill a role, but elevates your product to new heights.
Recognizing Different Types of Designers
To ensure you hire the right professional for your needs, it's crucial to distinguish between the various design-related roles in the industry. Here's a quick rundown:
UX Designer: They focus on making the product user-friendly and enjoyable.
UI Designer: They deal with the visual aspects of the interface.
Product Designer: They oversee the product throughout all stages of design and development.
Knowing the difference between these roles can help you decide whether you need a pure UX designer or a professional who can handle both UI and UX.
Understanding the Need for UX Designers
Before we dive into the process of hiring a UX designer, it's essential to understand why your team might require one. The role of a UX designer primarily is about usability rather than beauty. They work closely with the product team throughout all stages of product design, from conducting user research and creating user-flows to making wireframes, prototypes, and testing them.
If you have a existing product and your product is facing challenges in terms of usability, or if your customers/users are frequently encountering issues while using your platform, it's a clear indication that you need a UX designer on board.
Why is this journey so important? Because a UX Designer is not just another team member; they are the architects of your product's experience. They are the ones who understand the blending between user needs and business goals, who weave functionality with creativity to create experiences that not only satisfy but delight.
Skills to Look for in a UX Designer
Familiarity with UX design process such as user persona, user flows, user journey maps, wireframes.
Mastery of graphic editors (Figma, Sketch, Adobe products), prototyping tools (Invision, Framer).
Knowledge of UX research methods and tools, such as usability testing and Google Analytics
Understanding of design thinking methodology
Knowledge of basic principles of psychology and their application in UX design
Understanding the importance of design metrics
Soft Skills
Strong communication skills
Attention to detail
Proactive attitude to work
Ability to handle feedback and criticism
Where to find UX Designer
There are several platforms and methods you can use to find UX designers:
Platforms with References: Websites like Clutch can help you find design agencies with reviews.
Freelance Platforms: Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, 99designs host a vast number of freelance UX designers.
LinkedIn: This platform can be a great place to find and connect with experienced designers.
Design Portfolios: Websites like Behance and Dribbble showcase the work of designers.
Company's Social Media: Posting a message on your company’s social media asking for recommendations can also fetch potential candidates.
Cost of Hiring a UX Designer
The cost of hiring a UX designer can vary significantly depending on several factors, including their experience level, location, and form of collaboration. For instance, a middle-level UX designer in the US may cost around $115K per year. However, if you're looking to cut costs, hiring a freelancer or partnering with an agency can be a more cost-effective option.
Hiring Process for a UX Designer
The process of hiring a UX designer involves a few key steps:
Evaluating the UX Designer’s Portfolio: The portfolio is a critical tool for assessing a designer's skills and experience. Look for a variety of projects that demonstrate their ability to work on different types of products and industries.
Conducting an Interview: The interview process allows you to gauge the candidate's communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and team collaboration capabilities.
Administering a Test Task: A test task can help you evaluate a candidate's practical skills and their approach to solving real-life design problems.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a UX Designer
There are several pitfalls to avoid when hiring a UX designer:
Prioritizing Aesthetic Appeal Over Functionality: A good UX designer should prioritize problem-solving and logical thinking over creating trendy visuals.
Hiring a UX Designer Too Late in the Process: If you bring a UX designer only at the later stages of development, they might not be able to make meaningful contributions to the overall design and user experience.
Expecting a UX Designer to Only Perform an Audit: UX design is a complex process, and it requires involvement from the beginning of the product development process.
Hiring a UX designer is a critical step in developing a successful digital product. By understanding the role of a UX designer, recognizing essential skills, knowing where to find them, and avoiding common hiring mistakes, you can ensure that you hire the right professional to enhance your product's user experience.
