What is UX? We spoke to Digital User Experience Degree Apprentice Eve, to find out more about this exciting new discipline!
Eve describes UX Design as “the practice of designing a user interface around the needs of the people that are going to be using it.” With the intention being to create a product that is easy to use, accessible, enjoyable to use and meets the needs of both the user and the organisation.
What skills should a UX Designer have?
“I would say that a UX Designer needs to be empathetic. When you are able to put yourself in someone else’s shoes, it puts you in a better position to be able to design for a broad spectrum of people.
“A strong level of computer literacy is also important. When a UX designer is working in the industry they will be expected to use design software, and we learn to use them as part of the course. The ability to solve problems in a creative way is also helpful! Analytical skills to understand any user research that has been carried out to help inform the design specifications, and the ability to collaborate with other people.”
What surprised you about UX design when you started studying it?
“I was surprised by the amount of psychology and design theories that are considered when designing a product to make it usable for lots of people. The science of UX design is still relatively new so I feel like it’s really important to educate a new generation of UX designers.”
What are some of the benefits of studying UX?
“I’ve noticed that even at the beginning of the degree i was able to apply some of the things that I have learned to my current job as a user researcher in the NHS. Understanding how certain design element can affect the usability and accessibility of a product is so important.
“Learning to use Figma to create prototypes of user interfaces is going to be really helpful in user testing and collaborating with my colleagues in the digital team. Once I have graduated, this degree will increase my earning potential and allow me to bring more value to my team.”
This degree apprenticeship forms part of the Computing and Digital Technologies Careers Excellence Hub. We are committed to preparing learners for success in a rapidly evolving job market which is reflected in our offer via our bespoke Career Excellence Hubs, which form an integral part of all degree programmes. In a world where professional networks and industry-specific skills are integral to landing employment, these hubs provide a unique solution to bridge the gap between education and industry demands.
If you want to follow Eve’s footsteps, and learn everything you need to know about UX, click here to find our Digital User Experience (UX) Degree Apprenticeship! For all of our Computing and Digital Technologies courses, click here!
If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available in the Weston College Group here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College Group has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College Group is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.
