Do web developers need to learn UX design?
Whether you’re an established web developer working with a large corporation and big clients, or you’re just starting out in the field, every web developer is familiar with refreshing their existing skill set, but it’s equally as important to consider expanding your knowledge into related areas.
While you may be able to write code with your eyes closed, learning skills that can assist yourself and a larger team will ensure you’re an indispensable asset. For this purpose, it’s become increasingly common for web developers to learn the basics of UX design.
What is UX design?
UX (user experience) designers work to create a seamless user experience for a product or service.
In terms of UX for a website, this means making the website accessible, functional, and enjoyable for visitors navigating through the pages. UX designers often work alongside UI (user interface) designers who are tasked with creating a look and feel for an end product, from colour schemes to fonts, and working with graphic designers to determine how design will impact user experience.
Why developers should learn UX design
Customer retention
Poor UX design and technical bugs are two of the top reasons mobile apps are deleted after one use. These two issues go hand-in-hand, and ensuring you have a basic understanding of UX design will work to ensure your website or application is both bug-free and easy to use.
Faster development time
Web developers knowing the basics of UX/UI design has also proven to save time in the development cycle. Less need for revisions and being able to identify issues right away can assist in getting a product to its final launch quicker.
Limited resources
Many start-up companies simply do not have the resources to hire a team of UX designers, meaning it will be up to you, the web developer, to create a great user experience. Being a jack of all trades will only help create a better end product within a start-up environment.
Learn skills that compliment your existing resume
UX design for developers is a great complimentary skill to your existing resume. The skills necessary to learn for basic UX design are in the same realm as web development, meaning many of the skills and concepts you may already have a basic understanding of as a developer. Perfecting and applying those skills is how you will be able to build your resume and be a complete package in the eyes of potential employers.
UX Designer required skills
What are some basic skills required as a UX designer?
- Wireframing
- Customer research
- Information architecture
- Prototyping
- Visual design
Web Developer required skills
What skills are needed for web developers?
- HTML
- CSS
- Javascript
- React
- Responsive design
- Accessibility
- Research skills
UX/UI Design for Developers
If you’re a web developer looking how to start learning the basics of UX design or UI design, online courses and Bootcamps are a good way to get your feet wet in the UX design world.
You can get started by teaching yourself some of the basics with free UX courses at sites like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and Google Academy.
Juno College also offers a part-time UX design course specifically for developers, designers, and marketers looking to boost their careers with this in-demand skill!