What's the job like for a UX designer?

I've heard a lot about UX design and think it sounds interesting. What exactly does a UX designer do, and what skills are necessary for starting in this field? Is it something I could study in college?

A UX, or User Experience, designer is primarily responsible for designing how a product or service works from the user's perspective. They are responsible for making sure that the product is not only functional, but also enjoyable and easy to use. This involves tasks like researching user needs and behaviors, creating personas, designing wireframes, building prototypes, and carrying out user testing.

The role requires both technical and creative skills. On the technical side, UX designers need to be familiar with software like Sketch, Adobe XD, or Framer for producing designs and prototypes. Understanding of coding languages like JavaScript, HTML, and CSS can be beneficial, although not always required. Creatively, UX designers need to have strong problem-solving skills, the ability to think spatially, and a good sense of design principles.

In addition to these skills, effective UX designers often need to be good communicators since they're typically working within cross-functional teams and presenting their designs and findings to stakeholders.

Many colleges and universities offer programs or courses in UX design. This could fall under various departments, such as Computer Science, Graphic Design, or a specialized Interaction Design or Human Computer Interaction program. You could also develop UX skills through online courses, workshops, and internships.

Generally, a bachelor's degree in a design-related field is a common entry point for this career. However, it's the combination of education, talents, and practical experience that makes a UX designer successful. Building a portfolio that showcases your ability to handle real-world projects is an excellent way to stand out in the job market.

Remember, though, UX design is constantly evolving, so continuous learning is a key aspect of the job. This is part of what makes the field exciting—there's always something new to learn and different problems to solve!