Craft intuitive and engaging digital experiences that put users at the heart of technology.
Think about the last time you used an app. Was it easy to use? Did it feel natural and intuitive? Did you instantly know how to interact with the buttons and features, without needing instructions or tutorials? If you've ever interacted with a website, app, or digital product and thought, "I'd love to be the one designing this," then a career as a UX designer might be the job for you. From websites and mobile apps to interactive installations and virtual reality, a UX designer plans, executes, and refines the entirety of a user's experience.
But what exactly is a UX designer?
Dr. Li Ping Thong, Associate Dean of Digital Design at School of Design RMIT, explains, “A User Experience designer is a person who makes any kind of digital experiences work better and easier for people. It's not about how something looks, but how it feels to use. As a UX designer, the focus is on creating experiences that are intuitive and enjoyable. The goal is to make sure users walk away thinking, ‘That was easy!’ instead of feeling frustrated.”
“To get into UX design, you’ll need a mix of education and experience. A lot of people start with a degree in design, digital media, or a similar field.” Dr. Thong advises, “If you’re thinking about studying UX design, be ready to embrace a mindset of constant learning. UX design is about research, curiosity, creativity, and always pushing to understand the user better. Dive into projects, stay open to feedback, and don’t be afraid to fail, it’s how you grow. But most of all - enjoy the process of solving problems and making the world a bit easier to navigate for people.”
Combining theory with practical industry-based knowledge, you will develop a digital media design specialisation in interactive media (including UX Design), digital video, digital sound, or digital environments.
Lean into the future of UX Design and emerging practice through first-hand experience with best-practice tools and graduate with an employer-ready portfolio.
“Studying UX design at RMIT is dynamic and hands-on. You’ll learn the theory behind good design and then jump into projects where you get to apply those ideas. You’ll spend a lot of time working with others, testing prototypes, doing research, and refining your designs based on feedback from your lecturers. It’s collaborative and creative, and every day you get a little closer to being ready to tackle real-world UX design challenges.” Says Dr. Thong.
“The field moves fast, so being adaptable and always learning new tools or techniques is key.” Explains Dr. Thong.
Tools such as Photoshop, Figma, and Illustrator are widely used in the design industry. Gaining proficiency in these tools will equip you with the necessary skills to bring your design ideas to life and increase your employability in the design field.
Your portfolio is a showcase of your skills, your design process, and your ability to solve real-world problems. It's your chance to tell the story of each project, from the initial concept through to the final design. Include a variety of projects to demonstrate your versatility and adaptability. Remember, quality over quantity - it's better to have a few well-documented projects than a multitude of unfinished or poorly explained ones.
Dr. Thong advises, “Building a strong portfolio that shows what you can do is important - employers want to see how you solve problems and make user experiences better. Internships, freelance projects, and personal projects are great ways to get the practical experience that’ll set you up for success.”
According to Dr. Thong, “As a UX designer, you’re the one who ensures the digital experience make sense to people. To do that, it’s about finding out what users need, then coming up with creative solutions to meet those needs. At the heart of it, UX designers are problem-solvers, making things not only functional but enjoyable for users.”
The day to day of a UX designer can vary depending on the project, but in general a UX designer may:
Conduct user research and usability testing to gather insights.
Create user personas and journey maps to visualise the user experience.
Design wireframes, prototypes, and user interfaces for digital products.
Collaborate with UI designers, developers, and other stakeholders to ensure a cohesive and effective user experience.
Conduct usability testing and gathering user feedback to refine designs.
Continually iterate and improve designs based on user feedback and testing results.
Document design processes and decisions for future reference and project handovers.
UX designers can work in a variety of settings, depending on the nature of the projects they undertake. Many UX designers are employed by tech companies, design agencies, and large corporations that have a need for in-house design expertise. These organisations often have multiple digital products, such as websites and apps, that require a consistent and effective user experience. Some UX designers work in the public sector, helping to design digital services that are accessible and easy to use for everyone. Additionally, there are UX designers who choose to work as freelancers, taking on projects from various clients. It's also worth noting that many UX designers work remotely, as the tools and methods they use are often well-suited to online collaboration.
“The beauty of being a UX designer is that we’re needed everywhere.” Says Dr. Thong, “In Australia, UX is booming, and the need for designers who can improve user experiences keeps growing. So wherever there’s a product that people interact with, there’s probably a UX designer making it better behind the scenes.
According to Dr. Thong, “A great UX designer needs a balance of creativity, logic and a good eye for detail. You’ve got to think like a problem-solver, always looking for ways to improve things. Strong communication skills are essential because you’re constantly explaining your ideas to others. You’ll also need to be good with design tools and comfortable with user research. But the biggest skill is empathy. You must understand the user’s experience inside and out to create designs that really work for them.”
The median weekly earnings for UX designers are $1,500 per week*. The median hourly earnings for freelance UX designers are $41 per hour*.
Whether you're a Year 12 student weighing up your options, thinking about switching careers or a professional looking to expand your skills, RMIT has a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses for domestic and international students that give you first-hand experience with industry standard tools and purpose built design facilities so you can excel in your career as a UX designer.
*Source: www.jobsandskills.gov.au 2023
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.