The ugly reality of the UI/UX design industry

With promises of high wages, flexible work options, and accessible access to technology, many have flocked to the UI/UX design industry. It combines creativity and business acumen, making it a dream job for people looking to escape traditional, less imaginative roles. But even though it may shine on the surface, the truth is that the industry harbors many harsh realities that aspiring designers only learn about once they are deep into their careers.

Here are some of the “ugly” truths that designers in the UI/UX industry face that we, as seasoned industry veterans, have experienced firsthand.

The UI/UX design process you learn in school is a fantasy

At school you learn structured design processes that make it seem as if projects follow a clear and logical path. However, once you enter the real world, you will realize that the process you learned was more theory than practice. Businesses operate in a “rolling with the punches” manner, often adapting to chaotic workflows that defy textbook strategies. Flexibility is going to be your greatest asset as a designer, because the process changes from project to project, and companies often expect you to adapt to a mess.

Different levels of design maturity

Not all companies treat design equally. Some may have advanced design maturity, with user-centered thinking ingrained in their culture, while others may be just getting started or simply don’t care. Working in an environment with low design maturity can be frustrating as you may become isolated or lacking support, making it difficult to communicate your ideas or achieve meaningful results.

“Companies with low design maturity often do not integrate user research into their processes, leaving UX designers feeling like they are working in the dark.” — NNG group

Lack of support systems

It’s common for designers to not have a good support system in their workplace. Some companies expect designers to work autonomously, and while this is enjoyable for some individuals, it can be overwhelming for others. In these situations, the burden of making design decisions falls entirely on you, often without guidance or feedback, leading to a high-stress environment.

You will have to clean up other people’s messes

Even the most prestigious organizations can have disorganized systems. As a designer, you’ll often find yourself having to fix poor naming conventions, inconsistent interfaces, and outdated workflows from previous teams. The work is not just about creating new designs; it’s also about untangling the old, often messy systems that are left behind.

Your UI/UX design work can feel invisible

One of the challenges with UX design is that, unlike visual design, it’s not always easy for people to ‘see’ the impact of your work. While you can improve user experiences in important ways, the non-visual nature of your contributions can make it more difficult to gain recognition. Advocacy becomes an important skill to ensure your contributions are valued.

“In a world where UX is often hidden behind visual elements, designers must continually advocate for the value they add to user experiences.” – Smash Magazine

Your design will be changed – often beyond recognition

In larger organizations, your work will go through many iterations and adjustments by multiple teams, sometimes to the point where you no longer recognize it. Designers must come to terms with the fact that their original vision may not survive in a collaborative environment.

You may be asked to design against your morals

You may be asked to design something that conflicts with your ethical beliefs. Whether it’s shady patterns or products that put profit over user well-being, designers must deal with the tension between their professional responsibilities and their personal conscience.

This reality was highlighted in the documentary The social dilemmawhere former tech insiders revealed how design decisions can negatively impact users’ mental health and social well-being. Navigating this as a designer can be a moral struggle, especially if the company’s goals don’t align with your values.

Fewer freelance opportunities for UI/UX designers

Although the industry promotes the idea of ​​flexible work, finding freelance opportunities in UI/UX design can be difficult, especially since the industry is dominated by established companies. Freelancing often requires you to expand your skills to include web design, branding, and graphic design. Specialization becomes less viable, and generalists tend to do better.

Difficulties in transitioning into UI/UX Design leadership roles

Transitioning from a senior design role to a leadership position is not as easy as in other areas, such as product management or engineering. Design leadership requires management skills that are often not part of a designer’s skill set, creating a “glass ceiling” that is difficult to break.

Threats of AI Automation

AI is developing rapidly and many entry-level design tasks are being automated. While senior-level jobs are less at risk, automation still poses a threat, especially in smaller companies where design tasks can be more easily accomplished by AI-powered tools.

“Automation, especially with the rise of AI, is changing the way UX designers approach their work, making it critical for designers to upskill and stay ahead.” – TechCrunch

The saturation of the UI/UX design industry

The pandemic caused a wave of people switching careers, flooding the design field with new talent. With so many aspiring designers entering the market, competition is fiercer than ever. Standing out in a sea of ​​portfolios and resumes has become an increasingly difficult challenge.

Designers don’t just have to be good; they must be excellent to play a role in a job market that is extremely competitive.

Find out how build a truly standout portfolio with a sound career strategy guided by successful senior-level UI/UX design instructors.

What should aspiring UI/UX designers do?

With all these challenges, should you give up and move to another field? Absolutely not. The key is to embrace the messiness and stay flexible. Successful designers learn to navigate disorganized processes and build systems where none exist. They advocate the value of design, even when it is invisible, and remain adaptable in the face of constant change.

To survive and thrive in the UI/UX world, it’s important to diversify your skillset, especially with the rise of AI. Developing competencies outside of design, such as leadership and visual design skills, can help you stay ahead. Never stop learning and don’t be afraid to switch gears when necessary.

Ultimately, being a great designer requires more than just skills; it requires resilience, flexibility and a proactive approach to professional growth in an industry that is far from perfect.

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The Ugly Realities of the UI/UX Design Industry was originally published in UX Planet on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.