Let’s be frank: the job market right now is tough.
It’s disheartening to see countless posts on professional platforms from individuals desperately seeking employment, some having been on the hunt for over a year. The reality is, the job market is struggling, and securing a position, even with strong qualifications and extensive experience, is incredibly challenging. It’s perfectly normal to feel discouraged if you’re currently out of work, and pretending otherwise is simply toxic positivity, which, in itself, is harmful.
Toxic positivity is the belief that people should maintain a positive attitude regardless of how difficult or challenging a situation may be.
The UX (User Experience) field is particularly experiencing this downturn, making it exceptionally difficult for both aspiring employees and freelancers to find opportunities. This issue is impacting many, including those with established reputations in niche areas like Clinical UX.
Even with a decade of experience and a unique background as a doctor working on digital health products, consistent work is not guaranteed. Expertise and a strong skillset aren’t always enough to overcome the current market conditions.
Unpacking the Reasons Behind the Tough Job Market
Several factors contribute to this challenging landscape. Here are four key reasons why the UX job market, and the broader job market, is currently facing such difficulties:
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Blurred Role Definitions: The interchangeable use of terms like UX/UI, Product Designer, and UX Engineer often leads to the misconception that UX responsibilities can be easily tacked onto existing roles. This dilution of responsibilities risks compromising the quality of work across all areas, including UX. Companies may believe they are saving resources by combining roles, but they may be undermining the specialized skills required for effective UX.
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Misunderstanding of UX Value: Compounding the issue of blurred roles, many potential clients and employers don’t fully grasp the depth and complexity of UX. Partly due to the point above, and partly due to a general underestimation, UX work is sometimes perceived as straightforward and intuitive. The reality is that user interviews are far more than casual conversations, and prototyping involves sophisticated methodologies beyond simply using design software. The strategic and research-driven nature of UX is often overlooked.
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Over-reliance on Basic UX Practices: The accessibility of design patterns and “laws of UX” has, in some ways, become a double-edged sword. While these resources can streamline design processes, they have also contributed to a trend of superficial UX work. The ease of copying existing designs for seemingly similar problems, without considering contextual nuances, leads to generic and less effective user experiences. This shortcut approach undervalues the critical thinking and contextual research that should underpin UX design.
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Encroachment by Non-UX Professionals: Fueled by the points above, and particularly the perception that UX is simple, non-UX professionals are increasingly performing UX tasks. Driven by team collaboration or expanding responsibilities, individuals without formal UX training or experience are taking on roles they are not equipped for. The availability of design patterns and AI-powered design tools further reinforces the misconception of simplicity, leading to a belief that anyone can create a user interface, diminishing the need for specialized UX expertise.
Navigating the Job Market: Strategies for UX Professionals
Despite these challenges, UX professionals are not powerless. Here are four key strategies to navigate this tough job market and advocate for the value of UX:
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Refine Your Language and Communication: When communicating with those outside the UX field, be mindful of your terminology. Avoid jargon like “design” and the ambiguous “UX/UI.” Instead, use precise terms that highlight the rigor and methodology of UX, such as “qualitative research,” “quantitative research,” “usability testing,” and “validation.” Clear and specific language can help convey the professional nature and strategic importance of UX work.
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Showcase the Depth of Your UX Process: Don’t just present final deliverables. Take colleagues and clients behind the scenes of your UX process. Visually demonstrate the complexity and effort involved. Share the digital equivalent of sticky note walls from thematic analysis, showcase the iterations of sketches and prototypes, and articulate the best practice methodologies guiding your decisions. Making the process transparent can illuminate the value and rigor of UX expertise.
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Emphasize Scientific and Evidence-Based UX: Champion a research-driven approach. Conduct research that yields actionable insights, even if those insights challenge the current project direction. Promote “evidence-based design” over solely “design thinking,” emphasizing critical thinking and analytical skills. While creativity is part of UX, it is rooted in problem-solving and innovation, not just aesthetics. Highlighting the scientific and analytical foundations of UX strengthens its credibility.
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Advocate for UX Expertise and Collaboration: Don’t passively allow non-UX professionals to undertake UX tasks without input. If others are performing UX work, proactively offer guidance and supervision. Collaborate with them, providing mentorship and establishing standardized processes. Actively work to prevent shortcuts and ensure the quality of UX work is maintained, safeguarding the integrity of the field and demonstrating the necessity of specialized UX skills.
Remember, you are not alone in facing these job market challenges. Connecting with peers and sharing experiences is crucial.
Take care, and know that navigating this challenging job market is a collective experience.
