Advisory Sessions: Entering the UX/UI Design Field

Q: What type(s) of companies are hiring individuals in your industry?

While it looks like there is a lot of hiring going on, our industry seems to be a bit stagnant, though large corporations are hiring. Basically, we are in a “post-Covid fallout.” High interest rates coupled with the election is creating too much unrest and the tech sector can be boom or bust. Any graduate looking to enter the field must have very strong work to stand out.

Q: To enter your industry, does a graduate need to present a portfolio or reel?

Yes, for sure. A client or employer will need to see their project work their process from sketch to final execution, including working docs and the final project. I prefer to see the work on a website, curated and labeled. I also like to receive resumes/cover letters as a PDF. This makes it easy to review and gets away from heavy graphic attachments (in email for the portfolio) but easy to print if needed (for the CV).

In a portfolio, I like to see a variety of projects—maybe a static poster, a book design, an A/V reel or PSA, and definitely a website. I really like to see designs of products/apps. The portfolio should contain a maximum of five case studies, along with several other minimal examples… logos, graphics, etc. In their work, I want to see their critical thinking skills.

Q: What software or technical skills should a graduate be fluent in for your industry?

Here are some essentials:

• Proficiency in Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop. After Effects, Premiere)
• Basic working knowledge and ability to edit HTML/CSS
• Familiarity with design libraries like Bootstrap
• Semantic UI, hopefully with an understanding of editing React and/or .JS code or similar frameworks
• Experience with DevOps or Jira for agile/scrum management

Q: What foundational and professional skills does job applicant need? What types of creative projects do they need experience in?

They need the ability to sketch concepts, apply typography, and use grids for layout. They should be comfortable implementing basic Web designs via an OOTB (out of the box) solution like WordPress, and developing basic animations and micro interactions.

The portfolio should include webpage layouts, video (at least 30 seconds), and animation (at least 15 seconds).

Q: Are professionals in your industry using AI tools? What should a graduate know about the use of AI within your creative industry?

We are using AI, delicately and occasionally. But it can be time consuming. I use it for image generation. It can be tedious to get what you want. It’s sometimes slower than just doing it myself. I automate what makes sense but that is mostly integrated into the tools I already use via the SaaS.

The main concern about AI is the idea of throwing all human thought and discernment out the window.

For a graduate using AI in their creative process, remember it is very apparent and hard to hide. It can cheapen the output and start to create a visual language unto itself that feels utterly not unique.

Before learning AI, students should take advantage of learning the depth of the disciplines we provide education in. Otherwise, why bother? Why hack your own education?!