Focus on UX Research or UX Design?
I love UX Research part and do not like the visual communication aspect. But I understand that UX design is not just the visuals. I am a grad student confused between choosing one of the two subjects. 1. Data visualisation : pros- I love working with data and would understand the concepts better. I would get a project that would support my skills as a Researcher. 2. User Centered web design: pros- I would learn how designers work and also get a good portfolio piece. It is an intense class working with a client and follows the UCD process. I need help in deciding the direction of my career given that I like research part more and also that the market is down and design is more in demand than research.
Don’t do data visualization. I also took a class. In the class, you focus on how to present large sets of complex data. It’s fun, but not a common use case in a product design role. Even designing dashboards is basic charts. For a user researcher role, you tend to work with qualitative data or basic quantitative data so it’s mostly summaries and basic charts. If you do have complex data, it’s the business or analytics team working on it and they have programs like R that visualize the data for you.
That does makes sense. And I do have some experience with R. I guess if needed I would learn data visualisation on my own. Thank you for your insights
Do you prefer unearthing insights, or solving problems? (Or both). IMO, whichever path you take, you need to cross train a little. If you preferring gaining deep understanding and identifying opportunities, and like working with customers, go the research route. If you prefer problem solving and stakeholder influence, then go the design route. But yes, the closer you are to “making” the more your role is valued in tough economic times (dev>design>research) not saying it’s right, just that I’ve seen it happen again and again. In the end, if you excel at either, you’ll find work and be happy. That’s being said, you can pick up the data viz in either role while you work, seems like #2 might build a better foundation.
+1 on “cross training” especially as Industry and Bosses will want to peg you to a specific role (that’s easier to hire and manage). You will want to take the initiative especially as a young designer / researcher to shape your roles as you go. Remember a company/ job will always want “faster better cheaper” from you, it’s up to you to keep pushing yourself to keep you brain open.
Absolutely love this. I wanted to hear this and you have explained it with the perfect logic. This helps clarify a lot. I do prefer research work(interviewing and analysis) and I feel I am holding myself back from exploring design options as I do not enjoy the visual design part. I would take up the second course and explore design from a new perspective. Either I would love the process or I will get even more sure about research. Once again, thank you!
If we look at pure numbers and positions, UX research has fewer than UXD. Keep that in mind as you think about your future. UXR also means that you’ll be competing with PhD holders, which isn’t as common in UXD. UXR is a popular way to get into industry for PhD. That said, optimizing for job over passion isn’t exactly the right answer. I have plenty of UXR friends from my program and they’re all employed. I just wanted to show the reality. Many places don’t have a UXR department at all, so you’d be limiting yourself in that way there. It’s just the way the current industry works. Data viz I would say isn’t a great focus, more like a nice to have skill (unless you’re really really passionate) because there are few data viz centric roles. But they’re out there.
You should check out the free mentorship available at ADPList. You can get POV’s across a range of designers at different levels. I highly recommend it vs Blind for real answers ;)
I love dataviz! Took a course got a part time while doing masters for it. When i graduated i was heart broken on how less positions need data viz. The ones I worked with previously were, NGOs, public health, universities, professors needing dataviz for their grants and government. They all use dataviz for grant writing, policy making etc etc. Well they dont pay enough so they have a network of non profit tech orgs inside Unis or something that help then out with that. That is where I worked ror 2 yrs. Never saw a private org do design work for them. And the biggest hurdle to this being a proper stable field is omfg their data access has so many issues from different govt agencies that almost 80pc needed projects fall apart (midwest, do not know if it is different in other tech savvy states) So keep 1 as your personal interest until you come across a position that pays and needs it. 2 is safer option.
Design is a 'production' role. Meaning the company can't ship products without your output. Research is a 'support' role. Meaning you can help but aren't essential. Especially these days, as more and more designers, PMs, and marketers lean into doing their own customer research. Which one sounds safer in this market?
That’s a good consideration short term, but ask yourself which is more automate-able? Cranking out yet another screen against the design system? Or knowing what other problems the customer is trying to solve, outside your current set of product?
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I would love to hear your reasoning behind this.
He won’t be able to tell you coz he’s the visual designer