If you’re considering hiring a UX designer, you should know that the qualities and traits they come with are just as important as the level of their skill in UX. It is not just about the job but also about how they do it. Whether you’re hiring an individual UX designer or a UX design company, there are similar traits to look out for in who is handling the job.
Thankfully, we’ve compiled a list of eight essential traits of any good UX designer to help you find the right one to ensure you get the most value out of your money and time.
What are the 8 Essential Traits of a Good UX Designer?
There are several key traits of a good UX designer to look out for, but some are more critical than others. Here are eight essential traits of a good UX designer that influence their output.
1. Problem Solving
A good UX designer is first and foremost a problem solver. They see the world in terms of how it can be improved and are always looking for ways to make things better. They’re not afraid to take on challenges and are always up for a good debate.
Their problem-solving nature makes them ‘user-centered’ in their job. A good UX designer always keeps the user in mind. They understand that users are the ones who will be interacting with their designs, and so they make sure to create designs that are user-friendly and meet the needs of the user.
2. Creativity
A good UX designer is creative and can see things from different perspectives. They’re able to come up with new and innovative ideas, as well as think outside the box. A good UX designer is also flexible and adaptable, able to change their approach when needed.
Their creativity also comes with open-mindedness. They are willing to listen to feedback and criticism. They can also draw inspiration or an idea from anywhere or anyone on board and use it to improve their work. A good UX designer can also accept that not every idea will be a winner and that sometimes it’s necessary to scrap an idea and start again from scratch.
3. Collaboration
A good UX designer should be able to work well with others. This means being able to take feedback, being open to new ideas, and being able to compromise. They must also be able to communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally.
Being able to build good relationships with members of the team is essential. And they can’t do that if they’re not listening and taking others’ advice into consideration.
4. Critical Thinking
Critical thinking is one of the essential traits of a good UX designer. They need to be able to assess a situation and figure out the best way to solve the problem. They also need to be able to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions. Good designers are always trying to learn more about their industry to stay on top of new trends and innovations.
When faced with a challenge, they should know how to break down the problem into smaller pieces that can be tackled individually before putting them back together again into an overarching solution.
An intuitive mind helps designers come up with creative ideas. However, they still need strong analytical skills to evaluate any concept objectively and ensure they have solved the right problem without introducing new ones along the way.
5. Curiosity
A good UX designer is always curious. They want to know how things work and why people do the things they do. This curiosity allows them to constantly learn and grow as a designer. They’re never satisfied with the status quo and always look for ways to improve the user experience.
Curiosity also helps designers see beyond what’s right in front of them, which leads to innovative solutions. They look at problems from different angles, allowing them to find new opportunities that others might miss.
To have this quality, a good UX designer must be open-minded about other cultures and be willing to explore diverse perspectives. A lot of times, we’re so focused on how we can solve our own problems that we forget there may be an even better solution out there just waiting for us to discover it.
6. Communication Skills
The ability to communicate effectively is crucial for any designer, but it’s especially important for those in UX. They need to be able to articulate their ideas clearly to clients, developers, and other stakeholders. But communication goes both ways. A good UX designer also needs to be a good listener, be able to understand users’ needs and take feedback from others on board.
7. Patience
One of the most important traits of a good UX designer is patience. It’s crucial that they can take constructive feedback and use it to improve their designs. They also need to be patient when working with clients and stakeholders who may have different visions. Also, they must be patient enough to learn and grow in their career.
8. Research Skills
A good UX designer knows how to research. They understand that the user experience begins long before the product is ever created. They know how to ask the right questions and find the correct answers.
They also know how to use the latest tools and techniques to get accurate data. They can collect and categorize large amounts of information to pinpoint what will be most important for their design.
Conclusion
A common misconception is that creativity is enough to be a great UX designer. But there are many other skills needed for them to succeed.
For a UX design company looking to hire a good UX designer, it is critical to go for someone who can work well with others, with solid communication skills, is organized and detail-oriented, has a good understanding of technology, and can think creatively. They are an excellent choice if they have the eight traits listed in this article.
