2024 UX Career report
Conducted 20 interviews with designers globally.
Received responses from 86 survey participants
Interviews scope
Conducted 20 interviews with designers worldwide to explore their challenges in 2023 and gather insights on their expectations for 2024.
Interview agenda
In-depth exploration of the biggest work-related challenges faced by UX Designers
Reflections on the impact of 2023 on the design industry and personal sentiments
Predicting the UX industry's for 2024
Participants
I'm unsure about which skill sets to highlight to attract employers and how to effectively present them
Interviewee | Beginner designer
Overall insight
50% of the interviewed designers are uncertain about their future
Designers were confused about their career and unsure about the options available to them
What different seniority levels think?
Junior Designers 🐥
85% of designers:
Experience confusion and no guidance
Lack of guidance and quality answers leaves them unaware of their mistakes
There's confusion about skill improvement, progression, and career path
57% of designers:
Transitioned from different industries
Also, they no longer mention the portfolio as the issue, though it was identified as the main problem in the 2023 study
43% of designers:
Lack of understanding in recruitment processes
Don't know why their job applications are rejected.
Doesn't see value in paid courses as they primarily offer theoretical knowledge
Senior Designers 🐓
70% of designers:
Have problems with communication and time management
Struggle with communication within internal teams, other departments, and stakeholders
Have too many meetings, not enough time for design
46% of designers:
Experience low UX maturity within companies
Also, senior designers believe that soft skills are crucial for becoming a senior designer
30% of designers:
Are uncertain about potential career paths
Think that key to progressions is learning and emphasizing skills in the AI market
The key to becoming a great lead designer is to understand your co-workers - what they want and what their struggles are. Sometimes, read between the lines
Interviewee | Lead Product Designer
Survey scope
We conducted a design survey, asking about:
- How 2023 was in terms of the job market and your experience
- Predictions for 2024 regarding the UX industry
- On a scale from 1 to 5, how concerned you are about AI impacting your career
- Career advice for other designers
In total, 86 designers participated, with 5 not providing data regarding role or employment status
Participants
Based on experience
Based on employment status
How did you find the year 2023 in terms of your work and the job market?
"Very hard - the market has changed so fast. Different kinds of projects, different approaches. I am adapting my skill set to take advantage of the challenge"
Survey Participant | 5+ years of experience
Overall insight
Networking and being present on social media are crucial for designers to build their careers
Survey insights
Based on years of experience 🕰️
How concerned are you about the impact of AI on your career?
1 (not concerned) to 5 (extremely concerned)
Interesting facts
The market is tough for everyone, especially for young designers with less than 3 years of experience
Career advice from senior designers:
- Keep learning and stay updated on trends
- Broaden your focus in UX - understanding all aspects of the industry is crucial
- Utilize AI strategically
- Engage in networking and online presence
- Focus on the purpose when learning tools and methodologies
Based on employment status 💼
How concerned are you about the impact of AI on your career?
1 (not concerned) to 5 (extremely concerned)
Interesting facts
All designers express concern about the industry, with job hunting being challenging, though freelancers report less negative experiences in 2023
Employed designers perceived UX as rushed and lacking proper consideration in 2023
If you had to offer career advice to other UX folks for the year 2024, what would it be?
Take it easy and bring all these wonderful human qualities you have to your work. Make yourself visible as a human, and keep in mind that you design for humans using technology, not the other way around. Make your humanity your strength
Interviewee | Freelancer, 5+ years experience
Transitions are hard and messy.
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For UX designers who want to get a foot in the design market or solidify their position
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For seasoned UX designers who have a job and want to grow in their career
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Adhock Mentorship
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1 individual session with mentor
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Assist you in overcoming your most adverse challenges
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Written summary of the session and to-do’s
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Ongoing Mentorship
40€ per month
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75 min monthly group session with mentor
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Up to 5 students in each group
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Assist you in overcoming your most adverse challenges
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Written summary of the session and to-do’s
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1-1 UX Design Training
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4 individual sessions with mentor each week
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Direct channel with your trainer
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4-week training with Daily design challenges
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Ready-to-share social media templates
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Graduation certificate
