Chapter 1: Understanding the Shift in UX Design

Imagine having a conversation where you ask someone about their profession. They reply, “I work in government.” When you seek more information, they respond with mild annoyance, stating, “I told you, I’m a government worker.”

Currently, UX design is highly sought after, with numerous books, videos, and online courses promoting it as a top career choice. Many individuals, especially those in midlife transitions, are diving into this field, discussing concepts like usability, user advocacy, and heuristics. It often feels as if it's the go-to profession for newcomers in the tech world.

Yet, amidst this hype, a significant change has occurred: the traditional notion of UX Design may be waning.

When looking for UX design roles, you might find fewer opportunities than before. Have these positions vanished? Are stakeholders reverting to the outdated mindset of “they'll manage”?

The reality lies within the specifics of job postings. Some require extensive research, while others may not necessitate any. In some roles, teamwork is essential, while in others, you're expected to work independently. Responsibilities vary widely, from overseeing brand alignment with site design to producing user flows and wireframes in Figma.

UX design, as a singular title, may no longer be relevant. Just as a doctor might specify their field—cardiology, radiology, or anesthesiology—today's professionals need to articulate their specific roles.

The field of UX has evolved to encompass various specialized roles. If you engage in writing and design, you’re now a content designer. If you perform the duties of both a UX designer and a product owner, you are a product designer. If your focus is on research, you’re a UX researcher, and if you blend sales with UX research, you become a CX designer.

To illustrate this transformation, examine job listings from leading tech companies, particularly within FAANG (Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix, Google). Facebook hires UX researchers, product designers, and content designers rather than traditional UX designers. Netflix predominantly looks for product designers and UI designers, with minimal openings for UX/UI roles. Google, despite offering a UX design course, emphasizes positions for UX engineers and researchers, highlighting the shift from traditional UX roles.

This evolution is beneficial. UX design has outgrown its initial framework. Just like terms such as “web developer” or “banker” have become overly broad, UX is maturing into a more defined field.

The profession is legitimate and enduring, solidifying its place in the realm of consumer technology. It’s time to reconsider how we label ourselves and articulate our true professional identities.

Section 1.1: The Importance of Specificity in Job Titles

Clarifying one's role not only enhances professional identity but also provides better communication with potential employers and clients.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Broader Implications of Role Clarity

Clear job titles can lead to better career opportunities and a more profound understanding of the industry's landscape.

Chapter 2: Insights from UX Professionals

In the video How I Became a UX Design Freelancer - Without a Portfolio, the speaker shares their journey into UX design, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and the diverse opportunities available, even without traditional credentials.

The second video, Don't Become a UX/UI Designer BEFORE Considering These!, offers critical advice for aspiring UX/UI designers, urging them to reflect on their motivations and the realities of the profession before diving in.