What is a UI designer?
The UI designer is the specialist who designs the interface of websites and application solutions. They ensure the quality of content and clarity of navigation for all users. Working in collaboration with the UX designer, this expert contributes to a creative project with a view to offering the target audience an interface that is intuitive, functional and fulfils its promises.
It should be noted that an interface is the link between the machine and the human. The UI designer or user interface manager focuses on the rendering and visual appearance of a site or mobile application to improve this relationship. They must be able to work on all the terminals on the dedicated platform. These range from connected televisions to smartphones, interactive terminals, tablets and other connected objects.
Each of these media has its own characteristics and parameters. The UI designer will need to master the various technologies that make them work. They may work for start-ups, large companies, design agencies, communications agencies or web agencies.
What are the tasks of a UI designer?
The UI designer organises the textual and graphic elements of a website or application in compliance with various technical standards (graphic charter and specifications). Their work will facilitate and optimise the user experience. The whole process is carried out with respect for the image and identity of the brand or company.
Every element of the interface will be worked on, from images to font size, icons, colours and fonts.
However, the day-to-day life of a UI designer is punctuated by a number of more specific tasks, including :
- listening to customers to define their expectations and needs;
- highlight the main challenges of the website or application;
- Conduct regular surveys of platform users and targets to identify areas for improvement;
- imagine the typical profile of the Internet user likely to use the platform;
- with the help of the UX designer, create a narrative or storytelling based on the image to be conveyed by the brand;
- carry out a design study of the platform with reference to the customer’s requirements and the project’s problems before the first lines of the project are produced;
- create the interface mock-ups after validation of the first drafts and project orientations to refine the graphic choices;
- manage A/B testing (statistical comparison method) to check the relevance of the newly created interface;
- implement any changes and adjustments required after testing.
These different assignments generally require the use of different software packages. These will help to create functionality mock-ups (user interface prototypes), an organised and complete design system (library of references and guides) and application prototypes.
Why become a UI designer?
The UI designer profession is a recent development of the web designer profession. It is a type of specialisation that may be of interest to creative people with a passion for design. This profession also provides access to other professions, such as UX designer, graphic designer, web art director, web project director and information architect.
In addition, the User Interface Designer is a programmer, a technician and a creator all rolled into one. They have to be constantly learning about different areas, both operational and strategic, in order to carry out their duties successfully.
How much does a UI designer earn?
The gross annual salary of a UI designer is between €35,000 and €60,000. It is around €35,000 to €40,000 gross per year for a salaried service provider at the start of their career. With experience, this can rise to €55,000 a year. However, for a freelance web design expert or UI designer, salaries can rise to €60,000 gross per year.
What studies do I need to do to become a UI designer?
There is no specific qualification required to become a UI designer. However, it is advisable to opt for generalist higher education in IT, multimedia, computer graphics, digital art and/or graphic design. You will also need at least 3 years’ higher education. In particular, you can look at the courses offered by an advertising school such as Sup de Pub. An SP3 Visual & Digital Creation, an SP4 Communication & Graphic Design or an SP5 UI & Digital Design can help you get started in the UI designer profession.