If you’ve ever wondered what exactly a UX designer does, you’re not alone. Over the years, the role has evolved so much that even we, the designers, often find ourselves wondering how to define it. Are we artists, creating beautiful and intuitive designs? Technicians, perfecting the details of how things work? Or are we scientists, constantly testing and researching to find the best solutions? Sometimes, it feels like we wear all these hats at once, which can leave not just outsiders, but even us, in an identity crisis.
As a UX designer myself, I’ve experienced the struggle first-hand, and let me tell you, it's not always easy to figure out where I fit in. From the outside, the role can look confusing. One day, I’m deep in user research, analyzing behavior patterns like a scientist. The next, I’m sketching wireframes or designing pixel-perfect screens like an artist. And then, there’s the technical side: coding interactions or working with developers to make sure what I’ve designed actually works. It’s no wonder we get caught up in this internal debate. So, let me break down this whole “identity crisis” and share why it’s worth understanding the complexities of our role, especially for those of you building software and digital products.
Let’s start with the “artist” side of things. As UX designers, we are tasked with making digital products not just functional, but also beautiful and engaging. Every choice we make, color palettes, typography, button sizes, navigation flow, has a direct impact on how a user feels when they interact with the product. This is the part of the job that feels closest to being an artist: designing with empathy, thinking about emotions, and creating a user interface that’s visually appealing.
But let’s be real: this is just one piece of the puzzle. The artist side of us can’t exist in isolation. We can’t simply design something that looks good without understanding how it will be used or if it will even serve its purpose. In fact, too much focus on aesthetics without a solid understanding of user needs can lead to design that’s pretty but ultimately ineffective.
Here’s where the technician side comes in. As a UX designer, I’m also constantly considering how the design will function. What happens when a user clicks a button? How easy is it to navigate from one screen to another? What about error handling and feedback, how can we ensure the user knows what’s going wrong and how to fix it?
This side of the job requires us to think critically about the mechanics of the product. It’s not just about making things “look nice” anymore, it’s about making sure everything works seamlessly. We’re often working closely with developers, ensuring that the designs translate into code and function exactly as intended. It’s not glamorous, but it's absolutely crucial for creating a smooth and intuitive user experience.
But there’s a catch: being a technician means staying updated with new tools, technologies, and best practices. It can be challenging to keep up with everything, especially when you’re also juggling the artist role. And this is where the identity crisis can creep in. At times, it feels like there’s so much focus on the technical side that the “art” of design can get pushed to the side, which is frustrating for those of us who thrive on creativity.
Then there’s the scientist in us. As UX designers, our job isn’t just to design a product and call it a day. We’re constantly testing, analyzing, and iterating. The most beautiful design doesn’t mean anything if users can’t use it effectively or if it doesn’t solve their problems. The scientific approach comes in when we dive into user research, usability testing, and A/B testing to find out what works and what doesn’t.
We make hypotheses, test them, analyze the results, and then adjust our designs accordingly. This is where we truly separate ourselves from traditional graphic design. We aren’t just guessing about what might look good, we’re building solutions based on real user data and behavioral patterns.
But here’s the kicker: testing and iterating can sometimes feel like a never-ending process. It’s a constant loop of designing, testing, learning, and refining. And this is where many people outside of the design world might not understand the depth of what we do. They might look at the final product and think, “It’s just a few screens. How hard can it be?” Well, designing something that actually works and meets users’ needs is a lot more complex than it appears.
So, where does that leave us? Are we artists? Technicians? Scientists? The answer is…all of the above. In fact, it’s the ability to juggle these roles that makes UX designers uniquely equipped to solve complex problems in ways that no single role could achieve alone.
But here’s the challenge for SaaS founders, developers, and builders: if we don’t have a clear understanding of what UX design truly is, it’s easy for the design process to get misinterpreted, underappreciated, or even overlooked. As someone who wears all these hats, I can tell you that having a well-rounded understanding of the design process is essential. UX designers aren’t just the ones who “make things pretty”, we’re problem solvers. We’re crafting experiences that can either make or break the success of your product.
So, if you’re a SaaS founder or a developer, I encourage you to embrace the full scope of UX design and work closely with your designers. Understand that we’re constantly balancing different roles, from the creative to the technical to the analytical. And, most importantly, understand that when we’re doing our job well, the user experience is elevated to a level that benefits not only your customers but your bottom line too.
The UX designer’s identity crisis is real, but it’s also what makes us adaptable and effective in our roles. Whether you’re building a product or leading a company, recognizing the multifaceted nature of UX design will help you appreciate the value it brings. It’s not about fitting us into one neat category, it’s about embracing the fact that we are a unique blend of creativity, technicality, and scientific inquiry, working together to create seamless, engaging, and effective user experiences.
So, next time you work with a UX designer, know that they’re more than just an artist or a technician—they’re both. And in some ways, they’re a bit of a scientist too. Understanding this complexity will only help you build better products and, ultimately, better user experiences.
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