So, you’re a UX designer with a bunch of job offers? Or at least you’re in a few interview processes? Well, congratulations! But before you dive headfirst into your next gig, it’s important to make sure that the company you’re joining is the right fit for you. Choosing a UX job that is a good fit for you is critical. After all, you’ll be spending a lot of time there, and you want to make sure that you’re working with people who share your values and approach to UX design.
So, what are some things that you should consider when choosing a UX job? Here are a few ideas:
A commitment to user-centered design
As a UX designer, your job is to create products that meet the needs of the people who will be using them. That’s why it’s so important to work for a company that shares your commitment to user-centered design. Look for a company that conducts user research, usability testing, and other activities that help them understand their users’ needs and behaviors. You want to work for a company that prioritizes user feedback and incorporates it into their design process.
How to find out if a company passes this criterion:
To determine if a company is committed to user-centered design, start by researching their products and reading user reviews. Look for companies that prioritize usability and user satisfaction. Also, check their website or job postings to see if they mention user research, usability testing, or other user-centered design activities. During the interview process, ask the hiring manager how they approach user research and how they incorporate user feedback into their design process.
A collaborative environment
UX design is not a solo endeavor (unless, of course, you’re literally the only designer in the company). You’ll be working closely with other designers, developers, product managers, and stakeholders throughout the design process. That’s why it’s important to find a company that values collaboration and teamwork. Look for a company where designers are integrated into cross-functional teams and have a say in shaping the final product. You want to work for a company where you can learn from your colleagues and contribute to the success of the team.
How to find out if a company meets this criterion:
To determine if a company values collaboration and teamwork, look for opportunities to talk to current employees. Check out employee reviews on sites like Glassdoor to see what people are saying about the company culture. During the interview process, ask about the team structure and how designers work with other departments like development and product management. You could also ask to speak with a designer or developer to get a better sense of the team dynamics.
A culture of experimentation
UX design is all about iterating and improving. That means you need to be able to try new things, test hypotheses, and learn from your mistakes. Look for a company that encourages experimentation and is willing to take risks. You want to work for a company where failure is seen as an opportunity to learn and grow, rather than a reason to assign blame.
How to find out if a company meets this criterion:
To find out if a company values experimentation, look for evidence of innovation and risk-taking in their products. Check out their product roadmap or ask the hiring manager about upcoming projects to see if they’re trying new things. During the interview process, ask about the company’s approach to failure and how they incorporate learnings from failed experiments into future projects.
A focus on professional development
UX design is a rapidly evolving field. Look for a company that invests in the professional development of its designers. You want to work for a company that provides opportunities for you to learn new skills and stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices.
How to find out if a company meets this criterion:
To determine if a company invests in the professional development of its designers, look for evidence of ongoing education and training. Check out the company’s employee benefits to see if they offer opportunities for professional development, such as conference attendance or tuition reimbursement. During the interview process, ask about the company’s approach to career growth and how they support their designers’ development.
A commitment to diversity and inclusion
UX design is all about creating products that work for everyone. Look for a company that values diversity and inclusion and is committed to creating products that are accessible to people of all backgrounds and abilities.
How to find out if a company meets this criterion:
To determine if a company values diversity and inclusion, look for evidence of a diverse workforce and inclusive practices. Check out their website or social media channels to see if they highlight their commitment to diversity and inclusion. Look for employee affinity groups or other initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion. During the interview process, ask about the company’s approach to diversity and inclusion, and ask if they have any initiatives or programs in place to support underrepresented groups.
Of course, these are just a few things to look for in a company before you join. Every designer is different, and what’s important to you may be different from what’s important to someone else. The key is to do your research, ask questions during the interview process, and make sure that the company you’re joining is a good fit for you and your career goals.
Good luck out there, and happy job hunting!