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hire UI UX

Just because someone is an iOS app designer, it doesn’t have to mean that they are experts for both the UI and UX. From industrial design to tech and print, the term “designer“ can be used in many different variations. You might be surprised to hear that even designers from other industries aren’t always quite positive of what a UI/UX designer actually does for a living. In case you are one of those people, there is no need to worry. In the article below, you will find out all there is to know. Let’s start off by explaining what these titles really mean.

UX Designer

This term is an abbreviation for a User Experience designer. To explain it simply, a UX designer is in charge of how the product will feel like. Remember, certain problems will inevitably appear during the development of an app. It is the UX designer’s job to go around it in the best way possible, and come up with a solution that would be acceptable to all users. Even though we are unique individuals, certain patterns of behavior are in common to a lot of people, and because of that, designers are able to create one app to satisfy everyone’s needs.

They do this by creating the best possible wireframing, and connecting all of the loose ends within an app, thus creating a more complete product. Some of the tools they use include Photoshop, Sketch, Illustrator or InVision.

UI Designer

The job of the user interface designer might seem similar to the previous one, but it is actually completely different. UI designer determines how the product is laid out. Their job is to make sure that all of the visual aspects match with the job that UX designer previously did. There is nothing worse than an app in which every individual window uses a different design language. To explain it in simple terms, you always want to have a cohesive style inside the app that the user can adjust to very quickly. It is the UI designer’s job to make sure that all visual elements work in the same way, and are complementary to the work of the UX designer. Sometimes, the job can be done by one person, but in most cases we are talking about more than one individual.

Virtual Designer

Also known as a Graphic Designer, this is the individual who pushes pixels. Unlike the two previously mentioned jobs, the virtual designer does not need to worry about how the screens will interact with each other, or what type of people will be using it. Their only job is to create the most aesthetically pleasing set of visual elements and controls. However, just because this might sound like an easier job, it doesn’t have to be true. Unlike UI/UX designers, virtual designers have to look after the smallest of details. That is why they usually work under the 4X to 8X zoom in Photoshop.

Virtual designer will make an app stand out with gorgeous design, capturing the essence of the brand by using visual elements, such as icons or marketing materials. While some companies hire a separate virtual designer, in some cases this job falls under the duties of UI designer, making the product come to life and making it pleasing to the eye.

Interaction Designer

Interaction designer, or a motion designer is there to make sure that the app reacts in a proper way after the user touches it. They create animations inside the app, making it more user friendly and fun. Motion designer figures out the best way to incorporate transition effects, pop up menus and things of that nature. If the job is done right, it can become the first thing that we associate to a certain app. In case you are interested in becoming an interaction designer, programs you need to pay attention to are AfterEffect, Flash and Core Composer.

UX Researcher

If you were wondering who is in charge of finding out the user’s needs, look no further. User researcher’s goal is to find out who his users are, and what needs to be done in order to produce an app to satisfy their desires. They do this through direct contacts with the users and by gathering market data and figuring out the results. Their findings are always based on extensive research, and companies often figure out their next move by listening to their statistics. As you can see, it is a very responsible job that can make or break any company. UX researcher first needs to completely understand the product in question, in order to identify research topics that will result in conclusive results.

Front-End Developer

Front-End Developers are people in charge of making an app come to life. While UI and motion developers only create an idea, it is the front-end developer’s job to make it happen. They are responsible for creating a working app that users can interact to. Without this step, everything would just remain a concept on a piece of paper. If you are interested in becoming a developer, you better start practicing your CSS, HTML and JavaScript skills. These things take time to master, so start early.

Product Designer

This is not an easy title to explain as product designer’s duties vary a lot from one company to the other. In general, it is someone who has knowledge about each individual designing aspect, and is there to keep the team engaged, and give advice when needed. Key Points: While some people think that the designer is only in charge of the visual aspects of an app, there is much more to it than that. Because mobile apps are quickly becoming a must-have for any serious business, a lot of people hire a designer, hoping that they will manage each and every individual step along the way. Do not get us wrong, it is still possible for one person to do this job, but it is highly unlikely that the end results will be satisfying. Certain roles need to be known inside every successful team, and it is no different when it comes to design. So, next time you think of the designer’s job, think twice. There is much more to it than what meets the eye.