Job Description for a User Interface Designer

User Interface (UI) Designers create interfaces that organize information for users. Sometimes they hire themselves out or are hired out to other companies; sometimes they work entirely within one company.

Create Interfaces

UI designers will create complex user interfaces for a variety of applications, such as computer programs, databases and websites. This will require advanced knowledge of HTML, CSS, AJAX, Flash, and other computer publishing environments. They will also be expected to maintain these interfaces.

Organize Information

The information that goes into such user interfaces must first be edited and organized, which may also be part of a UI designer's job description.

Usability Testing

Usability testing is one of the most important functions of a UI designer. By conducting usability tests, UI designers can solve problems with interfaces and make them not only more user-friendly, but useful as well, by predicting how users will utilize each element of the design.

Work with Other Departments

UI designers will need to coordinate with other departments, organizing information to be useful for the audience of the department. For example, making a user interface for a human resources (HR) department will require knowledge of HR guidelines, principles and common usage techniques.

Degrees

Eligible degrees include technical communication, human computer interaction, industrial design, visual arts and graphic design.

Engineers

When searching for work as a UI designer, keep in mind that some companies call this position a "User Interface Engineer."

References

• Peopleclick: Staff User Interface Designer
• Payscale: Job Description for User Interface Engineers
• Wonderlane Design and Development: User Interface / User Experience Jobs