What Is UX Design? A Beginner’s Guide to User Experience Careers

User experience (UX) design is the process of creating digital products that provide seamless, enjoyable, and accessible interactions for users. From websites and mobile apps to social media platforms and e-commerce sites, UX design plays a crucial role in how people navigate and engage with digital spaces.

A well-designed user experience enhances usability, improves customer satisfaction, and even increases business success. As digital interactions continue to shape daily life, the demand for UX designers is growing across industries.

In this guide, we’ll explore what UX design is, what a career in UX looks like, and how Tulane School of Professional Advancement’s (SoPA) Bachelor of Arts in Digital Design (Interactive UX/UI Track) can help you break into this dynamic field.

What Is UX Design?

UX design enhances user satisfaction by improving a product’s usability, accessibility, and overall interaction. UX designers consider how people interact with digital products and work to ensure those experiences are intuitive, efficient, and enjoyable.

UX design aims to create digital experiences that meet user needs while aligning with business objectives.

This includes:

• - Conducting user research to understand audience behavior and expectations
• - Designing seamless user journeys and intuitive navigation structures
• - Creating wireframes and prototypes to test usability before final development
• - Refining designs based on usability studies and real-world feedback

What’s the difference between UX and UI design?

While UX and UI (user interface) design are closely related, they serve different functions:

• - UX design focuses on the overall experience, usability, and functionality of a product.
• - UI design focuses on the visual elements, such as typography, colors, and buttons, to create an attractive and engaging interface.

In many cases, UX and UI designers collaborate closely to design experiences that are both visually appealing and user-friendly.

Earning a UX or UI design bachelor's degree can help you break into these exciting fields.

What Are the Core Principles of UX Design?

Successful UX design is built on foundational principles that guide the design process:

• - User-centered design: Every decision should be based on user needs and behavior. UX designers conduct user research and usability studies to create intuitive experiences.
• - Usability: A product should be easy to navigate and understand. UX designers ensure that users can complete tasks efficiently without frustration.
• - Accessibility: Digital experiences should be inclusive and usable by people with disabilities. This includes considerations like screen reader compatibility and color contrast.
• - Consistency: Maintaining uniform design elements across platforms and devices helps users feel comfortable and familiar with a product.
• - Iterative design: UX design is an ongoing process. Designers continuously test, analyze feedback, and refine their designs to improve usability and satisfaction.

Essential Skills for UX Designers

UX designers need a combination of creative, analytical, and technical skills.

Some of the most important skills in the field include:

• - Design thinking & problem solving: UX designers approach problems from a user-focused perspective and develop solutions that enhance usability.
• - Wireframing & prototyping: Using tools like Figma, Adobe XD, or Sketch, designers create low- and high-fidelity models of user interfaces before final implementation.
• - User research & data analysis: Conducting usability studies and analyzing user behavior helps designers make data-driven design decisions.
• - Collaboration & communication: UX designers work closely with developers, marketers, and stakeholders to align user needs with business goals.
• - Basic coding knowledge (optional but helpful): Understanding HTML, CSS, and JavaScript can help designers communicate effectively with development teams.

Where Can UX Designers Find Work? 

The demand for UX designers spans multiple industries.

Some of the top fields hiring UX professionals include:

• - Tech companies & startups: UX designers improve user experience for software, mobile apps, and digital platforms.
• - E-commerce & retail: Online stores rely on UX professionals to optimize shopping experiences and increase conversions.
• - Healthcare & medical technology: UX design is crucial in patient portals, medical software, and health-related apps to ensure accessibility and usability.
• - Finance & banking: Financial institutions use UX design to enhance digital banking platforms and provide secure, seamless experiences.
• - Entertainment & media: Streaming services, gaming platforms, and digital content distribution require user-friendly interfaces.
• - Government & nonprofits: UX designers help improve the accessibility and usability of public service websites and applications.
• - Freelancing & consulting: Many UX professionals work independently, helping businesses refine their digital experiences.

UX Design Bachelor’s Degree FAQs 

Is UX design a creative or technical field?

UX design blends creativity with problem-solving and technical skills. It requires a strong sense of design, user research capabilities, and collaboration with developers.

Are UX design careers in high demand?

Yes, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for web developers and digital designers is set to increase by 8% by 2033.  

What’s the difference between a UX designer and a graphic designer?

A UX designer focuses on user experience and usability, ensuring that digital products function effectively. A graphic designer focuses on visual aesthetics and branding elements.

Do UX designers get paid well?

Yes! According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a UX designer in the U.S. is around $105,295 per year. Salaries vary based on experience, location, and industry.

Earn Your UX/UI Design Bachelor’s Degree

If you're interested in launching a career in UX design, a UX design bachelor's degree can give you the foundational knowledge and hands-on experience needed to stand out in the field.

Tulane SoPA’s Bachelor of Arts in Digital Design (Interactive UX/UI Track) prepares students for careers in UX design through:

• - Comprehensive coursework covering UX principles, usability studies, information architecture, and front-end design.
• - Hands-on experience with wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing using industry-standard tools.
• - Portfolio development to showcase your UX design skills and real-world projects.
• - Expert faculty with industry experience guiding students through the design process.

Whether you’re looking to work for a top tech company, improve mobile apps, or design experiences for e-commerce platforms, Tulane SoPA’s UX/UI design bachelor's degree can help you achieve your goals.

Explore the BA in Digital Design (UX/UI Track) at Tulane SoPA — apply today!