I have had enough of fearing becoming a UX designer.

So, I’ve figured out what I want to be: a UX/UI designer. And what happens? Articles proclaiming the death of UX are everywhere. Seriously?

Now, when you’re finally on the path, learning principles, reading books, perfecting your skills in Figma, and creating your portfolio (and it’s not easy to do that while you have a full-time job, while you’re a mom — we all know our circumstances), someone else is telling you, “Sorry, mate, you’re too late. AI will take our jobs!”

So, what do you do as a future motivating, optimistic, upbeat person with UX skills?

You do your research.

Research

The articles proclaiming ‘UX is Dead’ have been around for a decade. It was not yet definite as a job and was already declared dead. In all those stories, everyone grasps the main points similarly.

Every article recognized the evolving nature of UX design with varied perspectives. All articles stressed the importance of understanding and adapting to the changing dynamics within the design field. So here you go, a few examples with some tweaks, but all about the same principle.

In 2012, Madison Green explored the elitist aura surrounding UX, acknowledging its exclusivity. Green reinforced that this was not the end but the beginning of a new phase in UX evolution. The message to junior designers was clear: reflect on passions, consider diverse paths, and remain optimistic about future opportunities.

In 2015, Colby Parson’s article, “Why UX Design As We Know It Won’t Survive,” echoed themes of evolution and diversity. A stark contrast to current doomsday predictions, Parson’s piece emphasized reflection and acknowledged the ever-changing nature of the industry. Ruben Cespedes firmly declared UX’s evolution, highlighting its persistence as long as people interact with digital products. Maciej Lipiec, in 2015, fervently said UX’s vitality, urging professionals to redirect efforts towards untapped areas, framing UX as the lifeblood of innovation. Remi Asatouri, in 2015, predicted a shift in perception, advising designers to diversify skill sets. His article closed with a message for UX designers to adapt before further transformations.

In a 2022 article, Lydia Jenewein refutes the death toll, highlighting significant growth in UX design. She celebrates the constant evolution of the field, urging designers to stay agile and adaptable. Jenewein’s optimism shines through, emphasizing the dynamic world of UX design.

In 2023, Kristian Mikhel delved into challenges posed by AI and criticized the “bootcampization” of UX education. While recognizing the flux, Mikhel stressed UX’s resilience and adaptation to changing landscapes.

Building on Michal Malewicz’s 2023 article, my takeaway is clear: Aspiring UX designers, ignore the alarmists; you are still early enough, and AI will only render you obsolete. It’s time to differentiate yourself. Embrace curiosity and exploration; dive beyond basic design tasks. Cultivate a mindset that thrives on curiosity, exploration, and creativity. Share your journey through articles to foster your development as a designer.

Key Takeaways for Aspiring UX Designers:

1. Ignore the Doom and Gloom: Disregard alarmist predictions about the death of UX design. The field has consistently evolved, and opportunities exist for those willing to adapt and grow.
2. AI is Your Design Buddy, Not a Threat: Don’t be intimidated by AI. Instead, recognize it as a tool that can enhance your capabilities. Your unique perspective and creative skills will always be in demand.
3. Differentiate Yourself: Stand Out Like a Pixel in a Monochrome World: Differentiate Yourself in UX! Embrace curiosity and exploration beyond basic design tasks. Stand out by cultivating a mindset that thrives on creativity and continuous learning. This differentiation is key in a dynamic field.
4. Share Your Journey: Consider documenting your experiences and insights through articles or other mediums. Sharing your learning process helps solidify your understanding and contributes to the broader UX community.
5. Be Agile and Adaptable: The UX landscape is ever-changing. Stay agile and adaptable in the face of industry shifts. Continuous learning and a proactive approach will keep you relevant and resilient.
6. Question Negative Headlines: Be critical of sensational headlines forecasting the death of UX. Understand the motivations behind such assertions — genuine concern or a call for attention — and focus on constructive perspectives.

Remember, UX design is not a dying field but is constantly transforming. Approach it with enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, and the confidence that your skills will continue to be valuable in the evolving digital landscape.

Conclusion

In conclusion, using apocalyptic terms in articles forecasting the death of UX design needs a rethink. This is not poetry; it’s the reality for individuals grappling with impostor syndrome and the uphill battle of learning a demanding field. The barrage of pessimistic predictions, spanning a decade, raises questions about the motivations behind senior designers’ assertions. Is it a genuine concern for the industry or a call for attention? The words we choose matter, especially for those embarking on this challenging journey. So, to the naysayers, sorry for the harsh words, but your pessimism is hard enough for newcomers trying to keep up with the ever-evolving UX landscape.

Asatouri, R. (2015). UX Dead or Alive? [online] www.linkedin.com. Available at: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ux-dead-alive-remi-asatouri/ [Accessed 24 Nov. 2023].

Cespedes, R. (2023). UX Design is Not Dead — Here’s Why. [online] www.linkedin.com. Available at: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ux-design-dead-heres-why-ruben-cespedes/ [Accessed 24 Nov. 2023].

Green, M. (2012). So, UX is ‘Dead,’ huh? Juniors, Let’s Talk. [online] Medium. Available at: https://medium.com/@greenbeans.ux/so-ux-is-dead-huh-juniors-let-s-talk-944624f396dd [Accessed 24 Nov. 2023].

Jenewein, S.N.-L. (2022). UX design has never been dead. [online] Medium. Available at: https://bootcamp.uxdesign.cc/ux-design-has-never-been-dead-78dc46fbfd04 [Accessed 24 Nov. 2023].

Lipiec, M. (2016). 2015: The Year UX Ended. [online] Medium. Available at: https://medium.com/@macieklipiec/2015-the-year-ux-ended-e4b7dfca97c8 [Accessed 24 Nov. 2023].

Malewicz, M. (2023). Golden age of UX is over? [online] Medium. Available at: https://michalmalewicz.medium.com/golden-age-of-ux-is-over-403e4ea1e753.

Mikhel, K. (2023). The many deaths of UX design. [online] Medium. Available at: https://uxdesign.cc/the-many-deaths-of-ux-design-85a255e3676f [Accessed 24 Nov. 2023].

Parson, C. (2015). Why UX Design As We Know It Won’t Survive. [online] www.linkedin.com. Available at: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-ux-design-we-know-wont-survive-colby-parson/ [Accessed 24 Nov. 2023].

www.uxisdead.com. (2023). Home. [online] Available at: https://www.uxisdead.com/ [Accessed 24 Nov. 2023].