How to transition from UX Designer to UX Consultant

Abhi Chatterjee
Design Led
Published in
3 min readMay 11, 2023
UX Designer to UX Consultant
Image source from www.toptal.com

Transitioning from a UX designer to a UX consultant can be an exciting career move that allows you to apply your design expertise and help businesses improve their user experiences on a broader scale. Here are some steps to consider when making this transition:

1. Expand your knowledge and skills

As a UX consultant, you’ll need a broader understanding of user research, usability evaluation, and strategic planning. Invest time in learning and gaining expertise in areas such as conducting user research, analyzing data, developing UX strategies, and managing client relationships. Take courses, attend workshops, read books, and explore online resources to enhance your skills.

2. Gain industry experience

Build your professional experience by working on diverse projects and collaborating with different clients or organizations. This will expose you to a variety of industries, challenges, and design contexts. Seek opportunities to work on consulting-style projects or take on freelance work to broaden your exposure and develop a consulting mindset.

3. Develop a portfolio of case studies

Create a portfolio that showcases your experience as a UX designer, but also includes examples of your consulting work. Highlight projects where you provided strategic guidance, conducted user research, or collaborated with clients to improve their user experiences. Demonstrate your ability to analyze data, make informed recommendations, and drive positive outcomes for clients.

4. Build a network

Networking is essential in the consulting world. Attend industry events, join UX-related communities, and connect with professionals in the field. Networking can open doors to potential consulting opportunities and help you establish relationships with potential clients or partners.

5. Start freelancing or consulting on the side

Begin by taking on small freelance or consulting projects while maintaining your current UX designer role. This allows you to gain real-world consulting experience, build your reputation, and test the waters before fully transitioning. It also provides an opportunity to refine your consulting skills, establish your pricing, and learn how to manage client relationships.

6. Define your consulting services and value proposition

Clarify the specific consulting services you can offer, based on your skills and expertise. Determine your unique value proposition and what sets you apart from other consultants. This could be a particular specialization, a specific approach or methodology, or a deep understanding of a specific industry.

7. Establish your consulting business

Once you feel confident and ready, consider transitioning into a full-time UX consulting role. Set up your own consulting business or join an established consulting firm. Develop a business plan, define your target market, and create a marketing strategy to promote your services. Consider factors such as pricing, contracts, and legal aspects of running a consulting business.

8. Continuously learn and evolve

The field of UX is constantly evolving, and as a consultant, it’s crucial to stay updated on the latest trends, research methodologies, and industry best practices. Invest in ongoing learning, attend conferences, participate in workshops, and stay connected with the UX community. Continuously refine your consulting skills and expand your knowledge to provide the best value to your clients.

Remember that transitioning to a UX consultant role requires patience, persistence, and continuous learning. It’s essential to build a strong reputation, establish your expertise, and develop a network of clients and industry connections. With time and experience, you can establish yourself as a trusted UX consultant and make a meaningful impact on the user experiences of various organizations.

If I’ve missed any useful tips, I’d appreciate your comments to discuss and add them to the list.

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Abhi Chatterjee
Design Led

UX Designer at Dubai Municipality specialised in User research & Interaction Design