Brain Fors is launching a series of informative interviews with our company's employees.

From now on, you will regularly find useful information related to IT and programming on our page. We are kicking off this series with our team's UI/UX Designer, Larisa Melkonyan.

Who is a UI/UX Designer?

A UI/UX designer is a specialist with a specific role in a project's lifecycle, responsible for crafting the user experience (UX) and user interface (UI).

What is UI? What is UX?

• UI (User Interface) refers to the visual components of a digital product, including buttons, colors, fonts, and all elements visible to the user. The goal of UI design is to create a clear, intuitive, and aesthetically appealing interface.
• UX (User Experience) encompasses the overall experience of a user when interacting with a website or application. It includes factors such as ease of use, convenience, speed, and the overall satisfaction derived from the product.
• While UI focuses on the visual appearance, UX ensures usability and a seamless user experience.

What do you like least about your job as a UI/UX designer?

One of the most challenging aspects of my work is last-minute changes requested by clients, as they can disrupt the entire project workflow. Even minor modifications made at the final stages of design development can have a significant impact on the project. These changes often require redesigning key elements, making the process more complex and sometimes causing delays. However, I always strive to find the best possible solutions.

What do you enjoy most about your job as a UI/UX designer?

The most rewarding moment is seeing the project go live. After months of research, testing, and refinements, witnessing a design come to life and become accessible to users brings the greatest sense of accomplishment.

How do you communicate effectively with developers?

To build a strong working relationship with developers, it is essential to:

• Provide clear and precise explanations of design requirements.
• Understand and respect technical limitations rather than resisting them.
• Foster open and constructive communication to ensure alignment.
• Gain basic programming knowledge, if possible, to better understand technical aspects.

Which is more important: UI or UX?

UI and UX are interdependent and complement each other. A visually stunning design (UI) is ineffective without a seamless user experience (UX), and vice versa. Both are essential to ensure an intuitive and engaging product.

Is artistic skill necessary for UI/UX design?

While artistic skills can be helpful in crafting visually appealing designs, they are not mandatory for a UI/UX designer. The most important aspects are understanding user behavior, problem-solving, and applying design principles effectively.

What advice would you give to newcomers in UI/UX design?

Aspiring UI/UX designers should:

• Continuously learn by staying updated with the latest design trends and technologies.
• Analyze the work of experienced designers to understand best practices.
• Practice consistently to refine their skills and build a strong portfolio.

Will AI eventually replace UI/UX designers?

AI can automate certain design tasks, but it cannot fully replace human creativity. UI/UX design requires an in-depth understanding of user needs, emotional intelligence, and a unique artistic touch, which AI cannot replicate. However, AI can serve as a valuable tool to enhance and streamline design processes.

What should you do if a design does not match a client’s expectations?

If a client is dissatisfied with a design, the key is to understand their expectations thoroughly. Often, misalignment arises due to unclear initial requirements rather than personal preferences. The best approach is to:

• Conduct detailed discussions in the early stages to clarify client goals and preferences.
• Provide visual references and prototypes to ensure alignment before proceeding with final designs.
• Maintain open communication to minimize the need for extensive revisions later.

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What tools do UI/UX designers use?

My primary design tool is Figma, as it allows for interactive prototyping, real-time collaboration, and seamless edits. Depending on project needs, I also use:

• Adobe XD, Sketch, Photoshop, Balsamiq, Adobe Illustrator, and other design tools.

Is marketing knowledge important for a UI/UX designer?

Absolutely! A UI/UX designer should have a marketing-oriented mindset to create designs that are not only visually appealing but also contribute to business success and fulfill user needs.

Minimalism or bold, creative design?

Both approaches have their place. Minimalist design ensures clarity and simplicity, while bold, creative design captures attention and creates a unique experience. The best approach is a balanced combination based on the brand’s objectives and user expectations.

What non-design skill should every UI/UX designer have?

Research skills are crucial for understanding user behavior, business goals, and market demands. Data-driven insights enable designers to create effective and user-friendly solutions.

What is the biggest UX mistake commonly seen in apps?

A common mistake is prioritizing UI over UX, where visual appeal overshadows usability. A beautiful design is ineffective if users struggle to navigate the app.

What is the first thing you notice in a poorly designed UI?

The lack of a clear hierarchy is the most noticeable flaw in bad UI design. Poor structuring makes navigation difficult and negatively impacts the user experience.