UX Design specialties: from visual design to information architecture and everything in between

When first getting started in the field, many user experience (UX) designers work on various projects without taking into account the specialty required. However, there are different specialties involved in UX design which can make it difficult for beginners to choose which one they want to specialize in.

Three main specialties in UX Design

There are three major specialties in UX design solutions–they are visual design, interaction design, and information architecture.

Visual design

Here, designers focus on the feel and appearance of a product or service through the use of imagery, typography, and color. Visual designers create physical products and user interfaces and are responsible for the graphics, complex icons, and illustrations.

Interaction design

This specialty focuses on how users engage with a product or service. It focuses on the design of physical products (e.g., tablets and phones), user interfaces (e.g., buttons and menus), page transitions, loading indicators, and animations.

An interaction designer answers questions such as what happens if a mobile application transitions from one page to another or what happens if a user clicks an icon.

Information architecture

Information architecture is concerned with how to organize and present information to users. This specialty focuses on how to organize content on applications and websites. Furthermore, information architects can develop navigation and flow systems for applications and websites.

Other Specialties in UX Design

In addition to the three main specialties, there are others, such as user research and usability testing.

UX designers that specialize in usability testing determine if the application or website is easy to use; their mission is to make sure it is easy and simple for users to navigate. On the other hand, user researchers talk to users, know their pain points and needs, and compile and analyze the research data to help improve user experiences.

Each UX design specialty has its unique perspective and required skills. To choose the best specialty to pursue as a career, you must understand the various specialties and the ideation process for UX design.

Which UX Design Specialty Is Best For Me?

There are various specialties of UX design; each with its own pros and cons. However, the specialty you should choose will depend on your skillset and aptitude.

For example, if you are good at research, you can work towards becoming a UX researcher. User research helps better understand how people engage with products, and designers and developers can improve products with this knowledge.

On the other hand, you might be really good at visual design. Those studying visual design learn how to create designs that determine how users use a product and the feeling they get in return. You would also need some knowledge of how users engage with products to help in your design and to come up with great UX design solutions.

Another area you could consider is writing. If you are a good writer, you can specialize as a UX copywriter. The job of a UX copywriter is to create content that is used in user interfaces.

However, UX copywriters must know not only what users need but also write in a way that is clear and easy to understand. Regardless of the UX design specialty you choose, you will need to develop good communication skills so you can interact with other designers and developers. Every designer should also look at how to get feedback for UX design.

What Is UX Design?

UX design is the process whereby design teams work together to create a product or service that offers a quality experience for the user. The role of a UX designer is to make a product or service accessible, enjoyable, and usable.

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Final Thoughts

There are different specialties in UX design—and most are in high demand. As a result, many companies and organizations look for cross-trained and specialist designers. One way you can take advantage of the high demand is to focus on one specialty that you like and become an expert in it.

However, it would be an added advantage if you have basic knowledge of other aspects. This would increase your marketability as a UX designer and also increase your chances of landing a high-paying job.