From Multi-Skilled Creative to Product Designer: My Journey Through UX, UI, CX, and UXR

Sep 11, 2024

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In my journey to becoming a product designer, I’ve worn many hats—each one giving me insights that have shaped my current approach to design. My background encompasses various skill sets: UX (User Experience), UI (User Interface), CX (Customer Experience), and UXR (User Experience Research). These roles didn’t always have “designer” in the title, but each brought me closer to the principles of product design.

Early Steps: The Foundation in Creative Fields

I began in roles that leaned into creativity and communication. Whether working on brand strategy, graphic design, or even video production, the projects always required me to understand and communicate with an audience. This foundation taught me the importance of empathy and storytelling—qualities that remain at the heart of any successful product design.

UX and UI Design: Building on Fundamentals

As I transitioned into UX and UI roles, I focused more directly on crafting digital interfaces and ensuring they aligned with user needs. Here, I refined my skills in wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing. Designing with purpose and ensuring functionality over aesthetic alone became crucial as I created more complex digital solutions.

Customer Experience (CX): Designing Holistically

My experience with CX gave me a new perspective on the interconnected nature of user touchpoints. It wasn’t just about creating a beautiful interface; it was about understanding the entire user journey and identifying areas where friction could be reduced. This mindset shift was transformative for me. I realized that great product design requires zooming out to see the bigger picture while still keeping an eye on the details.

User Experience Research (UXR): The Power of Data and Insight

In UXR, I discovered the power of data-driven design. Research provided a way to validate decisions, highlight pain points, and uncover hidden needs. The methodologies I learned in UXR—interviews, surveys, and A/B testing—allowed me to gather insights directly from users. This phase taught me that every design choice should be rooted in real user needs, not assumptions.

Product Design: The Perfect Blend

Product design brought everything full circle. Now, I’m able to blend these skills, approaching each project holistically. Whether it’s creating a user journey map, building a prototype, or iterating based on user feedback, I can now draw from a toolbox of cross-functional skills that support my work at every stage. Each skill, from UX to CX, has made me a more adaptive, user-centered product designer.