UX & Design Category Archives - General Assembly Blog

Why UX skills are necessary in 2024

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The UX design job market hit a crescendo in 2022. Following a pandemic-era surge in demand, salaries and job offers have settled into a new normal. No matter what the future holds, there will always be a market for those with user experience design skills, and savvy UX designers will always remain in-demand.

Here’s why:

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What Makes for Great Product Design?

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User experience (UX) design separates a good product from a great product.

Harnessing skills like user research, wireframes, and prototyping, UX designers have a unique perspective when it comes to understanding the interactions between users, business goals, and visual and technology elements. For companies, their work fosters brand loyalty and repeat business. For consumers, it means frustration-free online experiences, intuitive mobile apps, efficient store layouts, and more.

Watch or read below as design experts from The New York Times, PayPal, Zola, and other top companies share how they design simple, user-friendly, and beautiful products.

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Starting a Career in UX Design: What UX Design is, UX Career Paths, and UX Designer Salaries

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user path post it notes

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

In today’s tech landscape, it’s all about user experience. The demand for skilled UX designers has skyrocketed, paving the way for diverse and rewarding career paths. In this blog, we’ll explore the essence of UX design, delve into the exciting avenues it opens up for career development, and shed light on UX design salaries. 

Whether you’re a seasoned professional navigating the industry or a curious learner looking to dive into this fast-growing field, read on to get all the information you need to know about starting a UX design career. 

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UX Design and AI: Best Friends or Foes of the Future?

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ux design student looking over wireframe with another design student in GA classroom

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes


If you’re a current or aspiring UX designer who’s a bit (or a lot) unsure of what the future of UX will look like with the rapid evolution of new AI technologies, we’ve got some good news for you. AI isn’t here to steal your job — but it will likely change how you do it. For many, this may still feel scary, but imagine the possibilities of setting yourself free from some of the most tedious parts of your job and instead being able to focus more on the most important part — the users themselves. 

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Afrofuturism & The Future of Tech: 4 Ways to Join the Movement

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Juneteenth holds significant historical importance as it commemorates the emancipation of enslaved Black people and African Americans in the United States. Juneteenth serves as a reminder of the long-fought struggle for freedom and equality, highlighting the resilience and perseverance of Black individuals throughout history, acknowledging the progress made and the ongoing work needed for racial justice.

Afrofuturism emerges as a remarkable accomplishment within the Black community, as it combines African diasporas, science fiction, and technology to envision inclusive and empowering futures. Afrofuturism celebrates Black imagination, resilience, and creativity, offering a platform to challenge stereotypes and envision a more inclusive and equitable world. By embracing these cultural movements and celebrating Black heritage, society can strive towards a more equitable and inclusive future for all.

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Expanding UX Design Capabilities for Tech Teams with Uber Design Pathways Powered by General Assembly

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Companies are still competing for tech talent, however many businesses continue to struggle with recruiting diverse employees. The root issue? Everyone is fishing in the same pond, competing for the same pool of talent.

Some companies have decided to pivot and pursue alternative approaches to recruiting underrepresented tech talent. Uber Design Pathways (UDP) Apprenticeship Program, for example, is a recent success story. Last summer, Uber first partnered with General Assembly to identify a group of high-potential, underrepresented San Francisco Bay Area residents interested in transitioning careers and provide them with the unique opportunity to embark on a future-proof UX career through the design apprenticeship. 

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How Tech Skills Can Land You a Creative Career

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Traditionally, “highly paid” and “creative career” doesn’t appear in the same sentence, but as technology transforms every part of the creative process, the demand for creative technologists is surging, creating opportunities for artistic-minded tech workers. 

The internet and social media have ushered in a digital creative renaissance, where artists are experimenting with new mediums like augmented reality and virtual reality, and emerging tools like generative AI. Art exhibits have transformed from static gallery shows to immersive experiences created by UX designers. Digital artists increasingly rely on technology as their studio, leveraging software tools like Adobe Creative Cloud, Open AI’s DALL-E, and Procreate to create their next masterpiece. 

Similarly, the music industry is experiencing historic change. Software editing programs and virtual instruments have unlocked new possibilities for creative expression. Technology like streaming services have enabled artists to embrace new ways of marketing and distributing their music. Social media platforms make fan engagement possible in real-time. 

Even already tech-savvy industries like film, television, and video gaming are seeing new opportunities emerge thanks to innovations in 3D graphics, video streaming, and computer performance. The metaverse has unlocked an entirely new world for the entertainment industry to seize, emerging after the pandemic shuttered live events and forced entertainment companies to get creative with digital offerings. 

While technical innovation in creativity is exciting, it also poses legal and ethical concerns around things like an artist’s copyright and control over their work, meaning the field is ripe for innovation in the privacy, security, and compliance spaces. 

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Chart Your Course: Which General Assembly Class Is Right for You?

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Whether you’re making the leap into a career change, or leveling up your current skill set to land that next promotion, you might be wondering if an online coding bootcamp is right for you. The good news is that General Assembly offers a range of beginner-friendly class formats (from full-time immersives to flexible, part-time schedules), and we have a course that will fit your specific career path and interests. 

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Top 5 Industries Hiring UX Designers: Where to Find Your Next Career Opportunity

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There are two narratives dominating hiring right now. The first (and much louder) narrative is that tech workers are being laid off right and left. From the headlines, it’s easy to assume that new designers can’t compete for the few UX design jobs that exist.

The quieter discourse is that the labor market is stable, and growing at a healthy (albeit slower) pace. Let’s look at what the evidence says.

If you’re looking for entry-level UX designer jobs, there are lots of reasons for optimism. However, look beyond tech and software companies to deepen your pool of potential employers. Companies in diverse industries are hiring UX designers and you might miss out on your dream job if you only look at tech startups.

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