All developers will work differently and have different expectations of the product designer. Spend some time with them before the project to ask how they’d like to be involved and what deliverables they expect from you. You’ll find each developer has different preferences on the particulars of these points. These terms will go a long way to helping you to understand how different platforms are built.
UI/UX design is one among numerous non-technical roles in tech that doesn’t require any coding or programming skills. However, having previous experience in coding or programming skills is beneficial as communicating with developers is made easier. On the other hand, learning to code makes a designer a great asset to any multidisciplinary team. Coding is more than just a skill – it can open opportunities to work with other teams, take on projects from start to finish, and gain experience that may ultimately drive your career growth. To help you understand the role of a developer – and to work alongside them – we’ve compiled a list of the most common programming used by developers. But first, let’s talk about why you should learn about code and the types of programming languages you’ll hear about.
Do UI/UX designers need to know computer science and programming to create top-quality user-friendly designs?
Python is one of the most easy-to-use and versatile programming languages. Python is often used to power search engines, content management systems, predictive algorithms and more. Even researchers and scientists sometimes use Python for their work. Like JavaScript, there are libraries for Python for nearly every situation. You can find Python libraries for content management systems, user interfaces, predictive algorithms, science kits and more.
Most UX designers work with developers, they are the ones who build the project. Just as an architect should know how to communicate with an engineer to create a well-constructed building, a UX designer should know the developers’ language. The happy medium should be found in this issue without any extreme positions. On the other hand, if designers concentrate too much on the limitations of coding, they risk becoming unable to think out of the box and provide original design ideas.
Do UX Designers Need To Code? No, Here’s A Better Idea
An organization may choose to cut costs through lean methodology or be forced into it due to monetary constraints. In either case, lean companies prefer to hire team members who are equipped with multiple proficiencies. And for more advanced prototypes, tools like Axure give you the ability to create functional prototypes with advanced features that simulate algorithms and mathematical equations. Answering this question is why close collaboration with developers is essential. Learn the full UX process, from research to design to prototyping.
We’ve rounded up the seven most common programming languages that designers will see at work. Understanding how these work will allow you to create better designs and communicate more clearly with your team. However, understanding the basics of coding can help you as a UX designer. Understanding how software development works gives you a better understanding of what’s possible, allowing for more efficient work and better designs. If you’re considering getting into UX design or are already a UX designer, you might wonder how much you need to know about programming languages. While you won’t be coding, you will be communicating with developers in your UX design career.
Designers Can Take It to the Next Level with JavaScript Basics
Acquiring deep knowledge of various technologies that drive digital products today will equip them with a highly desirable set of skills. That in turn will open more doors to job opportunities at companies big and small. Non-technical people often think of ‘code’ or ‘programming’ as this universal term. The first thing you need to realize that is there are myriads of frameworks and programming languages. The most fundamental rule of programming is understanding the difference between frontend and backend development. Programmers or developers are people who actually build the website or mobile application planned and designed by UI/UX designers.
Some designers may not like the idea of stepping on developers’ toes. Others may be excited by coding and the doors the coding can open. In any case, knowing HTML and CSS may add a significant distinction upon applying for jobs and flourishing in your career. Nonetheless, there are occasions where learning to code can give you a leg up on the competition.
What type of designers benefit most from learning to code?
It is more important to understand the different moving parts within the solution. As technology continues to evolve, it is also likely that low-code or drag-and-drop tools may be available. In such a scenario, designers can simply use these tools and not need to read or write any code. Will it, for instance, require specialized equipment course ux ui design to cut or stitch the material? The designer typically knows the answers to these questions, but does not necessarily perform any of the tasks (procure material, cut, sew, dye, etc.). In the early days of web design, graphic designers, who had previously worked in print, learned to write code so as to become web designers.
- The most fundamental rule of programming is understanding the difference between frontend and backend development.
- Even if you don’t want to become an expert coder, basic HTML and CSS skills are valuable to all UX/UI designers.
- The UX/UI designer brings together business strategies with user needs, which is increasingly demanded due to the growing digitalization in many business areas.
- In larger teams, knowing the ins and outs of programming languages may not be necessary.
Gain a solid foundation in the philosophy, principles and methods of user experience design. Combine the UX Diploma with the UI Certificate to pursue a career as a product designer. At the end of the UX/UI designer’s functions, what is obtained is the final design of a product that is not implemented or created, and that the programmer or web developer is responsible for.
Where designers are concerned, the answer may lie in thinking short-term vs long-term. In the near future, AI will not take over, and designers who code may still be in high demand. For the short term, designers who want to stand out should keep certain basic coding skills such as JavaScript and Ajax in their arsenal. Designers have their approaches, processes, arsenal of design tools, and deliverables, but that’s only part of the equation.
The back-end is the part of a website or application that is run on the server. The back-end includes the rendering of dynamic web pages, database interactions, identity authentication and push notifications. Learn the essentials of software development so you can work more effectively with developers. This involves knowledge of graphic design, drawing, illustration, color theory, photo and/or video editing, or typography, among others. In addition, they should be familiar with UI design and prototyping software such as Adobe XD or Figma. Even soft skills like empathy, social skills, or knowledge of psychology can be of great help in this branch of UX/UI design.
In addition, HTML and CSS work together in responsive design to automatically resize, hide, or enlarge a website to make it appear perfect on all devices (desktops, tablets, and mobile phones). If you know how to code, you may end up pulled into too many directions, and you’ll end up too busy to focus your best creative efforts towards designing the product. Designers who know how to code may find that it’s no big deal to add a thing or two.