How to Become an UI Designer/Developer Manager
Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of an UI Designer/Developer Manager
What does an UI Designer/Developer Manager do?
AN UI Designer/Developer Manager manages the design of web pages and development of web-based technical solutions that engage users and meet business requirements. Oversees project lifecycles from conceptualization through delivery. Being an UI Designer/Developer Manager develops creative designs and ensures that content meets brand standards and targets the intended audience. Oversees site usability and performance testing. Additionally, UI Designer/Developer Manager uses knowledge of front-end platforms, frameworks, and languages to ensure the delivery of high-quality site and application designs. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a head of a unit/department. The UI Designer/Developer Manager manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. To be an UI Designer/Developer Manager typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1-3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.
UI, or user interface, focuses on the look and layout.
Think of UX as the way a car drives, shifts gears or protects you in an accident and UI as the color and design of that car, says Matthew Cogswell, senior art director and UX/UI designer at modop, a digital advertising and marketing agency in Los Angeles.
A customer success manager’s job is to help clients get the most out of their product or solution so that they continue to be loyal customers.
We’ve all overheard conversations, walking down hip streets of the world’s tech capitals, discussions about the great ‘UX’ of a product, or the poor ‘UI’ of a website.
For similar roles, check our UI Designer and UX Designer job descriptions.
Step 2: Learn best tips to become an UI Designer/Developer Manager
Best tips for those who want to become an UI Designer/Developer Manager
Here are some tips to become an UI Designer/Developer Manager.
Become a material design expert.
Test your app on as many devices as possible.
UI/UX Design Certification by Calarts (Coursera).
User Experience Research & Design Certification by University of Michigan (Coursera).
User Experience Design Essentials – Adobe XD UI UX Course (Udemy).
Step 3: View best colleges and universities for UI Designer/Developer Manager
Best colleges and universities for UI Designer/Developer Manager
- Butler University
- Carroll College
- Cooper Union
- High Point University
- Princeton University
- Providence College
Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be an UI Designer/Developer Manager
Is being an UI Designer/Developer Manager Worth it?
This post will break down a typical day for a UX Designer at Clearbridge Mobile and their role in building a product that delivers real user value.
In collaboration with the rest of their project team, our designers determine your app’s target audience, as well as their needs and design UX solution to solve common pain points.
This includes checking in with developers and exporting assets for a project in implementation, or working with clients and the project management team to create deliverables such as user journeys, wireframes, branded mockups, and a clickable prototype for discovery sessions.
At the end of the day, the role of a UX designer is to collaborate and assist clients to create the best app experience possible for their target audience, no matter the app concept or idea.
Job titles like UX or UI designer are confusing to the uninitiated and unfamiliar even to designers who come from other industries.
Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being an UI Designer/Developer Manager
What skills do you need to be an UI Designer/Developer Manager?
Management is no easy task, and as such, the skill requirements for these types of roles vary greatly. Chief skills for this role are: Graphic Design, Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), User Research, User Stories, UX Design, Web Design, Web Development, Technical Project Management. You would need to be proficient in the following: Bug Tracking Software, Graphic Design Software, Integrated Development Environment (IDE) Software, Source Code Management Software, Programming Language. Expertise in these areas will help you land this, or a similar role.
Read a list of great community-driven UI/UX/FE Developer interview questions.
Perhaps you’re a UI designer with a few years’ experience, seeking your next challenge in the form of a new role.
We’ll also take a look at how employers distinguish between different levels of seniority in the UI design field, exploring which UI design skills are essential and which are simply nice-to-have.
It’s not uncommon for startups and smaller companies to hire a single designer as opposed to an entire design team, in which case it’s important to find a candidate who has both UX and UI skills.
Proven work experience as a UI/UX Designer or similar role.
Step 6: View average salary for UI Designer/Developer Manager
How much does an UI Designer/Developer Manager make?
The average salary range for an UI Designer/Developer Manager is from $132,703 to $168,493. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.
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Average salary for UI Designer/Developer Manager jobs
Step 7: Find relevant UI Designer/Developer Manager jobs, and apply.
Looking for UI Designer/Developer Manager jobs?
Here are some UI Designer/Developer Manager jobs in the United States.