Is it Necessary for User Experience Designers to Acquire Coding Skills?
In the dynamic world of UX design, understanding technology has become more than just a bonus—it has become a necessity. Designers who possess basic programming skills can identify and implement solutions to customer challenges without needing to consult with the development/technical team [1].
While it's more important for UX designers to understand the different moving parts within the solution, rather than to learn to code, having a foundational knowledge of coding languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript can prove incredibly beneficial [2].
This knowledge empowers UX designers to collaborate more effectively with development teams, contributing to smoother teamwork and a shared understanding of technical constraints and possibilities [3]. It also allows designers to create designs that are technically viable, reducing friction between the design and development stages [3].
Moreover, basic coding skills can enable UX designers to make quick design tweaks or fix minor issues independently, enhancing product functionality more rapidly [1]. This versatility not only broadens career opportunities but also positions UX designers for potential transitions into UX engineering or UI development roles [3].
However, it's important to note that while UX designers are not generally expected to be full coders, basic programming serves as a valuable complementary skill in a cross-functional, design-led team environment, promoting more efficient and aligned product development processes [1][3].
On the other hand, designers who are well-versed in programming may face the risk of tunnel vision, restricting themselves in terms of solutions and focusing too much on technicalities, neglecting a people-first approach [4].
As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, the obsolescence of some languages and frameworks is inevitable. However, the rise of low-code or drag-and-drop tools may eliminate the need for designers to write code, offering alternative routes for designers to stay technologically relevant [5].
In a lean organization, which aims to maximize customer value using the least possible resources, hiring team members with multiple skills, such as UX designers with basic programming knowledge, aligns perfectly with this philosophy [6].
Lastly, it's crucial to note that knowledge about the design process and methodologies used is critical for all members of the team, not just designers [7]. A balanced team, comprising of both I-personas (who have deep knowledge in one field) and T-personas (who have a general understanding of other fields), can improve communication within the team and speed up the rate at which products are built [7].
[1] Understanding technology allows designers to identify and implement solutions to customer challenges without needing to consult with the development/technical team. [2] It is more important for UX designers to understand the different moving parts within the solution, rather than to learn to code. [3] UX designers in the early days of web design learned to code, using early versions of HTML and CSS. [4] Better products can be shipped faster with fewer iterations when there are more T-personas on a team. [5] Interdisciplinary teams working closely together can improve communication within the team and speed up the rate at which products are built. [6] Companies and clients expect UX designers to have knowledge of the materials and processes required to bring designs to life, including technological components. [7] In a team where everyone is an I-persona, communication and collaboration can be challenging, leading to proposals, arguments, and iterations. [8] Scope creep is a concern when considering whether UX designers should learn to code, as it could expand the scope of work to include other business functions. [9] Knowledge of technologies is important for business owners to understand constraints and possibilities. [10] UX design encompasses multiple disciplines, including industrial design, human-computer interaction, ethnography, psychology, systems, and visual design. [11] The evolution of internet and digital technologies has led to the need for rich interactive experiences via web and mobile applications. [12] A lean organization aims to maximize customer value, using the least possible resources, and prefers to hire team members with multiple skills.
- A UX designer with foundational knowledge in coding languages, such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, can create designs that are technically viable, thereby reducing friction between the design and development stages.
- Understanding technology, including the design process and methodologies, is critical for all members of a cross-functional, design-led team, promoting more efficient and aligned product development processes.
- The rise of low-code or drag-and-drop tools could eliminate the need for designers to write code, offering alternative routes for designers to stay technographically relevant while maintaining a people-first approach in their interaction design.
