UX/UI 101: What it Is, Why it Matters, and How to Break In
You’ve probably heard the terms UX and UI tossed around in conversations about tech careers—but what do they actually mean? And more importantly, could one of them be your next career move?
Let’s break it down.
What is UX/UI, and Why Should You Care?
UX stands for User Experience, and UI stands for User Interface. While the two are closely connected, they’re not the same.
UX design is all about how users feel when they interact with a product—whether it’s a website, app, or software tool. UX designers focus on usability, accessibility, and making sure a product truly solves a user’s problem.
UI design is more focused on the look and feel of the product—think buttons, colors, fonts, layouts. UI designers bring the UX vision to life with strong visual design.
In other words, UX is how it works. UI is how it looks. And both are crucial for building tech that people love.
If you've ever used an app that made you want to throw your phone away, that’s bad UX. If you've ever visited a website that looked beautiful but was difficult to navigate, that’s where UI might have missed the mark.
Good UX/UI design is essential to everything from healthcare apps and climate tech dashboards to educational platforms and community tools. If it’s digital, someone has designed it—and, in the future, that someone could be you.
The tech industry is actively looking for diverse voices in UX/UI design. Why? Because designing for everyone means including everyone at the table. When women and gender-diverse professionals of color lead design conversations, the results are more thoughtful, accessible, and equitable products.
What Skills Do You Need to Start?
The good news: you don’t need to code to get into UX/UI. Here’s what helps:
Curiosity about how people think and interact with digital tools
An eye for visual design (for UI) or empathy for user needs (for UX)
Basic understanding of design tools like Figma, Adobe XD, or Sketch
Willingness to test, iterate, and improve
Soft skills like collaboration, communication, and problem-solving are also huge assets.
How to Get Started in UX/UI
If you’re just exploring, here are a few steps to dip your toes in:
Take a beginner-friendly UX/UI course (many are free or low-cost online)
Build a small project like redesigning your favorite app or website
Join design communities where you can ask questions, get feedback, and find mentors
Create a portfolio of your work — even personal projects count!
Stay curious, follow design blogs, UX podcasts, or read case studies to sharpen your thinking
AdaMarie’s community is also a great place to connect with other professionals navigating creative and technical roles. You don’t have to figure it out alone.
Thinking About Pivoting Into UX/UI?
Whether you’re transitioning from another STEM field, starting fresh, or just want to explore something new, UX/UI offers a path that blends creativity, strategy, and real-world impact. It’s one of the most versatile and in-demand roles in tech, and it just might be the right next step for you.
Looking for support as you explore your next move?
Join the AdaMarie Network and get access to community, career resources, and expert-led guidance every step of the way.
