6 essential qualities UX Expert must have
I work in the web industry for over 10 years now and since the time user experience discipline was forged I have met UX experts that have (or lack) different skills and qualities.
Though UX field is a broad one, I have realized that every expert practicing it should have few essential skills. It doesn't matter whether you call yourself user experience designer, consultant, principal or anything else, here is the basic skill set that you should gain and improve over time.
1. Communication skills and persuasiveness
As the UX expert, I deal with all kinds of project stakeholders - clients, users, production team, partners and other suppliers. Most of the time I'll listen to them and then try to persuade them that your solution is the way to go. Hone your communication and presentation skills to be able to push through your ideas. Learn how to argue and support your expert opinions with research and best practices.
By now you have probably realized, that in UX profession you'll deal with a lot of people. To further improve your communication skills you need to be able to understand how the other stakeholders feel and think. Empathy is a critical first step to persuasiveness.
How many times have I heard or read: "I'm the EXPERT, so why the client doesn't listen to me?" It's all true, you should be the one who knows the best solution. Yet, we are only people, our knowledge is limited and we make mistakes. From time to time, it is good to tame your ego and question your proposals. Have someone else a better solution? Shouldn't we ask users or do a research? Modesty will allow you to hold back and accept the fact, that your own ideas are not always the best ones.
You can't make it without this one. User experience requires input data (research) and analysis. I like to call myself analyst rather than UX consultant, because that's what I do ALL the time. Without the ability to analyze the data, emphasize important information, sort them and find hidden relations you will never be able to design working solutions.
This one is my favorite and it's not only because of me lacking it. I consider myself as a strictly analytical person that likes to work in stable boundaries using proven patterns and tools. I find this extremely limiting. Creativity is essential for innovation and innovation is what helps you to be ahead of your competition. I always try to develop my creativity and encourage it. You can watch my favorite Cameron Moll's speech at LessConf3010 to find out how to support your creativity.
6. Hunger to learn new things
Finally, this one is the key. You don't like learning new stuff? Then go and find another job. Tech industry is evolving at tremendous pace these days and anyone who doesn't adore this will soon be run over by a competition. So go ahead and learn something new today.
So this is it. There is plenty other skills and qualities UX designers should have, but I value these above others. I would love to hear your opinion on this.
According to you, what are the other skills that user experience expert can't live without?
