Support. "I recommend focusing on product design"

Contents:

• What to do next
• How to develop
• Which industries are promising

In light of current challenges, we've launched a new "Support" column. Experienced designers will share valuable advice with our younger and more experienced colleagues. We'll ask experts questions about where to focus their efforts now, and they'll suggest relevant areas for training and work, as well as provide moral support.

Yaroslav Shuvaev is the Director of Digital Projects at Viasat Global. He has extensive experience developing digital products for organizations such as Ak Bars Bank, Alfa-Bank, and Vnesheconombank. Yaroslav was also involved in launching a UX/UI course at Netology and the British Higher School of Art and Design. In addition to his professional work, he runs a Telegram channel where he shares his knowledge and experience in the field of digital technologies.

What's next?

Currently, after the initial shock, it has become clear that changes in the design field are not so significant. Large companies continue to search for qualified designers, and access to international projects remains limited. Russian organizations are seeing a growing need for import substitution, which is opening up new opportunities for specialists in this field. Designers can adapt to the new conditions and offer their services taking into account current market needs.

The IT sector will actively develop in the coming years, which will create a high demand for specialists such as developers, product managers, and product designers. UX/UI design is especially worth paying attention to, as tangible results can be quickly achieved in this field. Although it is possible to succeed in icon design, this path can be difficult and limited. Focusing on UX/UI design will open up broader perspectives and enable the creation of in-demand solutions in the digital space.

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UX/UI design is an important area that connects users and digital products. UX (user experience) focuses on how users interact with a product, including usability and satisfaction. UI (user interface) is responsible for the visual component, including controls, color palette, and overall aesthetics.

To begin a career in UX/UI design, you need to learn the fundamentals of design and conduct a user needs analysis. Mastering design tools like Sketch, Figma, or Adobe XD is an important step. It is also recommended to study usability principles and conduct research to understand how users interact with digital products.

Hands-on experience plays a key role in this profession. Creating a portfolio with work samples will help demonstrate your skills to potential employers. Participating in online courses and workshops can also significantly improve your knowledge and increase your competitiveness in the job market.

Overall, UX/UI design is a dynamic and in-demand profession that combines creativity and technical skills. A deep understanding of user needs and modern design trends will help you successfully advance in this field.

Today, Figma remains one of the key tools for designers. This tool allows for efficient interface creation and editing, as well as real-time team collaboration. For no-code designers, Tilda is an ideal choice, allowing you to create websites without coding. Both tools offer unique capabilities, contributing to the improvement of design quality and simplifying the workflow.

Reading is an important part of our lives. It not only develops thinking but also broadens horizons. Books, articles, and other materials enrich our knowledge and help us better understand the world around us. Reading helps develop vocabulary and improve writing skills. It's also a great way to relax and unwind from everyday worries. Regular reading helps improve concentration and attention. Remember that your choice of literature may depend on your interests and goals. Explore different genres and formats to find what truly captivates you. Read, and you'll discover new horizons.

The Figma Self-Study is the perfect resource for anyone looking to master this powerful design tool. Figma is a cloud-based interface design app that allows users to create wireframes, prototypes, and collaborate with team members in real time. Our self-study provides step-by-step instructions to help you quickly get to grips with Figma's functionality. We'll cover essential tools like creating vector graphics, working with text and color, and using templates and components. You'll also learn design best practices and how to gather user feedback. This self-study is suitable for both beginners and experienced designers looking to improve their Figma skills. Start learning Figma today and discover new possibilities in interface design.

How to Grow

Beginning designers should consider applying for jobs at large companies, even at entry-level positions. This will provide the opportunity to master corporate standards, learn to work effectively in a team, and interact with a large number of users. Even if the salary is low, the experience gained in such an environment will be significantly more valuable than freelancing with non-standard processes. While freelancing can also be useful, working for a large company is an important first step in your career. This will give you the opportunity to expand your portfolio with projects from well-known brands and products, significantly increasing your competitiveness in the job market. At the beginning of your IT career, it is recommended to change jobs regularly, approximately every year to year and a half, with the goal of increasing your salary by 50-75% with each move. Over time, this cycle can be extended, as employers value candidates who have worked in one position for two to two and a half years. This period is considered optimal even for middle and senior managers. As you gain experience and improve your skills, job changes should occur less frequently, approximately every three to four years, as further career growth becomes more challenging. This approach will not only help increase your income but also expand your professional skills and industry network. Frequently changing jobs for the sake of a 10-15% salary increase is considered ineffective. Instead, it's worth devoting time to finding a more meaningful career opportunity that will truly advance your professional development. This approach will not only provide better financial rewards but will also contribute to your long-term growth and skill development.

Which industries are promising?

Many countries are currently facing economic instability. In the long term, it is important to focus on companies operating in areas related to primary needs. This includes enterprises involved in energy resources, food production, and industry. Investing in such companies can provide greater stability in a volatile economy.

If you are prepared to take risks, it is worth considering international startups in the blockchain technology field. Currently, there is a temporary lull, but once the market activates, you have every chance of returning your investment. Blockchain remains a promising field, and investing in startups can bring significant financial returns in the future.

Doing design work at an established company for six hours, while devoting two hours to working on venture projects, can be a smart decision. This approach allows us to combine the reliability and stability provided by a large company with the opportunity to explore and develop new ideas within the framework of a venture business. This balance ensures not only financial stability, but also creative development, which is especially important for design professionals.

Read also:

• Ask an expert: what is the difference between a junior, middle, and senior designer
• We didn't fire anyone: how design studios survived the crises of past years
• Design in crises: what happened during the pandemic and wars