The UX universe feels chaotic, but it boils down to four core disciplines that
intersect:
Research (uncovering why users act): Master interviews, surveys, and behavioral
analysis. Even a solo researcher can partner with PMs to run lean usability
tests.
Interaction Design (mapping how users flow): Focus on wireframing, prototyping,
and accessibility. Tools like Figma + WebAIM checklist cover 80% of needs.
Visual Design (crafting what users see): Typography, color systems,
micro-interactions. Start with a design system template (like Material Design)
to save time.
Front-End Literacy (bridging design-dev gaps): No need to code, but understand
CSS/JS constraints. Use plugins like Figma to Code to smooth handoffs.
This article on design disciplines
https://clay.global/blog/ux-guide/ux-disciplines emphasizes T-shaped skills:
depth in one area, literacy in others. For startups, hire a “UX generalist”
strong in research and interaction design, then outsource visual polish via
freelancers.
Red flags: Designers who can’t articulate how their work ties to business
metrics (e.g., “This microcopy reduced support tickets by 20%”).
