If the role of a UX/UI Designer interests you, here’s an example of a job description taken from a job ad on MyCareersFuture:
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and conduct user research activities to understand users’ goals, behaviour and needs
- Develop models of your users based on research findings, as well as models for other domain factors
- Define context scenarios and tell stories about ideal user experiences the team wants to achieve
- Describe product or system capabilities and requirements that support users’ goals and tasks, and how successful interactions look like
- Design the overall structure and behaviour of the system, information flows and workflows
- Test and refine the product through evaluative research, ensuring that the design enables to meet the users’ goals and complete their tasks
‘If you haven’t heard, “new collar jobs” are a new genre of roles requiring a combination of technical skills without the need for a specialised degree.
They’re gaining traction with employers, who are realising that formal education is not always the best indicator of capability – what truly matters is whether a candidate has the right skills and mindset to perform in a fast-evolving workplace.
Desmond Cheong, Associate Director, Digital Practice, at Michael Page shares more about this genre of new collar role in the sector, and useful tips for jobseekers and career switchers about it.
Why are UX/UI Designers roles considered “new collar”?
They focus on practical design skills, user psychology, and digital tools over formal degrees. Many professionals enter the field through bootcamps, online certifications, or MySkillsFuture in Singapore.
What has changed that has led to this role becoming prominent and needed?
The rise of digital platforms, mobile apps, and customer-centric experiences has made intuitive design critical. UX/UI now includes accessibility, micro-interactions, and behaviour-driven design — far beyond traditional graphic design.
What are the career and salary prospects of this role?
Entry-level salaries range from $3,500-$5,500, mid-level $6,000$9,000, and senior roles $10,000+. UX leadership roles are in growing demand as digital experience becomes a strategic asset.
What are the skillsets required for this role?
User research, wireframing, prototyping, usability testing, and tools like Figma, Adobe XD, and Sketch. Knowledge of design systems and front-end basics (HTML/CSS) is also useful.
For mid-career switchers, what is necessary to move into this role?
Take UX/UI bootcamps (e.g., General Assembly), build a portfolio of redesigned apps/websites, and learn design thinking frameworks. Freelance or volunteer projects help demonstrate capability.
What industries are looking for such a role and what unique skillsets are good to pick up for better career health?
UX/UI Designers are needed in tech, healthcare, finance, e-commerce, and education. Each sector has unique UX expectations – e.g., finance values security cues and compliance; healthcare focuses on accessibility and simplicity. Understanding industry-specific user journeys is key.
