User Experience (UX) design has grown from a niche discipline into a broad and essential field that impacts how people interact with digital and physical products. As companies invest more in UX, the landscape of UX roles has expanded, creating specialized positions that each play a critical role in crafting seamless, user-friendly experiences.
If you’re looking to build a UX team, break into the industry, or just understand who does what in UX, this guide will help you navigate the ecosystem of UX roles, from research to strategy to execution.
Understanding UX and Its Scope
UX is the umbrella term for how users experience a product or service. It encompasses research, design, strategy, content, and development. A successful UX team ensures that products meet user needs while aligning with business objectives.
The field is often divided into three core categories:
- UX Research – Understanding user behavior and needs through qualitative and quantitative methods.
- UX Design – Creating wireframes, prototypes, and interaction flows to define how a product should function.
- UX Strategy & Leadership – Ensuring the UX vision aligns with business goals and advocating for user-centric approaches.
Now, let’s break down who does what in UX.
1. UX Research Roles
UX research is the foundation of good design. It helps teams make informed decisions based on user needs rather than assumptions.
User Researcher
User researchers conduct studies to understand user behavior, motivations, and pain points. They use methods such as:
- Interviews and focus groups
- Surveys and usability testing
- A/B testing and analytics reviews
Their insights shape design decisions and ensure products solve real user problems.
UX Psychologist
A UX psychologist applies cognitive science and human behavior principles to UX. They help teams understand how users perceive, process, and interact with interfaces. This role is common in industries like healthcare, fintech, and AI, where understanding cognitive load and decision-making is crucial.
Data Analyst (UX Analytics)
While not always considered a “UX role,” data analysts are crucial in UX research. They examine behavioral data from tools like Google Analytics, ContentSquare, or Hotjar to uncover patterns in user engagement. They work closely with UX researchers and designers to validate hypotheses.
2. UX Design Roles
Once research provides insights, UX designers bring the vision to life by defining the product’s interaction and visual design.
UX Designer
This generalist role covers user flows, wireframes, and prototypes. UX designers focus on structure and functionality, ensuring users can complete tasks efficiently. Responsibilities include:
- Creating wireframes and prototypes
- Designing information architecture
- Conducting usability testing
UI (User Interface) Designer
UI designers focus on the visual design and aesthetics of a product. They handle:
- Typography and color schemes
- Component libraries and design systems
- Micro-interactions and animations
While UX designers focus on usability, UI designers make sure everything looks polished and visually appealing.
Interaction Designer
Interaction designers specialize in how users interact with a product. They focus on:
- Transitions and animations
- Gestures (swiping, tapping, scrolling)
- Haptic feedback and sound design
They often collaborate with developers to ensure smooth micro-interactions.
Motion Designer (UX Motion Specialist)
In modern UX, animations aren’t just for aesthetics—they improve usability. A motion designer works on:
- Loading animations
- Micro-interactions
- Onboarding flows
They ensure animations feel natural and enhance the overall experience without overwhelming users.
3. UX Content and Writing Roles
Content is a crucial aspect of UX. Clear and concise copy can make or break an experience.
UX Writer (Content Designer)
UX writers craft microcopy—the text users see in buttons, error messages, tooltips, and onboarding flows. Their job is to make interactions seamless and intuitive.
Content Strategist
A content strategist focuses on the bigger picture, defining:
- Voice and tone guidelines
- Content hierarchy
- Multichannel content distribution
They ensure that a company’s content is consistent across platforms.
Information Architect
Information architects organize content and navigation structures so users can find information easily. They work on:
- Site maps
- Taxonomies and tagging
- Navigation design
This role is essential in large-scale websites, apps, and enterprise platforms.
4. UX Strategy & Leadership Roles
Larger organizations need UX leadership to align UX efforts with business objectives.
UX Manager / UX Lead
A UX manager leads a team of designers and researchers, ensuring projects meet user and business needs. They focus on:
- Team growth and mentorship
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Defining UX KPIs
Director of UX
As a Director of UX, I know firsthand that this role requires balancing business strategy with user advocacy. Directors:
- Define UX vision and roadmap
- Build cross-functional partnerships
- Scale UX teams and processes
VP of UX / Chief Experience Officer (CXO)
The VP of UX or CXO ensures that UX is embedded into the company’s DNA. They work at an executive level, influencing company-wide decisions.
Their primary responsibilities include:
- Aligning UX with business growth
- Driving innovation
- Advocating for user-centered decision-making
In organizations that prioritize UX, this role is critical.
5. Hybrid and Emerging UX Roles
UX Engineer
UX engineers bridge the gap between design and development. They translate designs into code, working on:
- Component libraries and design systems
- Front-end development
- Prototyping interactive experiences
Service Designer
Service designers look beyond digital interfaces to holistic customer experiences. They map out interactions across touchpoints, from online to in-person.
Accessibility Specialist
With digital accessibility becoming a legal and ethical priority, accessibility specialists ensure products are usable by people with disabilities. They focus on:
- WCAG compliance
- Screen reader optimization
- Inclusive design principles
Conversational Designer (Voice UX Designer)
With AI-driven interfaces like chatbots and voice assistants, conversational designers craft seamless interactions for natural language processing (NLP) systems.
Final Thoughts
UX is no longer a single role—it’s an ecosystem of specialized disciplines working together to shape user-friendly experiences. Whether you’re a designer, researcher, strategist, or writer, there’s a place for you in UX.
As businesses continue investing in UX, these roles will evolve further. Understanding who does what will help teams collaborate effectively and create products that meet user needs.
If you’re building a UX team, consider which roles are essential for your organization’s goals. And if you’re entering the field, find the specialization that best matches your skills and interests.
UX is growing, and the opportunities are endless.
Let’s create better experiences together.