Introduction

There are 3 main terms used to discuss what areas of focus UI/UX Designers focus. These 3 are T-Specialist, Generalist and Specialist and they all have very different areas of focus. Here we discuss how they focus on the areas and the pros and cons of being each!

Beginning

Okay here is our list of the different types of specialists and how they specialize!

1. T-Shaped

A T-Shaped Designer knows one area on a really deep level and all other areas in a decent amount!. Like say I am a T-Shaped Designer, I know visual design deeply but other areas like research or wireframing on a medium level. UX Beginner sums it up nicely!

Pros:

• Can act as a generalist when needed
• More entertaining to know a plethora of skills
• Works great in teams (especially ones just made up of T-Shaped Designers)

Cons:

• Harder to do more generalized work (like freelance) because specialize more in one area

2. Specialist

A Specialist is someone who specializes in just 1 area of UI/UX Design/ This could be prototyping, wireframing, visual design or interaction design. Generally they are made up of teams of multiple specialists!

Pros:

• Less work competition -> less people that do your job
• Better pay
• Can work in one area they really love

Cons:

• Cannot do generalized work like freelance
• More project management and relying on your one skill
• Harder to find jobs
• May not see the final product of your work

3. Generalist

A Generalist is a designer that know a good amount about tons of different subjects. If I were a generalist I would be decent at all the UX/UI Skills like wireframing or research.

Pros:

• Can participate in freelance work
• Easy to find jobs
• Learn to specialize or become T-Shaped anytime

Cons:

• Less in-depth knowledge
• Lower pay
• Very busy

Conclusion

Now you can understand the different roles of expertise in each area of UI/UX Design and their pros and cons. Comment down below and share what role you think you would/are do/doing. Follow for more UI/UX content and my occasional self-improvement tip!