UX designer versus product designer – is there any real difference or is it just a different title for the same job?
Actually, the two are similar, especially when it comes to understanding user needs and creating experiences to make a user’s life easier. However, they’re not the same.
It’s not unusual for one to transition into another throughout a career. Now for the big question, should we call ourselves product designers or UX designers?
Both Involve Design Thinking
When talking about UX designer versus product designer, it’s hard to see the differences because both have to use a similar set of skills – namely, design thinking.
When creating experiences, whether digital or physical, the designer must use the design thinking process. From empathizing with the end user and defining the problem to prototyping and testing, both types of designers go through this process to create the best possible end result.
Since both are technically creating a product, we still have a difficult time seeing a major difference between the two. Yet, if you’ve looked at job listings, you’ll notice there are unique listings for both.
Product Designers Have Two Focuses
Now, we start to see a little more of a difference. Product designers have two main focuses when designing a product and product experience. The first is obviously about meeting the end user’s needs. The second – and the one that really sets product designers apart from UX designers – focus is on aligning business goals with user needs.
Product designers have to consider business’s goals both now and in the future. Not only do products have to benefit users, but help ultimately improve the business at the same time.
UX designers, on the other hand, focus mainly usability and experience for the user. However, it’s important to note that in some projects UX designers do focus a least partially on business goals too, but not as closely.
Look Versus Feel
UX designer versus product designer could also come down to look versus feel. UX designers are typically more concerned with how a product or experience feels. That’s why it’s called user experience and not user look.
For product designers, it’s double trouble. For those of us in this position, we have to find a great balance between the look and feel. Think of a product designer as the one who has to see the whole picture and not just part of it.
Working Together
It might seem like a business would use one or another when it comes to designing a product, but actually, it’s beneficial to use both. Why? Product designers and UX designers make a great team.
Since product designers have to see a much broader picture, they’re able to provide valuable insight to both UX and UI designers to create a more cohesive product that brings together the goals of a business and the needs of the user. After all, that perfect balance is always the ultimate goal.
A product designer may often serve as a manager over an entire project. From checking on the smallest details, such as the function of a button, to considering how users might still use the product a year from now, it’s a position that often comes with more responsibility.
However, UX designers get to hone in more on the user. Instead of having to see everything, we would get to truly step into a user’s shoes to see what their current problems are and how we can solve them.
Blurred Lines And Transitioning
In the UX designer versus product designer discussion, there still isn’t a definitive difference. Some businesses have product designers that function as UX designers and vice versa. As the term “product designer” has become more popular, you’ll likely see it used interchangeably in many cases.
Despite these blurred lines between the two roles, one thing holds true – UX designers may naturally transition into product designers as they take on more aspects of both experience and product design. For those of us with years of experience under our belts, it just makes sense to step out of our comfort zones and dive more into the entire product creation process.
Which one do you consider yourself? If you’ve held both titles, what are the main differences in your daily responsibilities?
Image: Ben Kolde, Helena Lopes