9 Essential Skills for UX Designers in 2024

The world is becoming increasingly digital, and UX design is at the centre of it all. We spoke to our experts at Flume to gain insights into what skills are most crucial for UX designers in 2024. According to the Nielsen Norman Group, by 2050, we’re going to need about 100 million UX pros – up from just one million today. That’s a growth curve that would make anyone sit up and take notice. This massive demand underscores just how crucial UX design is becoming in the tech industry. Whether you’re a UX veteran or just thinking of joining the game, 2024 is your time to level up and dive into the digital evolution.

UX is way more than just making things look pretty – it’s about creating experiences that make people go ”Wow” (without needing over-the-top special effects). As the Nielsen Norman Group explains, UX encompasses all customer interactions with a company, its services, and its products. A UX designer’s job is to make every touchpoint – from that satisfying unboxing moment to a buttery smooth digital experience – easy, fun, and downright delightful. With that in mind, here are nine essential skills every UX designer needs to thrive.

1. Empathy

Empathy is the secret sauce of UX design. It’s about understanding user needs, motivations, and those little pain points – like trying to figure out where the unsubscribe button is hiding on a newsletter you never signed up for. As Lionel Da Silva, UX/UI Lead at Flume, emphasises, “Empathy allows us to put ourselves in users’ shoes and create designs that truly solve their problems.” Chelsea Strydom, Mid UX Designer at Flume, adds, “Empathy helps build trust with users, making every interaction more meaningful and impactful.” This means listening actively, observing closely, and always putting the user first.

2. Problem-Solving Skills

Problem-solving is another biggie for UX designers – think of it as being the investigative journalist of digital experiences. UX designers are constantly challenged to identify user issues and find creative, effective solutions. As both Lionel and Chelsea Strydom point out, problem-solving involves understanding users, aligning solutions with business goals, and being creative in solving challenges. Chelsea emphasises, “It’s about thinking on your feet when unexpected issues arise and coming up with solutions that are both effective and elegant.” This balance between user needs and business objectives is what makes UX design such a challenging yet rewarding career.

3. Adaptability

The digital landscape is evolving rapidly, and UX designers must keep pace. Adaptability is a must in 2024 – with AI, augmented reality, and who knows what else changing the game faster than a viral hashtag. Chelsea Strydom notes, “Staying up to date, embracing new tools, and understanding how tech shifts affect users are crucial for staying relevant.” Being flexible and having a “bring it on” attitude are what make a UX designer succeed in this digital playground. Chelsea also highlights that adaptability means being comfortable with ambiguity and ready to pivot when the project direction shifts – like a UX version of an unexpected twist in your favourite soapie.

4. Continuous Learning

The UX world moves faster than the latest amapiano dance trend, and keeping up means embracing continuous learning. Chelsea says, “I love experimenting with new tools and approaches – whether it’s diving into design psychology or staying updated with UX webinars.” Lionel and Chelsea both advocate for using reliable sources like the Nielsen Norman Group and IXDF courses, as well as attending UX-focused events and webinars. UX designers must be curious, proactive learners who are always looking to expand their knowledge and skills, whether that means diving into cognitive psychology or exploring new design tools.

5. Visual Communication

Visual communication is about clarity and impact. Chelsea Strydom puts it best: “If stakeholders or users can’t understand the design at a glance, we’ve missed the mark.” When visual communication fails, it can lead to misunderstandings, confusion, and, ultimately, a product that doesn’t meet user needs. It’s not just about making something look good – it’s about ensuring that everyone, from the client to the end user, understands and connects with the design. Whether through wireframes, mockups, or final interfaces, clearly conveying ideas is essential to prevent wasted resources and keep projects on track.

6. Collaboration

UX design is definitely not a solo mission – it’s more like being part of a Springbok squad where every skill counts. It involves working with cross-functional teams, including developers, marketers, and product managers. As Lionel Da Silva explains, a typical day for a UX designer includes multiple touchpoints with various teams, requiring effective communication and collaboration. Chelsea adds that collaboration is all about creating space for everyone’s voice, making sure ideas are heard, and combining strengths to create something greater than the sum of its parts. Navigating these interactions smoothly is key to making sure that the product vision doesn’t just stay a vision – but becomes a reality.

7. Understanding Business Goals

In a world where digital experiences drive everything, understanding the business side of UX is crucial. It’s about more than just creating user-friendly designs – it’s about ensuring those designs contribute to the company’s success. Designers need to ensure their work meets user needs while also hitting business targets. A well-designed experience should lead to happier users and measurable value for the business. As Lionel Da Silva notes, clients are increasingly embracing a customer-centric approach. But it’s just as vital to ensure those user experiences translate into tangible business results – making UX a key component of a successful business strategy.

8. Research & User Testing

Research is at the core of great UX. From gathering data to conducting usability tests, designers must be comfortable diving deep into user research. This helps in understanding how real users interact with products, what works, and what needs improvement. Effective user testing and iteration based on feedback lead to refined, user-friendly designs that meet customer expectations.

9. Curiosity and Vision for the Future

The future of UX is exciting, with technologies like AI and augmented reality continuing to transform how we interact with digital products. Lionel Da Silva sees a lot of promise in AI’s potential to seamlessly integrate into everyday consumer experiences. Chelsea Strydom shares this enthusiasm, stating, “AI has the power to make even the most complex user journeys feel seamless, and it can deliver personalised content that truly connects with users.” The key to standing out as a UX designer in 2024 will be having the curiosity to explore these emerging technologies and the vision to use them in meaningful ways that enhance the user experience.

Conclusion

Being a UX designer isn’t just about having a toolkit of skills – it’s about understanding people and constantly adapting. The role calls for empathy, creativity, technical chops, and a willingness to keep learning. In a space where digital experiences have become a lifeline, UX designers are the ones making those experiences seamless and human. By honing these nine skills, designers can create work that genuinely makes an impact – not just meeting user needs but elevating everyday interactions in meaningful ways.

With the growing demand for UX professionals, the chance to make a difference is bigger than ever. Whether you’re just starting or you’re a seasoned pro, now’s the time to sharpen those skills. The future of UX is already unfolding, and there’s no better feeling than being part of shaping it.

Flume is an independent, full-service digital marketing agency providing services that include SEO, web design and development, public relations, media buying, client service, UX/UI, and creative production. For more information visit www.flume.co.za or email us  to say, well, “hello”.