UX hiring for a product company

Hiring the right UX designer for a product company requires understanding their design approach and strengths. There is a common concept referred to as the “left brain vs. right brain” approach that is important to consider. Left-brain designers are typically more focused on interaction design, while right-brain designers tend to be more artistic.

#1 Unicorn designer possesses a rare combination of interaction design and visual skills. The ideal combination of both these qualities is highly sought after but can be rare and expensive to hire.

#2 Full stack designer is someone who possesses a range of skills, incl., research, interaction design, aesthetic sense, and the ability to work with design systems. They should also be capable of creating low-to-mid fidelity illustrations when necessary and conducting some level of research when needed.

#3 & #4 A design specialist, if the role requires a specialist, then the hiring focus shifts more towards the left brain or right brain. Eg. Visual designers have a stronger aesthetic sense and creative flair. These individuals excel in creating high-quality illustrations, and micro animations but may need assistance with interaction design. Such candidates can be utilized as a shared resource across teams, just like researchers or content strategists.

Understanding these design approaches can help hiring managers identify the right fit based on project needs. The best designs often utilize both logical and creative talents- but not all roles require a Jack or Jill of all trades. Evaluating left brain vs. right brain strengths is key to bringing the optimal designer on board.