The role and identity of the designer in the digital world


Designers can be found in almost all industries. However, they have a special role in the development of digital services. This article examines the role and identity of the designer in general and specifically in organizations that develop digital services.

The role and identity of the designer as a professional group

Designers can specialize in many different areas such as graphic design, product design, design, user interface design (UI) and user experience design (UX). What all designers have in common is their ability to combine creativity and practicality to solve problems and create visually pleasing and functional solutions.

Creativity and problem solving

The key skill of a designer is the ability to see things in a new light and develop innovative solutions. Their job is to understand the needs of their customers and create products and services that meet these needs. This requires strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think creatively.

Versatility and expertise

Designers can specialize in different areas, but many have a broad skill base that covers several aspects of design. For example, a graphic designer may also understand user interface design, which is useful in a digital environment.

Cooperation and communication

Designers often work in teams with other professionals such as developers, marketers and project managers. Good communication and cooperation are essential so that all team members understand the project’s goals and requirements.

The role of the designer in digital services

In the development of digital services, the designer has a special role that directly affects the user experience and the success of the service. The role of a designer can vary depending on the size of the organization, the scope of the project, and the designer’s specialty, but the following factors are generally relevant.

User interface design (UI)

User interface designers focus on the appearance and functionality of digital products. Their mission is to create intuitive and visually appealing user interfaces that improve the user experience. A good UI design is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it also makes use smoother and more effortless.

User Experience Design (UX)

UX designers focus on a comprehensive user experience. Their work begins with user research, which can include creating user personas, analyzing user paths, and user testing. A UX designer ensures that digital services are easy to use and meet users’ expectations and needs.

Design Systems and components

Design systems offer a unified visual and functional framework for digital products. Designers develop and maintain these systems so that different teams can create consistent and compatible user interfaces. This can include component libraries, color palettes, typography rules, and other graphical elements.

Collaboration and iteration

In the development of digital services, iterative planning is key. Designers constantly work with developers and other team members to modify and improve products. This can mean regular feedback sessions, testing prototypes, and constantly fine-tuning the design based on user feedback.

Innovation and technologies

The digital world is constantly changing, and designers are at the forefront as the introduction of new technologies such as artificial intelligence and AR/VR affect the design process. Designers are involved in researching and applying these technologies in order to create innovative solutions that meet the needs of the future.

Summary

The role and identity of the designer are key factors, especially in digital services. Designers are not only creators of visual elements, but they are also key factors in improving the user experience and developing innovative solutions.

In the digital world, their tasks are diverse and require continuous learning and adaptation to new technologies. A good designer combines creativity, technical expertise and the ability to understand user needs, making them a valuable part of a modern organization.



Janne Gylling
Creative Director • janne@jannegylling.fi