UX design isn’t just about creating beautiful user interfaces; it is based on a deep understanding of how users work, what they value and how digital products can meet their needs. As technology develops, more and more designers have noticed that a basic understanding of software development makes the design process smoother and enables the creation of better user experiences.
So why should a UX designer understand even a little bit of code?
Realistic design – taking technical constraints into account
One of the most important tasks of a UX designer is to make sure that the plans are technically feasible. If a designer understands even the basics of coding and software development, he is able to take into account technological limitations and opportunities already in the design phase. Such knowledge helps to avoid unrealistic ideas and saves the development team time and resources, since the designer does not have to make major changes to his concept later.
For example, if a designer knows that certain animations can significantly slow down the user interface on mobile devices, he can take this into account already in the design phase and develop lighter solutions. This type of matching of design and technology makes the end result more flexible and user-friendly.
Better cooperation with developers
Understanding the basics of software development facilitates communication and cooperation with developers. When a designer has an understanding of the structure of the code and what the tools and development environments enable, he is able to explain his own design solutions to the development team more clearly and precisely. This reduces misunderstandings and ensures that the team can work more smoothly towards a common goal.
For example, if a designer knows that a certain type of design element is challenging to implement in a certain programming environment, he can discuss this with the developers at an early stage and, if necessary, adjust his design or find alternative solutions together with the team. This saves both time and cost, and both parties can focus on what they do best.
A practical understanding of usability and loading times
A designer’s decisions directly affect the performance of an application or website. Knowing how, for example, images, animations and other user interface elements are loaded and processed in the code helps the designer to make practical decisions that improve the user experience.
Basic knowledge of the code structure can also help the designer to minimize the loading time of the user interface. For example, if a designer realizes that heavy images or complex animations can slow down the user interface, he can choose lighter options or optimize the images and graphics so that they do not negatively affect the performance of the site. This improves the user experience and ensures that users can quickly access the content they want.
Consideration of responsiveness
A basic understanding of software development helps the designer make better decisions about responsiveness, i.e. how the user interface adapts to different devices and screens. A designer who understands the basic principles of CSS and JavaScript knows how to flexibly adapt user interface components to different screens and situations.
Responsive design requires that the designer takes into account how different elements scale and are positioned on mobile devices, tablets and computers. If a designer understands basic concepts such as media queries in CSS, he can design the user interface so that it works optimally on different devices – which improves both the user experience and the company’s customer satisfaction.
Independent prototyping and rapid iterations
A UX designer’s work often includes creating prototypes and models of their plans, and basic code knowledge enables the development of prototypes independently and flexibly. When a designer is able to implement, for example, an HTML- or CSS-based prototype without the help of a separate developer, he can test and refine his plans quickly and with little effort.
Such independence speeds up the design process, as small changes do not require constant back-and-forth communication with the development team. Developing prototypes on your own also helps the designer understand how the design solutions actually work in practice – and to quickly fix possible usability problems before the project moves into the actual development phase.
Understanding user experience and code interface
A designer’s basic understanding of code can help them understand how UX relates directly to the structure of the code. This is especially important, for example, in interactive parts of the user interface. If a designer understands how JavaScript or other dynamic technologies work, they can better judge what kinds of interactions are realistic and which might present technical challenges.
Solving usability problems is more efficient when the designer has an understanding of how the technological elements support or limit the user experience. This allows for more realistic and functional designs that not only look good, but work seamlessly.
Greater potential for the entire organization
A skilled UX designer who also knows the basics of coding can act more effectively as a bridge between the development team and customers. Such expertise is also in demand, as companies value team members who have a broad understanding of both design and technology.
A designer who knows how to speak the language of both code and design can grow in a more versatile role and advance to the role of, for example, UX/UI developer, technical product manager or leader of more demanding design projects. With this competence, he can also participate in the strategic planning of the business and bring added value not only to the planning team but also to the entire organization.
Understanding code makes a designer a better professional
Knowledge of the basics of software development helps the UX designer to create realistic, functional and user-friendly solutions. When a designer knows the limitations and possibilities of technology, he can design user interfaces that work seamlessly on different devices, load quickly and adapt to different usage needs. In addition, managing the basics of the code improves collaboration with the development team, speeds up prototype testing, and reduces design errors.
While a UX designer doesn’t have to be a coder, understanding code makes them a more well-rounded professional who can deliver excellent value to users and work effectively as part of a development team. This combination of creative thinking and technical know-how is the key to success in the rapidly developing digital world, where the competition for the quality of the user experience is constantly increasing.
