What Kind of UX Professional are You? Finding Your Shape in the UX Field

In the UX field, the concept of shape refers to the breadth and depth of a designer's skill set. Depth captures the in-depth knowledge about a field, while Breadth spreads across different disciplines. Each shape represents a different level of specialisation and versatility.

Defining your shape early in your UX journey can lay the foundation for a successful and fulfilling career path. Let's dive into each shape and what they entail.

by Amoge Ndukwe on September 11, 2023

I-shaped Designers:

The Deep Specialists

I-shaped designers are specialists in a specific area of UX design. The vertical line represents a deep understanding in one particular area. These group of designers focus on mastering one particular skill or aspect of design, excelling in this specialised niche and are highly sought after for their in-depth knowledge and expertise.

I-shaped designers tend to be introverted thinkers who excel while working independently. They're not just detail-oriented; they're practically obsessed with the details. Comfortable with in-depth research, they're constantly fine-tuning their skills, aiming for nothing less than perfection.

Although I-shaped designers are true experts in their field, they often lack interest in other aspects of UX design and this may present a challenge when collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Some examples of I-shaped designers include UX Researcher, Visual Designer, Interaction Designer, and UX Writer.

T-shaped Designers:

The Generalised Specialists

T-shaped designers combine a broad skill set with deep expertise in a specific field. Their vertical line represents a deep understanding of a particular area, while the horizontal line showcases their ability to collaborate across disciplines. These designers excel in their specialised fields while also contributing to other aspects of design.

One key characteristic of T-shaped designers is their collaborative nature. They thrive on teamwork, are excellent communicators, and build great relationships. They also serve as effective bridges between diverse disciplines, making them valuable assets in cross-functional environments.

For instance, a T-shaped UX Designer may have in-depth expertise in UX Writing -microcopy, content design, persuasive writing and conversation design (vertical line), with secondary skills in SEO writing, user research and interaction design (horizontal line).

π-shaped Designers:

The Versatile Collaborators

Pi-shaped designers blend specialised skills with expertise across multiple UX design areas. They are specialists in two areas with a well-rounded skill set that allows them to contribute effectively to various aspects of the design process.

These professionals may not have the same depth of specialisation as I-shaped designers, but they make up for it with their versatility and ability to work across different disciplines.

Pie-shaped designers are typically excellent problem-solvers and can bring a multidisciplinary perspective to their work. They enjoy collaborating with others and can easily switch between different roles and responsibilities as needed.

They can adapt to various project requirements and bring a diverse range of skills to the table. For instance, a Pi-shaped Designer could be an individual who specialises in User Research and Interaction Design, with a strong foundation in Content Strategy and Usability Testing.

M-shaped Designers:

The Multifaceted Innovators

M-shaped designers boast expertise across various UX design branches, making them valuable assets for versatile projects. They are specialists in two or more areas, with a pronounced depth of knowledge in each specialisation.

M-shaped designers have a comprehensive understanding of how their specialised areas interconnect. This allows them to approach design challenges from a multidisciplinary perspective and make informed decisions that consider various aspects.

M-shaped designers are known for their adaptability, open-mindedness and ability to embrace emerging technologies and novel design approaches. They remain at the forefront of industry trends, ensuring their work remains cutting-edge.

Some examples of M-shaped designers include UI/UX Designer and front-end Developers, UX Researcher and Business Analyst, Service Designer & Content Strategist.

X-shaped Designers:

The Natural Leaders

Every team needs someone to take responsibility and get things done. People with X-shaped skills have deep expertise in a core knowledge area as well as strong leadership skills and credibility.

X-shaped designers are individuals who have shown their worth as a different shape, but who over time combine their depth of expertise and breadth of knowledge with useful non-technical skills.

This is the “executive” skill shape and highlights the ability of the individual to set strategy, lead people, and motivate the team to achieve a common goal. Great leaders and managers tend to be X-shaped.

Pixar’s Ed Catmull and John Lasseter are prime examples of great leaders who have transitioned from Ts to Xs. The former started life as a computer scientist, the latter as an animator. Their current roles are no longer focused on their original skill sets, but on leading teams and developing strategies for those teams to succeed.

What is the Best Shape for UX Professionals?

In the age of agile work environments, honing a robust cross-functional skillset is paramount for individual contributors. While there's no one-size-fits-all formula, as a UX professional, cultivating a well-rounded skillset comes with several fantastic advantages, setting you apart in the industry and ensuring your competitiveness over the long haul.

Invest in Soft Skills: Mastering communication, empathy, and diplomacy are pivotal. How you navigate various situations significantly shapes your professional image.

Diversify Your Skillset: Prioritise honing problem-solving abilities and gaining experience in enterprise-level problem-solving.

Engage in Diverse Projects: Identify gaps in your knowledge and skillset. Collaborating with peers beyond your immediate work environment provides invaluable exposure and broadens your expertise.

Explore New Interests: Step out of your comfort zone and embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth. Trying new things contributes to your personal and professional development.

In essence, embracing these strategies can enhance your professional prowess and keep you ahead of the curve in the dynamic UX field.

Remember that there is no right or wrong shape—it's about finding the shape that allows you to thrive and make a meaningful impact.