Can UX designers work remotely? The answer is yes—but how? Let’s look at how to make finding remote UX work easier.
In today’s ever-expanding digital world, more and more UX designers are moving towards WFH (work-from-home) or remote working arrangements. If you’re a UX designer—or are keen to get started in the field—you may be wondering about how you can jump on the remote work wagon.
In this article, we’ll walk you through five surefire ways to find remote work opportunities as a UX designer. For clarity, we’ll start with a brief rundown of what UX designers do.
Let’s dive in.
What do UX designers do?
UX is short for user experience. Essentially, a UX designer’s job covers every aspect of the user’s journey through the digital sphere, including marketing and branding, design, usability, and functionality.
UX design is closely linked with graphic design, although there are distinct differences. While graphic design focuses largely on the look and aesthetic appeal of a product, UX design takes things a step further, exploring the end-user’s experiences when using said product.
For example, a UX designer might conduct product and market research to identify their target audience’s goals, motivations, and needs. They’ll link these insights to the product’s benefits, features, and unique selling points.
UX designers take this data in tow when designing a website’s architecture and creating wireframes, achieving the ultimate end-user experience.
Now, let’s talk about how you can take these skills and work in the online sphere.
1. Find a company that hires remote UX designers
The first step to finding remote UX work is to seek out a company that hires remote UX designers. There’s always work available—but the key, of course, is finding it!
But how can you get started? Where should you look?
Well, small businesses and start-ups are great places to start. These smaller companies with modern visions about the working world are apt to hire remote workers.
You can find remote UX roles in all kinds of fields, so don’t worry, you won’t be roped into a niche that doesn’t pique your interest. You could find jobs in:
- eCommerce
- Healthcare
- Technology
- Finance
- Automotive
- Environment
Here’s a list of companies that hire UX designers to work remotely, and that list is not complete by any means. There are many more companies who are open to remote work arrangements – it’s worth finding who is able to do that in your area!
Even if you’re new to UX, you can still land a job that allows you to work remotely.
2. Build a design portfolio
One of the biggest barriers that prevents keen UX designers from working remotely is experience. Sure, there are plenty of remote jobs out there for entry-level designers, but senior (or more experienced) UXers will have an easier time finding a position.
That’s why it’s crucial to build a great portfolio before seeking out remote positions. If you’re not sure how, you can join our course that teaches everything you need to know about design portfolios.
A great way to do this is to take on freelance work at your discretion. Many smaller businesses out there need help to build a website or improve the user experience, so why not offer your services?
You could also try volunteering for non-profits or helping a friend or family member kickstart their small business. After a few months, you’ll have an established portfolio—and most likely, a new set of self-marketing skills—to help you land your first remote job.
Once you’ve built your portfolio—don’t stop there. Consistently updating, upgrading, and refreshing your portfolio is the key to success as a UX designer. Remember—the digital landscape is constantly changing—so you need to stay ahead of the game.
As you pick up new clients and take on different kinds of work, make sure to create work you’re proud of. Ensure every job you work on reflects your best efforts. Then, you’ll always have extra bits and pieces to add to your portfolio as your experience grows.
3. Consider a flexible position
If you’re just getting started in the industry—and have no remote or freelance experience—a flexible, partly remote position is a great way to get your foot in the door.
While some companies may be hesitant to hire an entry-level remote worker full-time, part-time remote work could be a different story. If you have the right skills under your belt, consider negotiating with your employer to work three or four days in the office and one or two from home.
Of course, if you’re really keen on working remotely (and travelling the world while doing it), a flexible position won’t cut it—so think of this as a starting point.
The experience and expertise you gain from your part-time WFH position will take you leagues further when searching for fully remote work in the future.
4. Look on UX design or remote job boards
Prowling through job listings can be a daunting (and exhausting) task. You can save valuable energy and time by stripping down your search to dedicated UX design and remote job boards.
Keep in mind—you can find remote jobs internationally, but it’s best to find positions that work with your timezone. You should also only apply for jobs in areas where you’re legally authorised to work.
5. Learn all about remote work practices and tools
The last (but certainly not least) point is all about tools. Even though you’ll be dealing with the same kind of projects when working remotely as you would in an office, the way you go about your work can be quite different.
First of all, think about how you’ll stay in touch with stakeholders and industry leaders while you’re working from home or travelling around the world. It’s crucial to familiarise yourself with online meetings, user research, and testing software to stay connected remotely.
This familiarity with relevant tools and industry practices can put you that vital step ahead of other applicants when applying for remote work positions. You’ll also feel more confident and ready to take the remote working world by storm with your experience in tow.
Kickstart your remote working journey
So, with these five points in mind—get out there and start finding remote UX work! You’ll enjoy the freedom to work from home or travel while earning.
If you’re just getting started in the industry, professional guidance is invaluable. The UX Philosophy is your complete guide to help you transition into the UX design industry without a degree—sign up today for early access!
