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From registration to finding the right experts and paying them, Malt supports every step of working with a freelancer.
Browse talent profiles and contact them directly, or post your project on Malt and get replies from experts who match your needs.
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Benefit from flexible payment methods, like prepayment or invoices and rest assured that freelancers get paid fast at the end of the project.
UX Designer: What this profession is all about
All you need to know about UX designers:
Freelance UX designers are tasked with making the user’s experience on your website as enjoyable, practical and efficient as possible. UX designers are in charge of the interface design. They will define the layout, the sitemap and also provide examples of Interaction Design.
A freelance UX designer is an expert in the online user journey. This is a relatively new profession, namely the specialization in the web design field.
UX and UI designers often get mixed up, but these two professions are conceptually different. While the UI designer is in charge of the graphical interface, i.e. focusing on the graphical content of the website or application, the UX designer is in charge of the overall user experience. Beyond the illustration elements, they design the ergonomics of the platform and give it a narrative, a journey. Their role is then more strategic and ensures not only the use but also the adoption of the platform by users.
In fact, most UX designers are also UI designers, and vice versa. This is the case for many Malt freelancers. They are very complementary professions, with both technical and creative roles. Their job is to make any online medium (website, mobile application, email, etc.) not only practical and accessible but also fun to navigate.
Freelance UX/UI designers create an interactive and intuitive experience for the user by incorporating various graphic and technological elements: touch, screen rotation, use of voice, etc.
Freelance UX and/or UI designers can have a web or mobile specialization, which have different specificities. Depending on their experience and expertise, they may prefer to work on a certain format. There are freelance UI/UX designers who specialize in desktop (eg. A website on computer or SaaS) and mobile. On mobile, there are also differences between the design of an app for iOS (Apple) and Android (Google).
UX designers are not necessarily required to code, but having a basic understanding of HTML, CSS, and possibly JavaScript can be beneficial. This knowledge helps them communicate effectively with developers and comprehend the technical constraints of their designs. UX designers often use prototyping tools that don't require extensive coding. While some designers may take on hybrid roles involving both design and front-end development, it's not the standard expectation. Their primary focus is on creating optimal user experiences, and coding skills, though helpful, are not universally mandated in the field.
Freelance UX designers are experts in the online user journey. You can turn to them if you want to create a site or app from scratch.
You can also reach out to them to redesign all or part of an existing medium. Foodchéri, a Parisian startup specializing in meal delivery, hired a UX designer to integrate their new services on their homepage and mobile application.
Freelance UX designers can provide you with different deliverables. Their proficiency in graphic design software such as the Adobe suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Sketch, and Invision, allows them to produce clean, clear and structured mediums. Here are some examples of deliverables for which you can contact a freelance UX/UI designer:
Wireframe
A wireframe is the first step in designing a graphical interface. It establishes the structure, functionality and content of an interface. Creating a wireframe is useful for validating the needs of the interface, ensuring that it is technically feasible and simulating its operation before actual development. This also allows you to estimate the time and cost of developing the interface in question.
Prototype
A prototype of a website or mobile app is already a functional medium, which can be viewed directly from your Internet browser, for example. Through interactions and the clickable links it contains, the prototype allows you to test the usability of a medium.
Mock-up
Not all of these steps are necessary, but they are important to ensure that your project is going in the right direction. Consulting the deliverables, testing and getting feedback is fundamental to getting the best result for the end user.
Whatever your project, the UX/UI designer will deliver the final graphic elements of your media so that they can be integrated into your existing media (website, mobile app, Mailchimp). The integration of new elements is handled by a freelance integrator or front-end developer. Fortunately, some UI/UX designers are also integrators!
But more than precise deliverables, freelance web designers will provide you with advice and expertise on the design of your web and/or mobile media. Their experience and skills allow them to make personalized recommendations based on your medium, target audience and objective.
The experience, reputation and rate of the freelancer are important when making your choice. All of this information is directly visible on the freelancer’s Malt profile.
For UX/UI designers, the freelancer must have good listening skills. a UX/UI designer must be able to take into account different perspectives (such as marketing, graphic design and business) while always keeping the most important one in mind: the end-user experience.
Once you’ve selected one or more candidates, send them a message via the platform to receive a personalized quote.
Hiring a UX (User Experience) designer is a crucial step in creating user-friendly and effective digital products. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to hire a UX designer:
Define Your Needs:
Begin by clearly defining your project and the specific needs for a UX designer. Determine whether you need a full-time, part-time, freelance, or contract designer.
Identify the scope of work, goals, and deliverables for your project.
Create a Job Description:
Write a detailed job description that outlines the responsibilities, skills, and qualifications you're looking for in a UX designer.
Mention the project's context, industry, and target audience to help potential candidates understand the scope.
Search for Candidates:
Post the job on relevant job boards, professional networking sites, and freelancing platforms.
Use your professional network and ask for referrals from colleagues or friends in the industry.
Explore UX design communities and forums where designers often showcase their work.
Review Portfolios:
Request portfolios and work samples from interested candidates. Pay close attention to the quality of their previous projects, the diversity of their work, and how it aligns with your project's requirements.
Conduct Interviews:
Interview shortlisted candidates to assess their skills, experience, and cultural fit.
Ask them about their design process, problem-solving abilities, and how they handle user research and feedback.
Assess Soft Skills:
Evaluate the candidate's communication skills, collaboration abilities, and empathy, as these soft skills are crucial for successful UX design.
Ensure they can effectively communicate design decisions to both technical and non-technical team members.
Review References:
Contact the candidate's references to gain insights into their work ethic, reliability, and past project experiences.
Assess UX Design Tools:
Inquire about the design tools and software the candidate is proficient in, such as Sketch, Adobe XD, Figma, or other relevant tools.
Evaluate User Research Skills:
If your project involves user research, ask about the candidate's experience with methods like user interviews, usability testing, and persona development.
Consider UX Writing Skills:
If your project involves user interface (UI) text and microcopy, assess the candidate's proficiency in UX writing and their ability to craft clear and user-friendly content.
Discuss Workflow and Process:
Inquire about their design workflow, how they collaborate with developers, and how they handle iterations and feedback.
Negotiate Terms and Rates:
Discuss compensation, including salary, hourly rates, or project-based fees. Be transparent about the budget and any additional perks or benefits.
Sign a Contract:
Once you've selected a UX designer, formalize the arrangement with a written contract that outlines the terms, expectations, project milestones, and timelines.
Onboard the Designer:
Provide the designer with access to necessary tools, resources, and project information.
Establish communication channels and a project management system to ensure smooth collaboration.
Feedback and Collaboration:
Maintain open communication throughout the project, provide constructive feedback, and collaborate closely with the designer to achieve the desired user experience.
By following these steps, you can successfully hire a UX designer who aligns with your project's goals and contributes to creating user-friendly and effective digital products.