Architecture and UX design
This article is for all the fellow architects out there who are thinking of a career switch. I know that the transition or the career switch is scary, especially when you have invested five years in getting that B.Arch. degree. I have received a lot of questions and confused stares from people when I inform them that I chose UX design. Therefore, I would like to share my point of view on how similar is architecture and UX design.
- Architects and UX designers design for the user
Architects’ job is to create a functional and aesthetically appealing place which in turn provides a great experience to the user. So we were actually doing UX design without even realising it. The only difference is that architects deals with a physical space or environment whereas UX designer deals with physical and digital products as well as services.
2. Visual design skills
Architects are quite familiar with the fundamentals of design like colour theory, layouts, design principles, typography, etc. This very skillset is needed for a UX designer too. UX designer uses similar skillsets for branding, UI design, etc. UX designers are people from different educational background. So having an architectural background is actually a bonus point.
3. Design Process
Architecture design starts with analysis which is similar to research in UX. Before starting with building plans, we start with sketches. Same happens in UX where the designer does sketches or low fidelity wireframes before moving on to high fidelity wireframes. We can compare the building plans with wireframes. Both floor plans and wireframes act as a skeleton of the final product. Then comes the mock-up. Architects make 3D models of the buildings whereas UX designers make mock-up screens of websites or mobile applications. Similarly, the walkthroughs in architecture are same as prototypes in UX. Both acts like a working model of the final product.
4. Empathizing with user
In all architecture projects, it is really crucial to understand the user’s or client’s needs. Architects have to consider the pain points or challenges faced by the users before building a space for them. We also consider accessibility while designing buildings or spaces.
This very concept of empathy is an important aspect of UX design. UX designing is all about users and the ability to empathize with the users is a key skill necessary for the designers. UX designers too have to consider accessibility while designing a website/mobile app interface.
5. Software/Tools
Architects are familiar with a number of software like Photoshop, Illustrator, 3ds Max, etc. Most of these tools are used by UX designers. The knowledge about these tools will aid architects in learning other tools or software required for UX design. This will give architects an edge over other people coming to UX design.
In addition to all the points mentioned above, there are more similarities like the experience of working in a design system, the ability to present our ideas or concepts to the clients, collaborating with a team, etc. If you are worried about switching your career from architecture to UX, I can assure you that you are way more prepared than you think.
Thanks for reading. I hope this article helps in easing your initial nervousness regarding career switch. I would love to hear your opinion about this article. Feel free to contact me on LinkedIn.
