I Was a UI/UX Designer for a Year and I HATED It! ...As a Frontend Developer

Switching from frontend development to a pure UI/UX design role for nearly a year, I found myself in unfamiliar territory. Initially, the prospect seemed appealing, blending my development experience with design. However, the reality of the design process quickly dampened my enthusiasm.

The Draw and The Reality

The allure of design meetings and solving user experience problems captivated me, echoing my previous hybrid role as a UI/UX developer. Yet, as the senior designer, the bulk of my work involved tediously iterating on Figma designs—a far cry from the dynamic world of coding I cherished.

The Monotony of Pixel Pushing

Figma became my constant, yet monotonous, companion. Creating countless variations of the same screen for different scenarios and screen sizes proved to be an excruciatingly dull process. This pixel-pushing exercise starkly contrasted with the vibrant and challenging environment of development, leaving me longing for the code.

Misaligned Passion

This journey illuminated a critical realization: while I respect the creativity and skill of dedicated designers, my true passion lies in development. The problem-solving thrill of building and implementing designs, rather than crafting them from scratch in Figma, is where my heart truly lies.

A Developer's Perspective on Design

For frontend developers contemplating a switch to design or those straddling the line, my experience serves as a testament to the distinct differences between these roles. The crossover might seem substantial, but the day-to-day realities diverge significantly. While some may find fulfillment in design, for me, it underscored my devotion to development.

Embracing Development Once More

This year of exploration brought clarity to my career path, reaffirming my dedication to development. The intricate dance of logic, problem-solving, and creativity found in coding is irreplaceable. As I move forward, I do so with a renewed appreciation for the world of development, eager to dive back into the challenges and joys it presents.

In conclusion, my stint as a UI/UX designer was invaluable, not for its confirmation of a new career path, but for the reaffirmation of my original passion. Development, with all its complexities and rewards, remains my true calling. This experience, though fraught with boredom and frustration, was a necessary detour on my journey, guiding me back to where I belong: in the vibrant, ever-evolving landscape of coding.