With promises of high pay, flexible work opportunities, and an accessible entry into tech, many have flocked to the UI/UX design industry. It combines creativity and business acumen, making it a dream job for those looking to escape traditional, less imaginative roles. But while the surface might shine with possibility, the truth is that the industry harbors many harsh realities that aspiring designers rarely hear about until they are deep into their careers.

Here are some of the “ugly” truths that designers face in the UI/UX industry that we’ve experienced first-hand as seasoned industry veterans.

The UI/UX Design Process You Learn in School is a Fantasy

In school, you learn structured design processes that make it seem like projects will follow a clear and logical path. However, once you step into the real world, you’ll realize that the process you learned was more theory than practice. Companies operate in a way where you need to “roll with the punches,” often adjusting to chaotic workflows that defy textbook strategies. Flexibility becomes your biggest asset as a designer because the process changes from project to project, and companies often expect you to adapt to a mess.

Varying Levels of Design Maturity

Not all companies treat design with the same level of importance. Some have advanced design maturity, where user-centered thinking is baked into their culture, while others might just be getting started or simply don’t care. Working in an environment with low design maturity can be frustrating, as you may find yourself isolated or lacking support, making it difficult to get your ideas across or drive meaningful results.

“Companies with low design maturity often don’t integrate user research into their processes, which leaves UX designers feeling like they’re working in the dark.” – NNG Group

Lack of Support Systems

It’s common for designers to find themselves without a proper support system in their workplaces. Some companies expect designers to work autonomously, and while this suits some individuals, it can be overwhelming for others. In these situations, the burden of making design decisions falls entirely on you, often without guidance or feedback, leading to a high-stress environment.

You Will Have to Clean Up Other People’s Messes

Even the most prestigious organizations can have disorganized systems. As a designer, you’ll often find yourself fixing bad naming conventions, inconsistent interfaces, and outdated workflows left by previous teams. The job isn’t just about creating new designs; it’s also about untangling the old, often messy systems left behind.

Your UI/UX Design Work May Feel Invisible

One of the challenges in UX design is that, unlike visual design, it’s not always easy for people to “see” the impact of your work. While you may be improving user experiences in significant ways, the non-visual nature of your contributions can make it harder to get recognition. Advocacy becomes a key skill to ensure your contributions are valued.

“In a world where UX is often hidden behind visual elements, designers need to constantly advocate for the value they bring to user experiences.” – Smashing Magazine

Your Design Will Be Changed – Often Beyond Recognition

In larger organizations, your work will go through many iterations and adjustments by multiple teams, sometimes to the point where you no longer recognize it. Designers must come to terms with the fact that their original vision may not survive in a collaborative environment.

You May Be Asked To Design Against Your Morals

You may be asked to design something that conflicts with your ethical beliefs. Whether it’s dark patterns or products that prioritize profit over user well-being, designers must navigate the tension between their professional responsibilities and personal conscience.

This reality was highlighted in the documentary The Social Dilemma, where former tech insiders revealed how design decisions could negatively impact users’ mental health and societal well-being. Navigating this as a designer can be a moral battle, particularly if the company’s goals don’t align with your values.

Fewer Freelance Opportunities for UI/UX Designers

While the industry promotes the idea of flexible work, finding freelance opportunities can be tough in UI/UX design, especially as the industry is dominated by established companies. Freelancing often requires expanding your skill set to include web design, branding, and graphic design. Specialization is becoming less viable, and generalists tend to fare better.

Difficulty Transitioning to UI/UX Design Leadership Roles

Moving from a senior design role to a leadership position isn’t as straightforward as it is in other fields like product management or engineering. Design leadership requires management skills that are often not part of a designer’s skill set, creating a “glass ceiling” that’s hard to break through.

Threats from AI Automation

AI is advancing rapidly, and many entry-level design tasks are becoming automated. While senior-level jobs are less at risk, automation still poses a threat, particularly in smaller companies where design tasks may be more easily handled by AI-powered tools.

“Automation, especially with the rise of AI, is shifting the way UX designers approach their work, making it crucial for designers to upskill and stay ahead.” – TechCrunch

The UI/UX Design Industry Saturation

The pandemic caused a surge in people switching careers, flooding the design field with new talent. With so many aspiring designers entering the market, competition is fiercer than ever. Standing out in a sea of portfolios and resumes has become an increasingly difficult challenge.

Designers should not only be good – they need to be outstanding to land a role in a job market that is extremely competitive.

Find out how to build a truly standout portfolio with a sound career strategy guided by successful senior-level UI/UX design instructors.

So, What Should Aspiring UI/UX Designers Do?

With all these challenges, should you give up and switch to a different field? Absolutely not. The key is to embrace the messiness and stay flexible. Successful designers learn to navigate disorganized processes and build systems where none exist. They advocate for the value of design, even when it’s invisible, and they remain adaptable in the face of constant change.

To survive and thrive in the UI/UX world, it’s important to diversify your skill set, especially with the rise of AI. Developing competencies outside of design, like leadership and visual design skills, can help you stay ahead of the curve. Never stop learning, and don’t be afraid to pivot when necessary.

Ultimately, being a great designer requires more than just skill—it demands resilience, flexibility, and a proactive approach to professional growth in an industry that’s far from perfect.

To start your UI/UX design career, the right way in less than 6 months, get professional 1-on-1 guidance from world-class instructors of your choice at our School of Design program.