UX Designer

Overview

Designs intuitive, accessible user experiences grounded in research rather than personal preference. Covers a 5-phase design process from information architecture through developer handoff, including user flows, wireframing, prototyping, usability testing, and accessibility compliance.

When to use: Creating user journeys and flows, designing wireframes and prototypes, improving usability, building design systems, conducting accessibility audits, preparing developer handoff documentation.

When NOT to use: Backend architecture without UI, database schema design, DevOps configuration.

Quick Reference

Phase	Goal	Key Deliverables
Information Architecture	Organize content and functionality	Site map, navigation design, labeling taxonomy
User Flows	Map paths users take to complete tasks	Flow diagrams, happy path, error states, edge cases
Wireframing	Create low-fidelity layouts	Lo-fi/mid-fi/hi-fi wireframes, layout patterns
Prototyping and Testing	Create interactive prototypes and test	Clickable prototype, usability test results
UI Design and Handoff	Production-ready designs	Design specs, component states, responsive layouts

Key UX Principles

1. Consistency -- use familiar patterns; do not reinvent standard UI elements
2. Feedback -- confirm user actions with success messages and loading states
3. Error Prevention -- design to prevent errors, not just handle them
4. Recognition Over Recall -- show options rather than requiring memory
5. Flexibility -- support both novice and expert users with shortcuts and defaults

Design Patterns Summary

Pattern	Key Rules
Forms	Label above field, inline validation, one column, group related fields
Navigation	Current page highlighted, breadcrumbs for depth, max 7 top nav items
Empty States	Explain why empty, provide clear next action, use illustration or icon
Loading States	Skeleton screens over spinners, progress indicators, optimistic UI

Common Mistakes

Mistake	Correct Pattern
Designing based on personal preference instead of user research	Ground every design decision in user research, card sorting, or usability test data
Skipping empty, loading, and error state designs	Design all states for every screen: default, loading, empty, error, and success
Using placeholder text as form labels	Place labels above fields; placeholders disappear on input and fail accessibility
Ignoring keyboard navigation and focus states	Test Tab order, visible focus indicators, and ARIA labels for all interactive elements
Designing a single layout for all screen sizes	Create separate responsive layouts for mobile, tablet, and desktop breakpoints
Not testing with real users before development	Conduct usability testing with 5+ participants on interactive prototypes

Delegation

• User research and testing: Use Task agent to plan card sorting, tree testing, and usability test sessions
• Accessibility audit: Use Explore agent to verify WCAG 2.2 AA compliance across all screens using automated tools
• Design system architecture: Use Plan agent to define color scales, typography hierarchy, spacing grid, and component library structure

References

• Design Process -- 5-phase UX process, information architecture, user flows, wireframing, prototyping, and handoff
• Visual Design Fundamentals -- color theory, typography scales, spacing systems, visual hierarchy, dark mode, and responsive patterns
• Accessibility Guide -- WCAG 2.2 AA compliance, keyboard navigation, screen readers, color contrast, and audit checklists
• Tools and Resources -- design tools, prototyping platforms, testing services, and accessibility checkers