UI Developer Job Description Sample

UI Developer are responsible for creating software that can lure the user into a smooth interaction with a computer based application or system. They help in perking up user experience by making web pages simple, fun, easy and effective. Compared to a front-end developer, a UI Developer puts more focus on the website’s design, typography and iconography. This helps in making the outcome intuitive and paves the way for seamless interaction between the users and the website.

What are the primary responsibilities of a UI developer?

• Develop Web application front end according to design requirements
• Incorporate front-end application into the business layer of an application
• Ensure the websites or apps developed perform adequately across various browsers
• Participate in design review meetings for adding new features
• Follow best practices and User Interface Guidelines for supporting accessibility
• Gather design requirements for website development projects
• Make sure the code written follows established coding standards
• Estimate project hours based on requirements and report to administration
• Create wireframes and mockups
• Carry out usability testing to resolve interface issues

What are the education and entry requirements for UI developer?

As with other IT related professions, there is no particular educational course that one has to take in order to break into entry-level jobs. Employers usually prefer having candidates with bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Graphics Design or IT on board. UI developers with strong portfolio have a better chance of getting their foot in the door compared to the ones who just have theoretical knowledge and educational credentials. Apart from an impressive portfolio, one should also have strong skills in graphics design, front-end development, usability testing and mobile development. Specific technology related skills required include HTML, CSS, Ruby on Rails, JavaScript, AJAX, JSON, jQuery, Java, SQL database development, Illustrator from the Adobe Creative Suite, Photoshop, Flash, Flex, among others.

What are the skills and qualities required to become a successful UI developer?

• A technical bent of mind
• Scientific temper
• Customer focus
• Analytical aptitude
• Creativity
• Strong presentation skills
• Excellent communications skills
• Ability to train and mentor junior UI Developers
• Aesthetic sense
• A knack for understanding user's visual perception of an interface

Pros and Cons of being a UI Developer

Pros:

• You can set your own hours (especially if you are a freelancer)
• There’s plenty of work opportunities for experienced UI Developers
• Opportunities for continuous learning
• Lucrative pay
• Creatively fulfilling work

Cons:

• Stress due to looming deadlines
• Heavy competition for work
• Some level of repetitive work is involved
• Freelancers would have to deal with slow paying clients
• Constantly staring at the computer monitor can take a toll on your health

How much can a UI Developer earn?

The hourly wage ranges from $25 to $100 per hour and varies according to the UI Developer’s experience, skills and portfolio. Payscale.com reveals that UI Developers earn an average salary of $76,784 annually.

Career outlook and work hours

UI Developers usually work 40 hour weeks and spend a major portion of their time sitting in front of computer monitors. They, as a result, experience back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, eyestrain and other common conditions associated with work in IT. There is no dearth of businesses launching new web-based systems and applications to gain visibility in an increasingly digital world. With continuous technological advancement, the need for UI developers keeps climbing in all coding related areas, including internet, software and mobile app development. After gaining adequate experience as a UI Developer, one can move on to senior roles like UI lead, Product Lead, Product Manager etc. And there are those who start their own freelancing business and realize their dream of being their own boss.