Designers task themselves with designing and creating an object or service's appearance, format, and structure. Depending on the types of design or designer, their work could range from designing digital interfaces to new products. Because there are different types of designers, defining them and identifying the different types of designs can be confusing. In this guide, you'll learn about the most common types of designers and designs.
Depending on what they create, you'll find that there are different types of designers. Below, we outline eight different kinds of designers and the roles they play in the design industry.
UI (user interface) designers work primarily with graphical user interfaces (GUIs). They're responsible for developing a visually appealing and user-friendly interface. These designers work closely with UX designers.
A UX (user experience) designer ensures the product you're using solves a problem. Compared to a UI designer who takes a hands-on approach, their work is more strategic. Instead of making things look "pretty," a UX designer is responsible for creating prototypes and user workflows, validating business ideas, and more.
Front-end designers, like UI designers, use code to transform static UI mockups into CSS, HTML, and JavaScript. However, implementing their ideas means that they must work in partnership with back-end designers to create a holistic end product.
You might also hear web designers referred to as interactive designers—someone who creates website interfaces and pages for online users. This person is ideal for those needing anything from a simple web page to a complete website design.
Graphic designers create visually appealing elements to convey ideas. For example, they might use a combination of images, colors, shapes, and words to create business cards, brochures, packaging, and more.
These types of designers are responsible for creating animations. Examples of an animation designer's work include video games and animated movies. They use special effects and technology to bring characters to life.
Industrial product designers create designs for physical products, including automobiles and electronics. These designers consider the product's form and function during the design process. Then, they create 3D renderings of various products using CAD software, like AutoCAD and SolidWorks.
This type of designer creates plans for physical structures, including buildings and houses. Architectural designers work in partnership with architects by designing drawings and models based on the architect's concepts.
Just as you'll find many different types of designers, there are also many different types of design.
Graphic designers create visual designs, like a magazine layout, using visually appealing elements. Other examples of what a graphic designer does include banners, billboards, infographics, signage, and more. There are several types of graphic design, including visual identity graphic design, marketing graphic design, and UI graphic design.
Industrial design is when professionals design devices, objects, products, and services used daily by millions of people worldwide. These designers typically focus on a product's appearance and function, as well as if it's manufacturable.
Interactive design involves the creation of various web interfaces ranging from blog templates to landing pages. The interactivity of these designs requires designers to understand the technology necessary to build what they create.
Motions graphic design, which you might also hear referred to as motion design, uses graphic design principles when producing a film or video. Working as a subset of graphic design, motion graphics design uses animation techniques.
These designs include digital, physical, and shippable products. Product designers visualize the user's needs and develop products featuring solutions.
Software designers outline the components, methods, objects, and structures that can solve problems with the software.
Because people across the globe are becoming more reliant on technology, the need for designers is a continuous area for growth. If you don't have a design team due to budgetary or time constraints, consider outsourcing to a remote team. Check out Fiverr's design pool today!
